Where
Discovery
Begins
The Gomes Laboratory investigates how aging and other host factors, including diet, stress, and metabolic state, shape tissue ecosystems, immunity, and cancer cell plasticity to drive tumor progression and relapse. By integrating cancer biology, immunology, metabolism, aging, and epigenetics, we uncover actionable mechanisms that can be targeted to improve cancer outcomes, particularly for older adults, who represent the largest yet underserved population of cancer patients.
Our research is organized into three interconnected areas:
From Discovery to Impact
From Discovery to Impact
The
People Behind
the Science
Ana P. Gomes, PhD
Principal Investigator, Vice Chair and Associate Member, Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis
I am originally from Portugal, where I obtained my BS in Biology at the University of Coimbra. Subsequently, I did my PhD with Dr. David Sinclair at Harvard Medical School, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of aging. I found that during aging, and before accumulation of genetic damage, a decline in NAD+ reprograms muscle cells to induce cancer-related metabolic pathways to drive muscle dysfunction. Following my PhD, I did a postdoc at Weill Cornell Medicine with Dr. John Blenis where I explored the role of aging as a determinant of cancer progression and metastasis formation. Outside of the lab, I enjoy travelling the world and getting to know new cultures. I also really enjoy music and love to go to concerts and dancing.
ana.dasilvagomes@moffitt.org Curriculum vitae
Didem Ilter, PhD
Research Scientist
I grew up in Turkey, and came to the US to do my undergraduate studies at Williams College where I double majored in Biochemistry and Economics. It was during this time that I fell in love with research. I went on to do a Ph.D. followed by a postdoc with Dr. John Blenis first at Harvard University and later at Weill Cornell Medicine studying how oncogenic signaling driven by MAPK/ERK pathway drives an epigenetic reprogramming essential for metastasis formation. In the Gomes Lab, I study age-related epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms of immune regulation. In addition to science, I love reading dystopian fiction and baking. I also really enjoy traveling! So far, Italy is my favorite destination, but looking forward to see other countries that will make me change my mind.
Nadir Sarigul
Data Analyst
I was born and raised in a small village in the east of Turkey. I moved to the US in 2011 to pursue my bachelor’s degree. I graduated from Monroe College with a BS in Information and Technology. Over the past few years I have worked on web designing and social media marketing before I turned to coding and data analysis. Helping people has always been dear to me and as such I decided to use my skills to help identifying new treatments that can help cancer patients. In the Gomes Lab, I use in silico data analysis tools to find new age-driven mechanisms that aid tumor progression. I am a people’s person, so outside the lab I really enjoy hanging out with friends and meeting new people. I also love to travel and really enjoy winter and water sports.
Stanislav Drapela, PhD
Instructor and NIH K99/R00 Awardee
I originally come from the Czech Republic. My previous academic and formal training has provided me with a comprehensive background in biochemistry and cancer biology. I did my Ph.D. in the Cancer Plasticity group of Dr. Karel Soucek at Masaryk University. The time spent under Dr. Soucek’s mentorship fostered in me the desire to do research that matters to patients, and so I focused my studies on identifying novel therapeutic strategies to bypass resistance to standard of care chemotherapies. It also reinvigorated a long interest of mine: to study cancer metastasis and dormancy. To pursue this passion, I joined the Gomes Lab where I, as a postdoc, study how aging and age-related factors affect metastatic colonization of disseminated breast cancer cells and dormancy in the lungs. Outside of the lab, I enjoy swimming, cycling, running, and winter skiing. I love traveling and exploring new places. My parents are my inspiration.
Instructor and American Cancer Society Fellow
Tomas Zelenka, PhD
I was born and raised in the Czech Republic and received my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Charles University in Prague, where I developed a foundation in molecular biology and biochemistry. I was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship to pursue my PhD in the Laboratory of Gene Regulation in the Immune System (Dr. Spilianakis, IMBB-FORTH, Greece). My PhD research focused on T cell development and its epigenetic regulation, with an emphasis on 3D chromatin organization and non-coding RNAs. In the Gomes Lab, I am expanding my expertise in tumor immunology and computational biology, focusing on how aging impacts T cells within the tumor microenvironment and beyond. Outside the lab, I’m a technology enthusiast and an avid lover of the outdoors. I was shaped by years on the national Greco-Roman wrestling team and later as a member of internationally competitive curling teams. I also enjoy squash, tennis, beach volleyball, soccer, kayaking, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, traveling, and exploring new cultures.
Felicia Lazure, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada where I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies at McGill University. During my PhD in Human Genetics, I studied how the aging microenvironment impacts muscle stem cell function. As a postdoc in the Gomes Lab, I am able to apply what I learned about aging to a new context: cancer. Currently, I am studying how aging drives the differential evolution of lung adenocarcinoma. Outside the lab, I love spending time outdoors observing Florida's wildlife, going to the the beach, working out and watching sports.
Eduardo Alvarado Ortiz, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
I grew up in Mexico, where I completed my undergraduate studies in Biotechnology. Afterward, I did my master's degree and PhD studies in National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). I have a strong interest in knowing the molecular and functional bases of disease, particularly cancer. As a graduate student, I focused on the study of Wnt signaling through two main projects: investigating how mutant p53 regulates oncogenesis, and exploring how hypoxia can regulate non-canonical Wnt responses as well as the drug-tolerant state in cancer. Actually, my goal is to understand how cancer cells adapt in the tumor microenvironment through an integrative approach that includes cells, tissues, and the host in order to define therapeutic vulnerabilities that can be used for clinical oncology. In the Gomes lab, I pursue studying how aging defines the malignancy in the context where cancer cells coexist with multiple cell types. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading books, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Aditi Ashish Datta
PhD Student
I was born and raised in Mumbai, India, where I completed my undergraduate studies in Pharmacy at Bombay College of Pharmacy. During my undergraduate training, I developed a strong interest in biomedical research, particularly in understanding disease mechanisms at the molecular level. This motivated me to pursue a master’s in molecular pharmacology at the University of Southern California, where I studied how dysregulation of lipid metabolism contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. Next, I worked as a Research Assistant at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. In this role, I worked on projects focused on alcoholic liver disease, gaining hands-on experience with translational and mechanistic research in hepatic inflammation and metabolism. I am currently a Ph.D. student in the Gomes Lab, where I am excited to further expand my training and deepen my understanding of metabolism and signaling pathways underlying cancer. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places and practicing yoga, which helps me maintain balance and perspective alongside my scientific pursuits.
Anissa Handjar
PhD Student
My scientific path started with a Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology and Physiology, then gradually moved toward cancer biology through my Master’s training in cancer and aging. I was born and raised in France with Algerian roots, and growing up across different cultures made me adaptable and open to new perspectives. This, together with my commitment to education and research, brought me to the United States to pursue a PhD. My research interests sit at the intersection of aging, cancer metastasis, and neuro-related biology. In the Gomes Lab, I am currently exploring these topics through projects on ovarian cancer omental metastasis and small cell lung cancer metastasis. Together, these projects explore how aging may shape metastatic behavior across different tissue environments. Beyond the lab, I enjoy traveling, learning languages, and discovering new cafés.
Jesse Popover
PhD Student
I was born in Guatemala and raised in Central Florida. I earned my B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida, where I discovered a strong enthusiasm for the scientific process while volunteering in an addiction science laboratory. After graduation, I worked in surgical oncology evaluating neoadjuvant therapy outcomes in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. I continued to engage in interdisciplinary research while serving as a clinical technician in general surgery and ophthalmology. The privilege of patient care exposed the limitations of current therapeutic modalities and motivated me to return to basic science to investigate how the tumor microenvironment communicates disease progression and treatment resistance. I embarked to earn my Ph.D. in the Medical Science program at the University of South Florida. In the Gomes Lab, I investigate how the aged lung microenvironment promotes metastasis and work to identify critical regulatory programs driving remodeling and adaptation. Outside the lab, I enjoy photography, woodworking, rock climbing and traveling internationally, and I spend a surprising amount of time tending my flock of pet chickens.
Devesh Raizada
PhD Student
I was born and raised in India where I completed my undergraduate studies in Biotechnology before moving to the US in 2017. I obtained my Masters’ degree in Medical Biotechnology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, during the course of which I found myself to be deeply interested in tumor biology. Pursuing an interest in cancer sciences, I worked at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School to study long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer pathogenesis during the second year of my graduate program and where I later continued as a research assistant. As a PhD candidate in the Gomes Lab, I study the role of circulatory changes in the aged host in modulating anti-cancer drug efficacy and therapy resistance. Outside of science, I enjoy watching cinema from around the world and reading. My favorite spot for holidaying is at the hill stations of the Himalayas, which is the best place in my opinion to enjoy a good book!
Youngun Roh
PhD Student
I grew up in South Korea and pursued my B.S. degree in Biological Sciences before beginning my graduate studies in the United States. During my academic journey, I developed a strong passion for cancer biology and translational research, particularly the relationship between cancer metabolism and its effects on the immune microenvironment. I began my PhD training in the Cancer Biology program at the University of South Florida and conduct my research at the Moffitt Cancer Center in the Gomes Lab. My research focuses on how aging alters alveolar epithelium and contributes to the lung adenocarcinoma progression. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, exploring new restaurants and cafés, watching movies, and spending time with friends.
Rojan Chimeh Rad
Research Associate
I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran, where I completed my B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology. In 2022, I moved to the U.S. to pursue my master's in Cell and Molecular biology at the University of South Florida. During my graduate studies, I found my passion in cancer biology and signaling pathways. In the Gomes Lab, I focus on dormancy entry and exit in breast cancer metastasis. In addition, I contribute to a project that aims to understand which signaling pathways are responsible for lung metastasis from primary breast cancer upon aging and what are the therapeutic interventions that we can use to prevent metastatic growth in elderly. Outside the lab, I enjoy aerial yoga, cycling, watching movies, and exploring new places. I am passionate about traveling around the world and speaking different languages to communicate with people from other cultures. My family inspires and support me a lot during my journey.
Chandana Hemakumar
Undergraduate Intern
I joined the Gomes Lab in December 2025 as a Research Trainee under the mentorship of Dr. Tomas Zelenka. I am currently studying Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Biomedical Anthropology at the University of South Florida. Additionally, I am participating in Moffitt's SPARK program during the summer of 2026 through the lab. In the lab, I contribute to projects focused on T-cell immunology while continuing to develop my research and laboratory skills. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing, music, and spending time with friends and family.
An Le
Undergraduate Intern
I was born and raised in Vietnam and recently received my B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida. During my undergraduate training, I developed a strong interest in tumor biology and translational oncology, which led me to join the Gomes Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center. As an intern, I investigate how cortisol-mediated signaling influences ferroptosis in non-small cell lung cancer, with the goal of understanding how stress-hormone pathways may impact tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. My work has strengthened my interest in bridging molecular research with clinical medicine, and I aspire to pursue medical school to become a physician-scientist in oncology. Outside of the laboratory and clinical settings, I am deeply committed to community service, serving in hospital-based crisis response and veteran care environments. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops and staying active.
Undergraduate Intern
Eduardo Miranda
I grew up a Florida native in Fort Pierce, Florida where I completed my high school education as well as my in-progress college degree at USF. I am majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Health. I found my interest in research when I was accepted into a summer research program straight out of high school. In the Gomes Lab, I am working on how CD320 meets the higher B12 demand that contributes to Triple Negative Breast Cancer progression. I plan to apply to medical school in the near future and help those who cannot afford quality healthcare in underserved communities. In my free time I enjoy playing the saxophone in a band, traveling to new places, and eating good food!
Postdoctoral Fellows
Hossein Kashfi (2021-2025), Assistant Staff Scientist at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Rahul Bhattacharya (2024), University Instructor, India
Maya Yasukawa, MD, PhD (2022-2023), Gynecologic Oncology Fellow at USF Health
Lab Alumni
Graduate Students
Joanne Tejero (2021-2026, USF Graduate Student), Oncology Medical Writer at Merck
David F. Carrageta (2023, visiting student), Invited Associate Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, Portugal
Nick Spinosa (2022), Insurance Agent
Interns
Andrew Knight (2023-2025), Pre-Med
Megan Reddy (2023-2025), Pre-Med
Benito Traversa (2021-2024), MD-PhD Student at Johns Hopkins University
Julia Spegel (2023-2024), Student @ School of Medical Laboratory Science at Tampa General Hospital
Gabrielle Figueroa (2021-2022), Physician Assistant in training
Moments that Matter
Exploring science,
celebrating milestones,
and sharing the people behind our discoveries.
CELEBRATING TOGETHER
May 2026
The Gomes Lab hit the greens at PopStroke to celebrate a milestone, bidding farewell to our first PhD graduate, Dr. Joanne Tejero.
AWARDS
April 2026
Dr. Gomes received the 2025 Educator of the Year award. We are very happy to have her as our mentor!
NEW TEAM MEMBERS
Jesse Popover
Graduate
Student
Aditti Ashish Datta
Graduate
Student
Anissa Handjar
Graduate
Student
Youngun Roh
Graduate
Student
Eduardo Alvarado Ortiz
Postdoctoral Fellow
CONFERENCES
Dr. Stanislav Drapela and Jesse Popover gave outstanding talks at the Keystone Symposia in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada!
May 2026
June 2026
Gomes Lab members attended the Metastasis Research Society Biennial Meeting in Utah. Dr. Gomes presented the lab's latest research on cancer metastasis, while several lab members showcased their work during the poster sessions. We are especially proud of Dr. Stan Drapela and Jesse Popover, whose posters received Best Poster Awards in the postdoctoral and student categories, respectively.
CONFERENCES
FUNDING
June 2026
The Gomes Lab is awarded three major grants:
DoD BCRP Breakthrough Award Level 2 to study an age-related metabolic shift in metastatic TNBC.
NIA R21 to investigate how aging reshapes the lung tumor microenvironment.
NIA R01 to identify how aging-induced mechanisms drive therapy resistance in KRAS-driven lung cancer.
April 2026
Congratulations to our postdoc, Dr. Tomas Zelenka, for winning the 2026 Distinguished Lecturer Symposium Presentation Competition.
AWARDS
MILESTONE
February 2026
The Gomes Lab’s first PhD student defended her dissertation. Congratulations Dr. Joanne Tejero!
June 2026
TME&M Department gets a new look.
Nadir's design won the logo competition.
LAB SPIRIT
PUBLICATION
July 2026
Devesh's review, "Metabolic adaptations of the tumor macroenvironment and their role in cancer progression and survivorship," is published in Genes & Development.
CONFERENCES
May 2026
Gomes Lab attended
2026 Moffitt Symposium. All students and postdocs presented their work at the poster session and Stan Drapela, PhD discussed his featured poster with Dr. Whu, Moffitt’s CEO.
Be Part of the Next Discovery
Postdoctoral Fellows
We welcome applications from highly motivated postdoctoral candidates with interests in cancer biology/metastasis, aging, immunology, host metabolism, or computational biology.
Interested applicants should send a CV and a cover letter describing their research interests to: ana.dasilvagomes@moffitt.org
Graduate Students
Students in the USF Cancer Biology and Immunology programs interested in rotating in the laboratory are encouraged to contact us.
The Gomes Laboratory is always interested in meeting talented and motivated scientists who are excited about understanding how aging, metabolism, host physiology, and cancer interact to drive progression, metastasis and relapse.
Our research combines cutting-edge approaches in:
We are committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and highly interactive research environment where trainees are encouraged to develop independent ideas and pursue ambitious scientific questions.
Single-cell and spatial genomics
Aging and cancer
Cancer biology and metastasis
Metabolism
Interns
We periodically host undergraduate, visiting, and summer students interested in gaining research experience in cancer biology.
Immunology
Aging models of cancer
Functional genomics
Computational biology