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.
Chantal Kontor Advances to the PhD Program
Congratulations to Chantal Kontor on successfully defending her Master’s literature review in April 2026 and advancing into the Molecular & Cell Biology and Genetics (MCBG) PhD Program at Drexel University. In recognition of her outstanding performance, the PhD candidacy examination requirement was waived. We are excited to see her continued growth and accomplishments as she advances in her doctoral studies!!!
Congratulations to Millie on Advancing to PhD Candidacy
Congratulations to Millie Coombes on successfully defending her thesis proposal in December 2025 and being elevated to PhD candidacy. We are proud of this important milestone and look forward to her continued success in graduate research!!!
Whitaker Lab at the 2025 Genome Instability: Discovery to Personalized Medicine Symposium
Whitaker Lab members attended the 2025 “Genome Instability – Discovery to Personalized Medicine” Symposium, where researchers and trainees from across Philadelphia institutions gathered to discuss advances in genome instability and personalized medicine. Lab members also presented their research poster at the symposium.
Whitaker Lab Participates in the 2025 Fox Chase Cancer Center Annual Research Symposium
Carson Cohen, Millie Coombes, and Chantal Kontor presented their research posters at the 2025 Fox Chase Cancer Center Annual Symposium in Philadelphia, PA.
During the symposium, Millie Coombes received the Outstanding Poster Award in recognition of her research presentation. Christopher Merlo was also recognized with the Outstanding Service Award for his contributions and support at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
We congratulate all of our lab members on their accomplishments and participation in the 2025 FCCC Annual Research symposium!!!
Christopher Merlo receives 1st place 2025 STAR Award
Congratulations to Scientific Technician Christopher Merlo on receiving 1st Place in the 2025 STAR Award for Excellence in Research Support at Fox Chase Cancer Center in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research support. We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his continued success!!!
Millie Coombes Receives Best Student Poster Award at EMGS 2025
Congratulations to our lab graduate student Millie Coombes for receiving the Best Student Poster Award at the 2025 Environmental Mutagenesis & Genomics Society (EMGS) Conference in Rochester, NY, in recognition of her outstanding research poster presentation. This award recognizes Millie’s excellent research presentation and contributions to the field, and we look forward to her future accomplishments!!!
Congratulations to our EMGS 2025 Travel Award Recipients
Congratulations to our lab graduate students Carson Cohen, Millie Coombes and Chantal Kontor, who received travel awards to attend and present their research posters at the 2025 Environmental Mutagenesis & Genomics Society (EMGS) Conference in Rochester, NY!!
Congratulations Chris!
Congratulations to our awesome, super talented technician Chris who recently graduated with his Master’s in Biotechnology! We are so proud of him and all his achievements and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
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 - UNESCOOctober 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!