Nicole Mecozzi Receives F99/K00 Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award
Research Education and Training congratulates Nicole Mecozzi, a graduate student in the Cancer PhD Program under the mentorship of Dr. Florian Karreth, Department of Molecular Oncology, and the Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, on receiving the F99/K00 Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award from the National Cancer Institute. This award supports her research on melanoma metastasis and prepares her for a future as an independent investigator.
Nicole’s project explores the role of a non-coding RNA, circPMS1, in driving melanoma progression.
“During the late stages of melanoma, progressive genetic mutations and other genetic events are not common. This means non-genetic events such as transcriptional, translational, epigenetic and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) expression changes play a role, but they are poorly characterized,” she said. “Characterizing these mechanisms can lead us to a better understanding of how melanoma metastases develop. My PhD project focuses on characterizing the pro-metastatic molecular mechanisms of a ncRNA called circPMS1 in melanoma.”
The award will support the final phase of Nicole's PhD and help her identify a postdoctoral lab to further her training on her way to an independent research position.
Nicole credits the mentorship from Dr. Karreth with shaping her development as a scientist.
“My training in Dr. Karreth's lab has been essential, not only to become knowledgeable of basic and advanced laboratory techniques, but also to learn how to critically think about the projects carried on in the lab and become a well-rounded scientist,” she said.
Looking ahead, she’s excited to contribute to the field of ncRNA research and connect with other fellows.
“Under the F99/K00 award, I will have the opportunity of carrying out meaningful research that will help shape the role of ncRNAs in cancer and developing therapeutic approaches that can aid patients in the future,” she said. “This NCI fellowship also allows F99/K00 awardees to connect and create a space where to share their experiences and scientific projects and I'm very excited to know more about them!”