Pepper Schedin, Ph.D.
Professor
Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology
Email Dr. Schedin
CV

AeSoon Bensen, B.S.
Research Associate

Elise de Wilde
Senior Research Assistant & Lab Manager

Education: Major in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Oregon State University (2020).

Scientific Interests: My scientific interests are to be certified by ASCP in histotechnology and assist in methods in the laboratory to further research in post-partum involution-induced breast cancer. I am also assisting on several liver metastasis-based projects being researched by my colleagues. I enjoy diagnostic testing and I am excited to be able to work on my histotechnologist certification while in the Schedin laboratory.

Reuben Hoffmann, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar

Education:  PhD Genetics, Stony Brook University, New York; BS Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Scientific Interest: My projects in the Schedin lab revolve around tumor biology in the context of breast cancer and the mechanisms behind tumor formation and progression.  At present, I am studying the role of COX-2-dependent inflammation, especially in the context of post-partum breast cancer.  COX-2 inhibition by NSAIDS has been shown to reduce tumor uptake and growth in postpartum mice, but COX-2 has had disparate results in the clinic.  Earlier work in the lab revealed established antibodies to be specific to an S-nitrosylation site known to be involved in COX-2’s catalytic activity and showed that the S-nitrosylated form localized differently in normal tissue and associated differently with tumor progression.  I am exploring whether differences in nitrosylation state have a causative relationship with tumor progression and whether the nitrosylation state can be used as a biomarker for risk or a therapeutic target.

Abigail Liberty, MD MSPH
WRHR Scholar

Scientific Interests: As a gynecologist with subspeciality in Complex Family Planning, I am motivated to improve the evidence and methodologies investigating the impact of contraceptive progestins on breast health. Leveraging the Schedin Lab's expertise is benign and malignant breast pathology, I am currently conducting a study that compares histology and RNA genomics from breast biopsies among individuals using hormonal contraception, individuals without hormonal therapy and individuals using gender affirming hormonal therapies. My goal is to increase understanding of how contraceptive progestins impact breast health in order to empower patient centered counseling for individuals with breast concerns, high risk breast conditions or breast cancer. I also provide Family Planning and breast cancer survivorship care at the Center for Women's Health.

Michelle Ozaki, B.A.
Graduate Student

Education: B.A., Molecular Biology, Scripps College

Scientific Interests: Investigating mechanisms driving liver metastases in a postpartum breast cancer setting.