Dr. Samantha O’Connor graduated with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University in August of 2024. Her doctoral research centered on applying innovative methodologies to analyze single-cell RNA-sequencing data, with the goal of uncovering novel insights into cell cycle dynamics, cellular states and plasticity, and disease progression, particularly in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Through her research, Dr. O’Connor developed a classifier to accurately identify quiescent cells within neuroepithelial-derived cells and glioma, enabling the functional analysis of these cell populations in the context of therapeutic interventions. Currently, Dr. O’Connor is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Pirrotte Lab, where she is expanding her expertise to encompass state-of-the-art single-cell proteomics. Her research now focuses on integrating multi-omics approaches to study GBM and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). By leveraging advanced proteomic techniques, she aims to dissect the complex molecular landscapes of these malignancies, identify novel biomarkers, and explore therapeutic vulnerabilities, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes through precision medicine.
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