Sierra McDonald
Postdoctoral Fellow
Chapel Hill,NC
Summary
Biomedical oncology researcher with 9 years of experience in translational cancer research and immuno-oncology. Proven track record of leading high-impact projects from bench to clinic, including analysis of a Phase II breast cancer trial that influenced treatment strategy. Expert in cancer immunology, biomarker discovery, and immunotherapy, with a passion for precision medicine and improving patient outcomes. Excellent communicator and team collaborator, adept at presenting complex data and guiding cross-functional research initiatives.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Education
Ph.D. - Integrated Biomedical Sciences (Microbiology, Pathology & Immunology)
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Columbia, SC 08.2018 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology (Minor in Science Education)
Furman University
Greenville, SC 08.2013 - 05.2017
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
07.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded analysis of a Phase II clinical trial (P-RAD) in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that revealed high-dose radiotherapy plus aPD1 immunotherapy outperforms standard-of-care.
- Presented complex clinical datasets at international and national conferences, including Cornell Medicine, the American Association of Immunologists, and Radiation Oncology Research Retreats; received 1st place award for outstanding translational research.
- Designed and executed mechanistic preclinical studies in a novel genetically engineered TNBC mouse model; uncovered that combined radiotherapy plus aPD1 therapy boosts tumor-infiltrating immune cells and leads to durable tumor control.
- Developed a predictive biomarker framework for patient stratification, enabling data-driven identification of patients most likely to benefit from the combined radiotherapy–immunotherapy approach.
- Secured substantial research funding through competitive grant proposals and mentored graduate students, demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills.
Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D. Candidate)
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
08.2018 - 07.2023
- Published 15 peer-reviewed papers (6 as first/co-first author) in oncology and immunology journals, highlighting extensive expertise in tumor immunology, cancer metabolism, and experimental therapeutics.
- Led multiple concurrent research projects and managed lab operations, ensuring timely completion, high-quality results, and optimal use of resources.
- Mentored undergraduate researchers and coordinated cross-functional collaborations, demonstrating leadership, strong communication skills, and the ability to drive projects independently as well as collaboratively.
- Discovered microRNA-155 as a novel immunotherapy target by demonstrating its deficiency slows breast tumor growth, highlighting a promising therapeutic strategy (first-author publication).
- Conducted preclinical studies on plant-derived therapeutics, showing that panaxynol reduces colorectal tumor burden through immune modulation and that emodin suppresses post-surgical inflammation to significantly reduce breast cancer metastasis (first-author publications).
Research Fellow (NIH Post-baccalaureate PREP)
University of South Carolina
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Investigated the effects of inflammatory cytokine IL-1α on breast cancer cell proliferation, drug resistance, and cancer stem cell properties that informed future research directions and grant proposals.
- Presented findings at national and local conferences, translating complex scientific data into accessible insights for diverse audiences.
- Mentored junior researchers in experimental design and data analysis, fostering a collaborative lab environment and strengthening leadership skills.
Laboratory Technician
Furman University
05.2016 - 08.2017
- Synthesized and evaluated novel furanosteroid derivatives as PI3K inhibitors; characterized mechanisms of action, documented data workflows, and assessed chemotherapeutic potential for translational application.
- Investigated chromatin decondensation upon immune cell activation; mentored 10+ undergraduates in lab techniques and data analysis, and presented findings at St. Jude and national conferences.
Skills
- Scientific Expertise: Cancer Immunology & Biology, Clinical Trial Data Management & Analysis, Translational Oncology, Biomarker Discovery, Tumor Microenvironment
- Technical Skills: Computational & Bioinformatics Analysis, RNA-Seq preparation/analysis, Flow Cytometry (high parameter), Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, RT-qPCR, Western Blot, Cell Culture & Assays, Genetically Engineered Mouse Models
- Analytical & Interpersonal Skills: Project Management, Experimental Design & Data Interpretation, Scientific Writing (15 publications), Grant Writing (secured over $250K in competitive NIH funding), Oral & Scientific Presentations (20 Conferences), Strategic Project Leadership, Cross-functional Collaboration, Mentoring & Teaching, Problem Solving & Critical Thinking, Strategic Planning
Awards
- 1st Place – Translational Science Poster Award (2025): Recognized for top poster at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center Retreat for presenting outstanding radioimmunotherapy research.
- Breakthrough Graduate Scholar Award (2023): Honored for exceptional research productivity and innovation in doctoral studies (UofSC School of Medicine).
- T32 Trainee Grant – UNC Integrated Translational Oncology Program (2023–2025): Competitively selected and funded ($116K) for translational oncology training.
- NIH/NCI Diversity Supplement Grant (2020–2023): Competitively awarded $138K in funding to support predoctoral research on breast cancer under NIH R01.
- UofSC Postbaccalaureate Research Grant (2017-2018): Competitively awarded $38K in funding to support research on breast cancer.
Leadership
- Vice President, Biomedical Science Graduate Student Association (2018–2023): Led programming for a 300-member graduate student body across multiple biomedical programs. Championed community-building, career development, wellness, and service through initiatives such as a graduate mentorship program, professional development workshops, science advocacy in local schools, and wellness events.
- STEM Outreach & Mentoring: Served as a judge at regional Science & Engineering Fairs (2018–2025) and panelist for research workshops, promoting STEM education and mentoring aspiring scientists.
- Teaching Assistant (2013-2019): Independently led anatomy, physiology, and biology labs and lectures at UofSC and Furman University.
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
07.2023 - Current
Ph.D. - Integrated Biomedical Sciences (Microbiology, Pathology & Immunology)
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
08.2018 - 05.2023
Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D. Candidate)
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
08.2018 - 07.2023
Research Fellow (NIH Post-baccalaureate PREP)
University of South Carolina
08.2017 - 05.2018
Laboratory Technician
Furman University
05.2016 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Biology (Minor in Science Education)
Furman University
08.2013 - 05.2017
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