Welcome to the Whitaker lab at fox chase cancer center.
Our DNA is susceptible to damage based on our lifestyle, environmental exposures, and even cancer treatments. Using a combination of structural biology, biochemical, and cell-biology techniques we explore the interplay between DNA damage, DNA repair, and the transcriptional regulation of cancer-related genes. We hope, by researching DNA repair, to pave the way for the development of therapeutics that can selectively enhance or stop DNA repair based on a patient’s need.
Paws for the cause 2022
The lab was very fortunate to participate in this years ‘Paws for the Cause’ event to raise money towards cancer research at Fox Chase. In addition to a one-mile walk around the Fox Chase campus, participants enjoyed food, music, entertainment for children, contests/prizes, and more. A variety of vendors and animal rescue organizations were on hand as well. Since its first year, Paws for the Cause has raised more than $700,00 for cancer research. We can’t wait to do it again next year!
Halloween 2022
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus and Fox Chase Cancer Center hosted the 2022 Pumpkin Decorating and Costume Contest for staff. This annual Halloween tradition offers a way for co-workers to come together to express their creativity while having fun! The Whitaker Lab participated this year with a ‘Coronary Bypass Burger’ and took home 3rd place!
University of Delaware Student visits
Every year, Academic Affairs hosts prospective undergraduate research fellows from the University of Delaware. After their visit, these students are invited to apply to the UD-FCCC Summer Research Fellowship taking place during the following summer from June to August. To help with the visit, FCCC trainees are encouraged to do a hands-on activity with 2-4 students.
Both Shanae and Haley participated this year and did some really cool activities! Shanae focused on kinetics and DNA gel preparation/sample loading while Haley performed cloning and gel electrophoresis techniques.
Summer 2022
This summer was Christmas in July, with packages arriving daily as we continued to set up the lab. It wasn’t all unboxing though, as Haley and Shanae performed the labs first experiments! We were also lucky to have a local HS student, Mahi Patel, join us this summer in the lab —she even made a bulletin board for us to share our science and activities. To celebrate the end of the summer we got together and tie-dyed our lab coats.
2022 ASBMB Annual Meeting
The 2022 ASBMB Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with Experimental Biology, took place April 2–5 in Philadelphia. Thousands of scientists from different disciplines joined together to share their latest research findings, hear lectures, participate in workshops and form new bonds. Dr. Whitaker was able to attend and present her research on Transcriptional regulation via strand displacement DNA repair in G-quadruplexes. Learn more about ASBMB here.
2022 EMGS Niiep Participant!
Congratulations to Dr. Whitaker who was chosen to be a part of the EMGS Newly Independent Investigator Engagement Program! Read more about EMGS and the NIIEP program here.
Help has arrived!
March 22nd, 2022
Last week the lab tripled in size with the addition of two talented and curious scientific technicians. Welcome to the lab, Shanae and Haley!
Right now we are unboxing, organizing, and setting up the lab. Can’t wait to science with these two!
Meet Shanae (left) and Haley (right)!
Lots of unpacking and setting up to do!
we have lab space!
February 2nd, 2022
Last weekend I was able to make a trip to Philly (just in time for the snow!). While in town I stopped by FCCC to see my lab space and meet with some of my future colleagues. Boxes of equipment and supplies are starting to come. Here are some pictures of the lab and around campus I took on the visit. It’s almost ready for us to move in!
October 22nd, 2021
This week several things started to fall into place for the new lab! We have started to acquire quotes for our larger equipment needs, our website is live, we have secured the PERFECT lab space, and we are officially recruiting folks to join the lab.
See below for full descriptions of the postdoc and technician openings in our group!
You can learn more about the diversity and inclusion lab posters pledge here.
The Whitaker lab finds home at Fox Chase cancer Center
June 29th, 2021
I am thrilled to announce I will be joining The Molecular Therapeutics Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia, PA) as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. The Whitaker lab will open in March 2022 and will investigate the interplay between DNA repair and transcriptional regulation of cancer genes!