Augusta University - Georgia Cancer Center
Augusta, United States
Dr. Karina Vazquez-Arreguin
Post-doctoral Fellow
Kaur Laboratory, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University
As a Hispanic woman in science, and a member of an immigrant family, I recognize the barriers faced by members of minority groups when it comes to achieving academic success. Particularly in scientific research, diversity and inclusion are critical to attain fruitful collaborations and prompt the problem solving atmosphere that drives science forward. Being a member of an underrepresented minority group, I place a high value on diversity, and look forward to my future role as research mentor, where I will continue to foster equity and inclusion in the laboratory.
I have been fortunate to be involved in different aspects of cancer research even prior to my doctoral training. After completing my PhD at the University of Utah, I transitioned to my first post-doctoral fellowship, under the guidance of Dr. Raghu Kalluri at MD Anderson Cancer Center. During this time I developed a strong interest in the development of novel therapeutics and the use of mouse models of glioblastoma (GBM), which encouraged me to seek the mentorship of Dr. Balveen Kaur in the department of Neurosurgery at UTHealth, now at the Georgia Cancer Center of Augusta Univeristy, where the research emphasis is on the generation of oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (oHSV) for the treatment of GBM.
In my investigation, I seek to apply the knowledge of my previous research experiences in the area of pre-clinical translational therapeutics, with a focus on generating oncolytic HSV-1 viruses in conjunction with inhibition of angiogenesis for the treatment of GBM.
My ultimate career goal is to be an independently funded academic investigator finding innovative strategies to treat cancer and aim to continue contributing to the development of novel therapeutics to improve human health.