We are a collegial team who love science and translational research. We try to cure cancer and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. We always believe that understanding mechanistic details of oncogenic processes at a molecular and cellular level is the key to the success of tackling complex cancer cells.
We love to have fun as much as we love science!
Joined CPDR: September 2022 - Present
Research: Genomic instability, DNA damage repair, Cell cycle regulation, Patient-derived models, Gene editing, Spatial and single-cell biology.
Education: Postdoc, MIT; PhD, Tufts University; BS, USTC (China).
Fun Facts: "I enjoy hiking, swimming and biking, and am definitely a big foodie. Family, dogs and music are my vibes. Free time? Of course with my family and two best little doggies, Lena and Chanel."
Emails: xsu@cpdr.org; xiaofeng.su.ctr@usuhs.edu; allen.su@nih.gov
Faculty profile: https://www.usuhs.edu/profile/allen-xiaofeng-su-phd
Joined CPDR: July - December 2023 (internship); January 2024 - present
Research: Human and mouse organoid models, cancer evolution, RAD21/cohesin as a therapeutic target, application of spatial and single-cell technology in oncology.
Education: MS, Georgetown University; BS, Pepperdine University.
Fun Facts: "I love to read, try new recipes, get lots of kitten cuddles in, and visit my family. I also try to travel whenever I have the chance, so if you can't find me, I'm probably in California or somewhere else warm (and I'm probably listening to Taylor Swift!)"
Email: edearment@cpdr.org
Joined CPDR: September 2024 - Present
Research: Lipid metabolism, cancer evolution, organoid models, single-cell DNA sequencing.
Education: BS, UMass Amherst.
Fun Facts: "I love traveling, yoga, nature, mediation, good food and music! My curiosity and passion for exploration deeply inspires both my personal life and my work in science."
Email: cspringer@cpdr.org
Joined CPDR: September 2024 - Present
Research: Patient-derived organoid models, DNA damage repair (DDR) mutation in prostate cancer.
Education: BA, University of Virginia.
Fun Facts: "I enjoy spending time with friends and family, working out, binge watching new TV shows and fueling my caffeine addiction. I also love trying out new restaurants and places; yet, my cooking skills usually do not compare."
Email: cstender@cpdr.org
Joined CPDR: November, 2024 - Present
Research: Human and mouse cancer models, cancer evolution, cancer immunology.
Education: PhD, BSE, Case Western Researve University.
Fun Facts: "In my free time I enjoy playing music, reading, crocheting and trying out new recipes - although I like adding my own flair to the dishes. I also enjoy videography and photography in different formats!"
Email: ashirke@cpdr.org
Joined CPDR: May 2025 - Present
Research: Human and mouse organoid models, Using single-cell and spatial multiomics to identify genetic and epigenetic signatures in aggressive prostate cancer.
Education: BS, University of California, Santa Cruz
Fun Facts: "I love spending time outdoors, whether I am snowboarding, running or simply going on a walk. I am also passionate about music and enjoy listening to it, playing it, and connecting with others through shared musical interests.
Email: kechandia-monroe@cpdr.org
Joined CPDR: October 2022 - June 2024
Research: Mouse organoid models, squalene synthesis and lipid metabolism in prostate cancer.
Education: MS candidate, UC Berkeley; BS, UIUC Urbana-Champaign.
Fun Facts: "I enjoy hiking, social eating, exercising, and social dance. I'm always talking on the phone with friends and family, and if not that, then I'm listening to music."
Email: janast@berkeley.edu
Kate Lu, UROP student, Department of Biology at MIT, Research: Cohesin/MYC regulates oncogenesis and stress in cancers.
Sofia Hu, MD/PhD, Clinical Resident, Stanford University, Research: Transcriptional regulation of oncogenesis and progression using single-cell genomics.