I am an Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. I have a broad background in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, bioinformatics, with specific training and expertise in endocrine-related cancers. My research focuses on understanding the role of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling axis in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In particular, I am interested in investigating the roles of AR and its splice variants (AR-Vs) in resistance to hormonal and chemo- therapies. As PI or co-Investigator on several national and federal-funded grants, I laid the groundwork for the proposed research by developing extensive expertise in AR signal transduction, intracellular trafficking, and the association with the chaperone complex. In addition, I successfully administered the projects (e.g. laboratory management, budgeting, IRB and IACCU protocols, grant reports), collaborated with other researchers, and produced peer-reviewed publications. Therefore, I have the expertise, leadership, training, expertise and motivation necessary to successfully carry out the proposed research project.