Kathryn Ware
Research Scientist
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
Research professional with extensive experience at Duke University, specializing in genomic analysis and high-throughput screening. Developed CRISPR applications and mentored teams, driving innovative solutions in cancer biology. Contributed to successful grant funding and impactful publications, showcasing strong analytical and leadership skills that enhance collaborative research efforts.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate 4
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge
07.2024 - Current
- Harvest, culture and characterize adipose stem cells (ASCs) from equine models.
- Develop cell culture bioreactor systems to culture and propagate cells on 3D collagen constructs.
- Prepared and assisted in injection of cultured cells under stromal or tenogenic media conditions into injured tendons of rodent models.
- Mentor and train post-grads, students and other personnel in a laboratory setting.
- Performed lab manager responsibilities such as ordering of supplies and organizing personnel in a laboratory setting.
Research Associate, Sr.
Duke University
Durham
08.2018 - 06.2024
- Investigated the role of drug resistance in the progression of castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
- I interrogated biology in cellular contexts using laboratory techniques, including quantitative cell-based assays, high-throughput drug screens, Western blot, flow cytometry, metabolomics, qPCR, tissue culture, lentiviral shRNA constructs, and the development of CRISPR/Cas9 knockout libraries in combination with cell viability assays.
- Generated androgen receptor inhibitor-resistant cancer cell lines.
- I lectured and gave oral presentations for summer science research classes and research-in-progress meetings.
- Invited to present research at national and international meetings, oral, and poster presentations.
- Mentor and train students, and other personnel, in a laboratory setting.
- Performed lab manager responsibilities, such as ordering supplies and organizing personnel in a laboratory setting.
- See the link to the publications.
Post Doctoral Fellow
Duke University
Durham
09.2012 - 07.2018
- Performed a suite of genomics analyses, including array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), whole exome sequencing (WES), RNA-Seq, and phospho-proteomics.
- These datasets served as important preliminary data in the successful funding of an R01 grant, laying the foundation for the mechanistic studies, and ongoing clinical validation in current trials in prostate cancer.
- Developed preclinical models of solid tumors such as organoids, patient derived xenografts (PDXs) and the use of genomic-based methodology to identify, develop and characterize new therapeutics in these preclinical models.
- Engaged with scientific companies to analyze a range of biomarkers from p38 activation, Snail and PD-L1 in paired patient circulating tumor cells (CTCs) collected pre- and post-enzalutamide/abiraterone that are already banked and linked with clinical outcomes from the Duke PROPHECY study.
- Banked and analyze samples from ongoing clinical trials.
Doctoral Degree in the Cancer Biology Program, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora
08.2007 - 06.2012
- Investigated the role of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) co-activation networks and resistance to RTKs in the context of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and lung cancer.
- Used standard biological laboratory techniques including: tissue culture of human cells, quantitative cell-based assays, western blot analysis, qPCR, in situ hybridization, ELISA, transient transfections, 3D and anchorage-independent growth assays.
- Optimized, performed, and validated a synthetic lethal screen to investigating combination therapies.
- Published research findings in 2 first authored peer-reviewed journal article, 1 first authored peer-reviewed review, and 4 co-authored peer-reviewed articles.
- Presented oral and poster research presentations at multiple national and local meetings.
- Collaborated with local, national, and international investigators.
- Organized the University of Colorado Cancer Center Annual Retreat in 2012. Coordinated with planning committee to plan the poster session.
- Member of several committees, including the Cancer Biology Curricular Committee, the Cancer Biology Retreat Planning Committee, and the Cancer Biology Seminar Series Planning Committee.
Research Assistant
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge
01.2007 - 07.2007
- Processed, organized, and properly stored tissue specimens.
- Managed and maintained digital databases of all collected samples.
- Properly shipped samples to researchers both nationally and internationally.
- Led and managed a team in training, and other functional management activities.
- Managed data entry into university computer systems, notification mailings, and document configuration control functions across the admissions office.
- Customer service: answered phone calls and e-mails from applicants; met with applicants in person.
Education
Ph.D. - Cancer Biology
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, CO06.2012
B.S. - Biological Sciences
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA05.2006
Skills
- Cell culture techniques
- Genomic analysis
- High-throughput screening
- CRISPR applications
- Quantitative assays
- Biomarker analysis
Mentoring
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a member of a research laboratory is the opportunity to mentor and lead a variety of people and projects. Effectively motivating and leading trainees and employees is a critical element of leading a successful and productive working environment. As a senior scientist, I have mentored researchers from varying career stages students, technicians, and medical fellows.
Awards Honors Grants
- Postdoctoral fellowship, Janssen Diagnostics, 01/01/12, 12/31/14
- Postdoctoral fellowship, Department of Defence, Awarded
- Postdoctoral fellowship (F32), National Institute of Health, 01/01/15, 12/31/18
- R01 (Armstrong), National Cancer Institute, 2019-present
- Targeting p38/Snail/PDL1 (Somarelli), Department of Defense, 01/01/19, 12/31/23
External Support
- Medivation/Astellas, Enzalutamide Study, 01/01/14, 12/31/18
- Forma Therapeutics, CBP inhibitor compound study, 01/01/18, 12/31/23
- Celgene Pharmaceutical, AR degrader study, 01/01/18, 12/31/23
- Pathos, CBP inhibitor compound study, 01/01/23, 12/31/24
- TransThera, Kinase inhibitor (JAK/FGFR) study, 01/01/24, 12/31/25
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Research Associate 4
Louisiana State University
07.2024 - Current
Research Associate, Sr.
Duke University
08.2018 - 06.2024
Post Doctoral Fellow
Duke University
09.2012 - 07.2018
Doctoral Degree in the Cancer Biology Program, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
08.2007 - 06.2012
Research Assistant
Louisiana State University
01.2007 - 07.2007
Ph.D. - Cancer Biology
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
B.S. - Biological Sciences
Louisiana State University