Alisa M. Goldstein

American genetic epidemiologist

Alisa M. Goldstein

Alisa M. Goldstein is an American genetic epidemiologist known for her research in the field of cancer genetics. She has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to cancer risk, particularly in melanoma and breast cancer.

Early life and education

Alisa M. Goldstein was born and raised in the United States. She pursued her undergraduate studies in biology, which laid the foundation for her interest in genetics and epidemiology. Goldstein went on to earn her Ph.D. in genetic epidemiology, where she focused on the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental exposures in the development of cancer.

Career

Goldstein began her career as a researcher at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), where she has worked for several decades. Her work at the NCI has been pivotal in identifying genetic mutations associated with increased cancer risk. Goldstein's research has often involved large-scale epidemiological studies that integrate genetic data with lifestyle and environmental factors.

Research contributions

Goldstein's research has primarily focused on two major areas:

Melanoma

In the field of melanoma, Goldstein has been instrumental in identifying genetic variants that increase susceptibility to this type of skin cancer. Her studies have helped to elucidate the role of ultraviolet radiation exposure and genetic predisposition in melanoma risk. Goldstein's work has contributed to the development of genetic screening tools that can identify individuals at high risk for melanoma, enabling early intervention and prevention strategies.

Breast cancer

Goldstein has also conducted extensive research on breast cancer, particularly in understanding the genetic basis of familial breast cancer. Her work has involved the study of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, as well as other less common genetic variants that contribute to breast cancer risk. Goldstein's research has been crucial in advancing personalized medicine approaches for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Goldstein has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to cancer research. She is widely recognized as a leader in the field of genetic epidemiology and has been invited to speak at numerous international conferences.

Related pages

• Genetic epidemiology
• Cancer research
• National Cancer Institute
• Melanoma
• Breast cancer