Giovanni Nigita, PhD, Assistant Professor

I have a broad computer science and bioinformatics background, holding a Ph.D. in Genomics and Bioinformatics from the University of Catania, Italy. My scientific training advanced at The Ohio State University, where I specialized in Cancer Genomics and Bioinformatics. My research focuses on computational biology, with a particular emphasis on non-coding RNAs, RNA modifications (such as RNA editing), and their regulatory roles in cancer.

Over the years, I have developed user-friendly computational tools and databases to support gene expression analysis and biomarker discovery, especially in the context of liquid biopsy. Currently, as part of Dr. Rolfo’s lab, I aim to leverage complex multi-omics data to generate actionable clinical insights, driving advancements in precision oncology and imprnigitaoving outcomes for patients with lung cancer and other malignancies.

Eswar Shankar, PhD, MSc, Assistant Professor

I earned my PhD in Biotechnology at Cochin University of Science and Technology in India and continued with postdoctoral training in neuroscience and cancer biology in the U.S. Since joining The Ohio State University, my research has focused on developing advanced therapies for metastatic cancers, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). I study the role of EZH2, a histone methyltransferase, in cancer progression and treatment resistance. My work spans targeted therapy, liquid biopsy biomarkers, and treatment resistance in prostate cancer.

I joined Dr. Rolfo’s lab to investigate the potential of EZH2 and other emerging biomarkers in liquid biopsies, with the goal of developing non-invasive, personalized cancer therapies. Leveraging my expertise in cell signaling and epigenetics, I aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Through this work, I strive to improve early detection, enable real-time disease monitoring, and advance precision oncology

Diego de Miguel-Perez, PhD, Assistant Professor

I earned my PhD in Biomedicine from the University of Granada, Spain, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland, Baltimore where I joined Dr Rolfo’s lab and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, USA.

My translational research at The Ohio State University is centered on understanding biological mechanisms behind tumor progression and identification of biomarkers of resistance to treatment. By using liquid biopsy, such as extracellular vesicles or circulating tumor cells, my work investigates minimally invasive biomarkers in patients with solid tumors, in particular lung cancer and immunotherapy, with the objective of translating these results into real-world clinical solutions, improving patient diagnosis, and personalized treatment outcomes..

Francesco Drago, PhD, Research Scientist

I earned my PhD in Immunobiology at the University of Catania and have over 15 years of experience in oncological research, clinical pathology, and molecular diagnostics. I’ve worked in both academic and clinical settings in Italy and France, contributing to projects in neuroinflammation, extracellular vesicles, and cancer biomarkers.

I joined Rolfo’s lab to bring my background in transcriptomics and tumor biology into a collaborative environment focused on improving diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. My goal is to help translate molecular findings into meaningful advances in precision oncology.

Roberto Borea, MD, Post-Doc

I earned my medical degree and completed my residency in Medical Oncology at the University of Genova, where I also started a PhD program focused on translational research. I joined The Ohio State University as a postdoctoral researcher to study liquid biopsy biomarkers in lung cancer.

My previous work spans immune-cell therapies like CAR-T cells, which I explored during international fellowships in the U.S. and Europe. Now, my research focuses on using liquid biopsy to better understand treatment responses and resistance mechanisms. I joined Rolfo’s lab to combine clinical experience with advanced molecular tools and contribute to translational projects that improve patient care and monitoring

Malaak Sammour, MD, Post-Doc

I earned my medical degree and completed my residency in Medical Oncology at the University of Genova, where I also started a PhD program focused on translational research. I joined The Ohio State University as a postdoctoral researcher to study liquid biopsy biomarkers in lung cancer.

My previous work spans immune-cell therapies like CAR-T cells, which I explored during international fellowships in the U.S. and Europe. Now, my research focuses on using liquid biopsy to better understand treatment responses and resistance mechanisms. I joined Rolfo’s lab to combine clinical experience with advanced molecular tools and contribute to translational projects that improve patient care and monitoring

Estela Puchulu-Campanella, MS, Research Associate

I studied Biochemistry at the National University of Córdoba in Argentina and have spent over 30 years working in academic and industry labs across multiple countries. I joined The Ohio State University to contribute my expertise in genomics, RNA/DNA extraction, and next-generation sequencing to oncology research. My background spans molecular cell biology, red blood cell biology, and fibrotic diseases. I joined Rolfo’s lab to have the opportunity to focus on precision oncology by applying advanced molecular techniques. I’m passionate about collaborative research that brings clinical impact.

Tiffany Talabere

Kristen Brooks, Administrative Assistant to Division Director – Christian Rolfo, MD, PhD, MBA, Dr.hc.