Jonine Figueroa

Jonine Figueroa is a renowned epidemiologist and geneticist known for her significant contributions to the field of breast cancer research. She is currently affiliated with the University of Edinburgh, where she serves as a Senior Research Fellow in the Usher Institute.

Early Life and Education

Figueroa was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She completed her undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Puerto Rico, before moving to the United States to pursue her graduate studies. She earned her PhD in genetics from the Johns Hopkins University, where she specialized in the study of genetic epidemiology.

Career and Research

Following her graduation, Figueroa joined the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States as a postdoctoral fellow. At NCI, she focused her research on the genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to the development of glioma, a type of brain tumor.

In 2013, Figueroa moved to the United Kingdom to join the University of Edinburgh. Her current research at the Usher Institute focuses on the genetic and epigenetic factors involved in breast cancer. She is particularly interested in understanding how these factors interact with environmental and lifestyle factors to influence breast cancer risk and prognosis.

Figueroa's work has been widely recognized for its potential to improve breast cancer prevention and treatment strategies. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in prestigious scientific journals and has been invited to speak at several international conferences.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Figueroa has received several awards and honors for her contributions to the field of cancer research. These include the Young Investigator Award from the American Association for Cancer Research and the Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Cancer Institute.

Personal Life

Figueroa is a strong advocate for increasing diversity in the scientific community. She is actively involved in mentoring young scientists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.