Devoted to Improving Care

My background is in Molecular Biology with 20 years’ experience in laboratory management, operations, and administration focusing on Agile System Design frameworks and implementations in Basic Research R&D and Care Delivery. I am both excited and deeply appreciative of the wonderful vision and opportunity that Paul Allen has created here for patients, and I look forward to honoring that vision each and every day.

Dr. Drescher’s research focuses on the discovery and implementation of strategies for early detection and prevention of gynecologic cancers.    The overall goal of IPED is to enhance the cancer patient journey and reduce cancer burden through the discovery and advancement of cancer early detection and preventive interventions.  IPED seeks to address barriers to participating in cancer screening and prevention and ensure equitable access for all patients.

With a background in molecular biology, global health, and entrepreneurship, I bring a diverse perspective to my role at the center. I work on identifying needs and advancing progress programmatically and across our research areas. My experience as a cultural practitioner informs my approach, emphasizing the importance of representation and equity in research. I value the opportunity to collaborate with a talented team to make meaningful advancements in the cancer experience for all.

As a data specialist and research coordinator it is a prerequisite to assess the needs and requirements of databases in which I am entrusted. However, it is my passion to promote the ideas and inspirations of clinicians and other research professionals who guide care toward positive patient outcomes.

I believe my work at the Paul G. Allen Research Center directly impacts the mission of understanding, treating and preventing cancer. My experience as a statistician and expertise in managing clinical data management helps physician researchers to efficiently collect the information needed to answer scientific questions that have immediate impact on the well-being of patients.

Dr. Kaplan is trying to understand the genomic and transcriptomic changes that drive the evolution from normal breast tissue to breast cancer and the continuing evolution that occurs once breast tissue is malignant. He is studying DNA, RNA, and metabolic pathway changes over time in the premalignant breast as well as in  invasive metastatic breast cancer.

Dr. Kaplan’s goal for the IMGEC  pillar is to develop an ongoing research effort at SCI to understand what drives cancer growth not only in breast cancer but other cancers as well.

A seasoned biomedical research professional bringing breadth of experience to the role of Director - more than 25 years in academic, commercial and government sectors. A specialist in driving innovation with diverse groups of problem solvers and translating complex concepts for a broad range of stakeholders.

My research interests are focused on the development of cancer detection methods and understanding the molecular causes of cancer progression. I am thrilled to be part of a research team where I can draw on my scientific background to make meaningful contributions towards improving the cancer care experience for patients.

My entire career has been all about cancer research. Expanding knowledge. Saving lives. As the cancer research program director of Swedish Cancer Institute, I make sure we have well designed research studies available that fit the needs of our patients and the communities we serve. The Paul G. Allen Research Center adds more strength to an already strong program by delivering state of the art services and scientific opportunity now and into the future.

Dr. Kelly Paulson is a medical oncologist and immunotherapist with longstanding interest in solid tumor immunotherapy including bispecific antibody therapies and cellular therapies. She has authored or co-authored >50 relevant publications. She looks forward to using the resources and collaborations enabled by the Center for Immuno-Oncology to understand the mechanisms of immunotherapy success in order to share the benefits of these revolutionary approaches to more cancer patients.

Dr. Zachary Reitz, with expertise in Data Science, Spatial Biology, and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, is dedicated to enhancing the patient experience by integrating cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning techniques into our clinical research programs. By empowering PARC’s investigators with these advanced tools and fostering a collaborative environment, Dr. Reitz aims to accelerate our research goals.

My previous research has focused on the identification of metabolic and molecular pathways and targets to better understand, prevent, and treat critical illness.

I have a strong interest in oncology and immune-oncology clinical research focused on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. I am passionate about science and dedicated to making significant contributions to discoveries that positively impact people’s lives.