Developing new and effective ovarian cancer treatment and prevention methods is a critical need for clinical management of this disease. Recent technical advances are enabling us to peer into tumors at previously unfathomable molecular depths and to contextualize spatial determinants or ‘ecologies’ of disease (i.e., how individual cancer cells interact with their environment and each other to promote tumour progression).

As a new independent investigator, Dr. McCloskey’s research program will integrate core principles in tissue organization with in-depth single cell molecular profiling, patient-derived model systems, and high-throughput methodologies to delve deeper into the complex spatial, functional, and cellular heterogeneity of ovarian cancer precursor lesions and malignancies. Holding patient journeys central to the program, Dr. McCloskey hopes to drive new frontiers in ovarian cancer risk reduction and treatment.