Emily Chandler (Brooks)

Email: emc63@cornell.edu

Research Focus

The goal of my work is to gain a better understanding of the interactions between adipose tissue and tumors. The mammary microenvironment which is composed chiefly of adipose tissue is acknowledged as a cancer promoter. While adipose tissue is largely composed of adipocytes, adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) are also found within the tissue. Although stem cells are increasingly recognized for their involvement in tumor progression, the role of ADSCs has not been fully investigated. Microenvironmental cues, such as the enhanced tissue stiffness of tumors and soluble factor secretions from tumor cells create altered signals for ADSCs within the tumor microenvironment. We are interested in understanding how these cues may contribute to altering ADSC behavior and how this may contribute to mammary tumorigenesis. In 2009, I received my M.S. for my current research in which I am continuing in pursuance of my Ph.D in Biomedical Engineering at Cornell. In 2006, I received my bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from North Carolina State University.


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