Mentor: Adam Dupuy, PhD

Comprehensive Exam:

Understanding the role of RAC1P29S mutation in cutaneous melanoma progression and therapy response

Publications:

Riordan JD, Nathanson TA, Varzavand A, Hawkins AA, Peplinski RM, Hannan EC, et al. A critical role of FAK signaling in Rac1-driven melanoma cell resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition. Oncogene. Dec 2025;44(46):4520-4532. doi:10.1038/s41388-025-03603-w

Peplinski RM, Riordan JD, Schillo JL, Hannan EC, Pedra Nobre S, Lyons YA, et al. Co-targeting the PI3K-Akt pathway improves response to MEK inhibition in low-grade serous ovarian cancer cell lines. Gynecol Oncol 2025; 204:194-201.

Presentations:

June 2026: Hannan EC, Peplinski RM, Riordan JD, Dupuy AJ. I Investigating the role of RAC1 mutation in cutaneous melanoma differentiation and immunogenicity. Poster session presented at: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Retreat; 2026 June 15; Coralville, IA. 

June 2026: Investigating the role of RAC1 mutation in cutaneous melanoma differentiation and immunogenicity. University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Annual Retreat

February 2026: Investigating the role of RAC1 mutation in cutaneous melanoma differentiation and immunogenicity. University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Seminar Series