Living the dream!
-Aaron Tward, MD, PhD
(at any chance he gets)
Our Research
The Tward lab’s primary research focus is in cancer biology, functional genomics, and developmental biology. In particular, we are interested in better understanding the function of clinically prevalent genetic mutations in the initiation, progression, and maintenance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We are also investigating the cellular composition in the auditory system and the cellular and molecular events involved in the response to tympanic membrane injury. Our understanding of these research focuses is greatly advanced by employing high throughput techniques such as whole genome sequencing, exome sequencing, and single cell RNA sequencing. A secondary research focus is in improving surgical approaches within otology and neurotology, as well as optimizing treatment approaches to tumors within the skull base.
Lab News!
Dec 2023 - Check out Céline's paper here! Congratulations!
Aug 2023 - Kimberly joins the lab as a Junior Specialist and Lab Manager!
Apr 2023 - Ellee commits to UC Irvine School of Medicine for her MD!
Mar 2023 - Céline completes her technical work in the lab!
Jul 2022 - Vicente completes his post-doc and starts as a Scientist at Metagenomi!
Jul 2022 - Sarah joins the lab as a Junior Specialist!
Apr 2022 - Congratulations Sonia for earning her PhD! She returns to medical school to complete her MD!
Sep 2021 - Amar joins us in-person from Yale Medical School!
Jul 2021 - Ellee joins the lab as a Junior Specialist and Lab Manager!
Nov 2021 - Congratulations to Eliah for earning a postdoc fellowship from the American Cancer Society!
Nov 2020 - Stacey's paper is published! Check it out here
Sep 2019 - Congratulations Ramin for earning the Moritz-Heyman Discovery Fellowship!
Jun 2019- Congratulations Stacey for graduating and earning a well-deserved Ph.D. degree!
Jan 2019 - A new student from the MSTP program joins the lab, welcome Sonia!
May 2018 - Céline & Ramin join the team. Welcome!