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Robin J. Leach, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy

Associate Director for Education, Mays Cancer Center

Currently seeking M.S. & Ph.D. students

Research in Dr. Robin Leach's laboratory focuses primarily on urologic cancers including prostate, bladder and testicular. For prostate cancer, the work centers on identify better markers for progression and outcome, with the long term goal of developing biomarkers that will assist clinically in distinguishing between indolent versus aggressive disease. In addition to the prognostic marker work, Dr. Leach's laboratory works to validate existing biomarkers for prostate cancer with the goal of utilizing them in informed decision making. For bladder cancer, the effort is focused on determine the effects of obesity on bladder cancer progression; this work could ultimately lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating bladder cancer. Dr. Leach is a molecular geneticist by training and has worked on the genetics of several complex diseases. Recently, this work has been expanded to project in pharmacogenetics and health disparity. In addition to her primary research, she oversee the Mays Cancer Center Biobank and the Biobank and Genome Analysis Core for the Institution. She is also the Associated Director for Education for the Mays Cancer Center and in this role, oversee their Office of Education.