Be on the forefront of drug development and treatment design
Investigate novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Study the mechanisms of action and preclinical development of novel drugs. Optimize the use of existing drugs through combination therapy, repurposing, and imaging. Identify patient sub-populations and cancer types most likely to respond favorably to new approaches.
When you choose the Experimental Therapeutics PhD track at Roswell Park, you’ll conduct basic and translational research in the areas of cancer biology, drug development, and innovative cancer treatment.
We’re looking for a background in the sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, and/or bioinformatics. Some prior research experience is desirable but not required.
Track highlights
A varied group of collaborative faculty members conduct research in the following broadly defined areas relevant to cancer therapeutics:
- Identification of novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention
- Characterizing the mechanisms of action and preclinical development of novel drugs
- Optimizing the use of existing drugs through combination therapy, re-purposing, imaging, and identification of patient sub-populations most likely to respond to treatment
Research questions are addressed using state-of-the-art experimental approaches in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, imaging, biochemistry, and animal modeling.
Student accomplishments
Tatiane Da Silva Fernandes, PhD
Tatiane defended her PhD dissertation, "The role of inosine monophosphate 2 in the chemoresistance of triple negative breast cancer". Congrats Dr. Fernandes!
Wen (Jess) Li
Jess published a new review entitled “MicroRNA-34a, Prostate Cancer Stem Cells, and Therapeutic Development” in Cancers, based on her work in Dr. Dean Tang’s lab.
Tishira Shah
Tishira was named a UB Presidential Scholar, a prestigious award given to fewer than 20 PhD students across the UB campus each year.
Abigail Cornwell, PhD
Abby published a new manuscript entitled “Lorazepam Stimulates IL6 Production and Is Associated with Poor Survival Outcomes in Pancreatic Cancer” in Clinical Cancer Research, based on her work in Dr. Michael Feigin's lab. She recently defended her thesis and is now a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.
Cheyenne Ernst
Cheyenne was awarded an ASPIRE grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation for her work with Dr. Hai Wang on breast cancer metastasis.
- Unintended Effects of GPCR-Targeted Drugs on the Cancer Phenotype. Cornwell AC, Feigin ME (DT). Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2020 DEC 01; 41(12):1006-1022. DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.10.001. 2020 Oct 22. PubMed
- Targeting the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in cancer: opportunities and challenges. Inigo JR, Kumar R, Chandra D (DT). Trends Cancer. 2021 DEC 01; 7(12):1050-1053. DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.08.008. 2021 Sep 24. PubMed
- A nanotherapeutic strategy to target drug-tolerant cells and overcome EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in lung cancer. Shaurova T, Yan L, Su Y, Rich LJ, Vincent-Chong VK, Calkins H, Pokharel S (CSB), Petkovich M, Seshadri M (CSB), Wu Y, Hershberger PA (DT). Cancer Commun (Lond). 2023 JAN 24; . DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12401. 2023 Jan 24. PubMed
- Lorazepam Stimulates IL6 Production and Is Associated with Poor Survival Outcomes in Pancreatic Cancer. Cornwell AC, Tisdale, AA, Swati, V, Maraszek, KE, Alahmari AA, George A, Attwood K, George M, Kempinski D, Franco-Barraza J, Seshadri M, Parker MD, Cortes Gomez E, Fountzilas C, Cukierman E, Steele NG, Feigin ME (DT). Clin Cancer Res (2023) 29 (18): 3793–3812. 2023 Sept 15. AARC
- Biological differences underlying sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer: current synopsis and future directions. Doshi B, Athans SR, Woloszynska A. Oncogenesis 12, 44 (2023). 5 Sept 2023.Oncogenesis
Additional information about our research can be found on our individual faculty pages.
I began the Experimental Therapeutics PhD program at UB/Roswell Park in 2011. The program is challenging, but extremely rewarding. The knowledge, experience and relationships that I gained during my time in the program had a major influence on my life and have led to an exciting career in cancer research that I love.
Biomedical Informatics
Program of study
19 credit hours
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RPG501 | Integrated Cancer Sciences I | 4 |
| RPG502 | Integrated Cancer Sciences II | 4 |
| STA527 | Statistical Analysis I | 4 |
| RPG504 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| RPG601 | First-Year Journal Club | 2 |
| RPG514 | Independent Study | 4 |
19 credit hours
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RPG503 | Integrated Cancer Sciences III | 4 |
| RPG543 | Tools and Models of Molecular Oncology | 3 |
| RPG571 | Current Topics | 2 |
| RPG573 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| RPG608 | Doctoral Research and if needed electives | 9 |
19 credit hours
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RPG571 | Current Topics | 2 |
| RPG573 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| RPG603 | Basics in Grantsmanship I | 1 |
| RPG608 | Doctoral Research and if needed electives | 11 |
9 credit hours
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RPG573 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| RPG571 | Current Topics | 2 |
| RPG608 | Doctoral Research and if needed electives | 6 |
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RPG608 | Graduate Research | 1, each semester |
| Graduate Seminar (attend, no registration needed) |
Other training activities
ET Seminar: Trainees participate in a weekly, mentored seminar series to promote excellence in scientific communication. After each presentation, trainees receive oral and written critiques from faculty and students.
Lunch with external speakers: The ET Track organizes several lectures per year delivered by prominent, external scientists. Trainees have the opportunity to meet with these speakers to discuss science, get career advice, and promote collaborations and networking.
Dave Lecture: Students in the ET Track select a highly impactful scientist to deliver the annual Dave Memorial Lecture. Students coordinate and organize all aspects of the guest’s visit. Recent Dave Memorial Lecturers include M. Celeste Simon, PhD (2017), Susan B. Horwitz, PhD (2018), Elaine R. Mardis, PhD (2019), Cigall Kadoch, PhD (2022), Ashani Weeraratna, PhD (2023).
How to apply
If you wish to apply after the deadline, please contact GradEd@RoswellPark.org before submitting an application.
Start your application Meet our team
Contact us
Chair, Experimental Therapeutics Track
Chair, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Co-Leader, Developmental Therapeutics CCSG Program
Director of Graduate Studies, Experimental Therapeutics PhD Program
Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Experimental Therapeutics Track
Attn: Jessica Cognetto
Center for Genetics & Pharmacology
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263-0001
Telephone: 716-845-1443
Fax: 716-845-8857