Kendell Peterson

With advanced expertise in immune cell profiling and co-culture modeling, I bring a rigorous, team-oriented approach to experimental design and execution—vital in cross-functional drug discovery environments. As a Doctoral Researcher in the Biomedical Science Program focused on Tumor Immunology and Neuro-Oncology, I led technically complex studies examining immune-tumor dynamics, developing novel medulloblastoma co-culture systems. I trained and mentored peers in multicolor flow cytometry, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry, promoting precision, reproducibility, and scientific rigor across teams.

My commitment to translational research and collaborative problem-solving aligns with biotech company's mission to improve lives through innovation, and I am eager to contribute to the discovery of novel therapies in the industry sector.

Doctoral Student Apr 2020 - Present

Medical University of South Carolina

As a Doctoral Researcher in Tumor Immunology and Neuro-Oncology, I led projects focused on elucidating immune-tumor interactions within the medulloblastoma microenvironment. Throughout, I emphasized meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that all experimental procedures were executed with consistency and accuracy, fostering a strong foundation in both scientific rigor and reproducibility among lab members.

Duties

• Performed survival analysis on a 700 patient medulloblastoma dataset, identifying OLIG2s role in prognosis.
• Cultured Medulloblastoma propagating cells (MPC) to assist in downstream applications.
• Demonstrated OLIG2's link to relapse using sphere formation assays with the inhibitor CT-179.
• Developed a co-culture system using immune population microglia to mimic Tumor Microenvironment.
• Presented findings at a pediatrics symposium and MUSC Research Day.
• Collaborated with individuals in an interdisciplinary manner within the clinical side of biomedical research to promote communication of different perspectives to assist in overall project.
• Harvested and analyzed mouse thoracic and inguinal mammary glands to assess diet-induced tissue changes using multicolor flow cytometry
• Performed flow cytometry to identify immune population M1/M2 macrophage distribution.

Medical University of South Carolina

Duties:

• Participated in a team-based journal club that investigates translational basic science discoveries to clinic practice.
• Learned and reviewed how to chart patients alongside pediatric oncologist as well as a pediatric trialist.
• Presented my findings in a poster format at the Association for Clinical and Translational Science conference.
• Advocated for increased funding on behalf of the Coalition for Clinical and Translational Science at Capitol Hill by explaining significance of research.
• Learned the grant review process and the components of a F31 application.

Georgetown University

Duties:

• Quantified ANKRD11 protein expression in ER, HER2+, and TNBC breast cancer tissues.
• Performed statistical survival analysis on 150 breast cancer patient TMAs.
• Determined high nuclear ANKRD11 expression correlates with improved prognosis in basal-like breast cancer.
• Identified genes linked to tumor invasiveness in ANKRD11-deficient breast cancer spheres.
• Validated gene expression changes using qPCR.
• Collaborated with individuals in an interdisciplinary manner to promote communication of different perspectives to assist in research.

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, PhD, Biomedical Science(Cancer Biology)Aug 2020 - PresentGeorgetown University, Washington Dc, Master's(Unfinished), Tumor BiologyAug 2018 – Aug 2020Presbyterian College, Clinton,SC, Bachelor's, BiologyAug 2014 – Dec 2017