Our lab in the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research (CCIR) with the support of the Brain Tumor Institute (BTI)  at Children's National Hospital explores the developmental origins of childhood cancer, focusing on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive tumor initiation and progression. We develop and utilize genetic zebrafish models of pediatric cancer (New Approach Methodolog, NAM) to investigate how healthy cells are transformed into cancer cells in vivo, how tumor cells hijack developmental signaling pathways for cell transformation and tumor establishment. Ultimately, we aim to leverage these insights to inform preventive strategies and develop new therapeutic approaches.