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.
Science fair win!
Grace John, our accomplished Central High School student, placed 1st in the annual George Washington Carver Science Fair! It is a 40+ year collaboration between Temple University and the Philadelphia community. Topics of students’ projects ranged from traditional sciences such as chemistry and biology, to computer science and psychology. Grace presented her researched titled “Cracking the Code: Connecting Genetic Variation and ALS”. The Whitaker lab is very proud of her and wish her much success in the future!
A Tribute to Beatrice Mintz
In honor of The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Whitaker Lab would like to spotlight a past pioneering researcher here at Fox Chase, Dr. Beatrice Mintz. During her 50+ years here, she made foundational scientific contributions that have influenced our thinking about the relationship between stem cells, embryonic development, and adult tumorigenesis. Her achievements earned her the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research. The award was established to honor individuals who have made significant fundamental contributions to cancer research, either through a single discovery or a body of work, and demonstrated a lifetime commitment to progress against cancer.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on February 11th, is a global initiative aimed at recognizing and promoting the vital role that women and girls play in the field of science. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gender equality in the world of scientific research and innovation. It acknowledges the significant contributions made by women scientists and encourages the next generation of girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By breaking down barriers and addressing gender disparities, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science not only celebrates the achievements of women in science but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse scientific community, leading to enhanced creativity, innovation, and problem-solving for the benefit of all humanity.
Below are links to read more about Women and Girls in Science and its initiatives:
International Day of Women and Girls in Science - United NationsInternational Day of Women and Girls in Science Official WebsiteInternational Day of Women and Girls in Science - UNESCOWhitaker Lab RECEIVES The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust grant
The Whitaker lab was awarded The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust grant, through their Medical Research program. They focus on basic research primarily related to heart disease, cancer and AIDS. The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust is a private foundation established by Mr. William Wikoff Smith with a mission to help organizations and individuals achieve their goals, hopes, and dreams.
2023 EMGS Election
Congratulations to Dr. Whitaker who was recently announced as a new member of the EMGS Council and Executive Board.
She will serve her term as councilor for the next 3 years.
Drexel Seminar
Amy’s visit with Drexel University’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was a day of establishing collaborations, co-mentorships and pathways to hosting graduate students at FCCC.Cei Symposium 2023
The Cancer Epigenetics Institute (CEI) symposium, held at The Franklin Institute, brought together world-leading scientists to Philadelphia to present their newest discoveries in academia and industry. Anyone, anywhere and at any educational level were invited to this opportunity to hear these scientists speak about discovery and clinical impact.For the in-person portion, a poster session was held where Haley Kravitz presented and won 3rd place! We are so proud of her and all the other awardees! The Whitaker lab looks forward to attending next year (March 7, 2024).
UAMS faculty Seminar series
Amy presented a seminar at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) titled "Interplay between DNA repair and transcriptional regulation of cancer-associated genes”.
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Penn Center for Genome Integrity (PCGI) Special Seminar
The PCGI hosts a monthly seminar series on a broad range of topics in genome integrity. These mini-symposia have been an excellent educational opportunity for faculty and trainees alike, while also allowing them to make connections to prominent scientists. Dr. Whitaker was invited to speak in this session with other internationally-renowned scientists, presenting on the “Interplay between DNA repair and transcriptional regulation of cancer-associated genes”.
Citizens Bank Park Tour
As a special reward for setting performance goals, we got to visit and tour Citizens Bank Park! We had an amazing time learning about the history of the Phillies and we even got a chance to walk through the dugout!
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!