Dr. Thales Da Costa Nepomuceno Receives K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
Research Education and Training would like to congratulate Dr. Thales Da Costa Nepomuceno, research scientist under the mentorship of Dr. Alvaro Monteiro, Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Cancer Epidemiology Program, on receiving the prestigious K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award from the National Cancer Institute. This award supports Dr. Nepomuceno’s research into ovarian cancer. Receiving the K99/R00 marks an important step toward his transition to an independent research career.
His research focuses on the non-canonical functions of Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) with CCNE1 gene amplification.
“My preliminary data offer an alternative perspective on how CDK9 might be a targetable vulnerability in CCNE1-amplified HGSOC tumors that combine oncogenic-induced replication stress and vulnerability to homologous recombination deficiency,” he said.
By investigating CDK9’s roles in DNA replication and repair, his work seeks to identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities and improve outcomes for patients with limited treatment options and poor prognoses.
The K99/R00 award will play a critical role in helping him transition to research independence. Dr. Nepomuceno’s long-term goal is to advance cancer prevention and treatment by studying cellular responses to DNA damage and mechanisms that suppress genomic instability.
Looking ahead, he said, “Ultimately, this grant will accelerate my professional growth, support my pursuit of a tenure-track faculty position and allow me to contribute to new cancer therapies.”
He also credits his mentor, Dr. Alvaro Monteiro, with having a profound impact on his scientific development. Having first worked with Dr. Monteiro as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar in 2018, he describes the experience as transformative.
“His positive influence, both professionally and personally, has been pivotal in my development as a scientist and in my pursuit of an independent research career,” he said.
“I am excited to use the K99 award period to establish my independent research program and build a strong foundation for a future R01 application," Dr. Nepomuceno said. "This phase will help me refine my scientific vision, develop new expertise, and generate the preliminary data and collaborations needed for long-term success. I also look forward to leveraging the R00 phase to secure a faculty position at a leading cancer institute in the United States and launch my career as an independent investigator.”