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
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.
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.
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.
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 strong foundation in molecular biology and biochemistry. From the beginning of my academic journey, I have been passionate about understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern life. 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). Throughout my early career, I dedicated significant effort to building a diverse methodological skill set and broadening my scientific perspective. I have worked in seven different laboratories and participated in numerous workshops and hands-on courses, which has enabled me to integrate experimental biology with bioinformatics. This combined approach allows me to deeply understand and interpret data and to design more informed experiments. My PhD research focused on T cell development and its epigenetic regulation, with an emphasis on 3D chromatin organization and roles of non-coding RNAs. As a postdoctoral fellow at Moffitt, I expanded my expertise in tumor immunology and computational biology, working on projects that explored the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of memory and tumor-infiltrating T cell subsets. During this time, I was fortunate to receive a postdoctoral fellowship from the American Cancer Society, which has supported my ongoing research. In the Gomes Lab, I continue along this trajectory, now 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 sports and 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, and scuba diving, as well as traveling and exploring new cultures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
chandana.hemakumar@moffitt.org
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.
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!
I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and am currently pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida as part of the 7-year BS/MD pathway. Since high school, I have been fascinated by immunology, which has shaped my interest in understanding how immune cells behave in different physiological contexts. In the Gomes Lab, I study how aging influences T-cell subsets, using flow cytometry analyses to investigate functional and phenotypic changes. I am committed to strengthening my practical laboratory skills while also developing my scientific communication and presentation abilities. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing tennis and basketball, working out, watching movies, and traveling to new places.
I am currently majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Health Informatics at University of South Florida. At the Gomes lab, I use immunofluorescence techniques to visualize different types of epithelial cells, studying lung cancer progression in both young and old mice. Outside of research, I enjoy playing sports, spending time outdoors, and traveling with family and friends.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Hossein Kashfi (2021-2025), Assistant Staff Scientist at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Rahul Bhattacharya (2024)
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
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
Visiting Scholars
Maya Yasukawa, MD, PhD (2022-2023), Gynecologic Oncology Fellow at USF Health