JULIA ZIEBRO : FROM CANCER SURVIVOR TO CANCER RESEARCHER
■❚ EDUCATION & TRAINING
SCIENTISTS OF TOMORROW
JULIA ZIEBRO : FROM CANCER SURVIVOR TO CANCER RESEARCHER
Julia Ziebro , a researcher at the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and a doctoral candidate
In 2022 , Ziebro received the Mary Ann Harvard NextGen Predoctoral Scholar Award for her project “ Therapeutic targeting of epigenetic adaptation to EGFR inhibition in glioblastoma .”
In March 2012 , Julia Ziebro learned firsthand the devastating impacts of cancer . At the age of 15 , she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma , a rare cancer that affects the abdominal lining . After less than a year of treatment , Ziebro ’ s cancer went into remission , leaving a permanent impact on her life and career trajectory .
Driven by her own diagnosis , Ziebro ’ s early fascination with biology and chemistry evolved into a passion for cancer research . In 2014 , she began her studies at Northern Kentucky University ( NKU ), located near her home in Cincinnati , Ohio . There , she began her studies in a biochemistry research lab under the guidance of Professor Michael Guy , Ph . D .
“ In Dr . Guy ’ s lab , I developed a sense of independence that prepared me for graduate school ,” Ziebro said . “ I wasn ’ t afraid of making mistakes in that lab , and I think that ’ s a really important aspect of mentorship — not making your trainees feel like the products of their research are the only things that are of value .”
Working with Guy proved to be an invaluable experience for Ziebro . Through his lab , she conducted research in Romania during the summer of 2017 . For two and a half months , Ziebro studied how the different components of a chemical found in a cleaning agent affected its ability to remain potent under various conditions .
After graduating from NKU in 2018 , Ziebro ’ s passion for cancer research led her to the Graduate Biomedical Sciences program at UAB . “ This is the gold standard ,” Ziebro
A philanthropic priority of the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center ’ s Young Supporters Board , the Mary Ann Harvard NextGen Predoctoral Scholar Award supports the training of future scientific leaders in cancer research . said , sharing her appreciation for how the program welcomes students from diverse training backgrounds and how it recognizes that the fundamental thought process of a good scientist remains consistent regardless of technical experience .
Ziebro is now a researcher at the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and a doctoral candidate . In 2020 , she joined the lab of C . Ryan Miller , M . D ., Ph . D ., where she continues her Ph . D . work with aspirations of a career in the biotech industry .
Ziebro ’ s work currently focuses on glioblastoma and how genetics influence the response of brain tumors to treatment . Her research aims to understand how tumors may adapt and become resistant to treatment . By exploring combination therapies , she hopes to prevent tumor resistance while tailoring treatment plans based on individual patients ’ tumor genetics .
In 2022 , Ziebro was named a Mary Ann Harvard NextGen Awardee , which provided financial support to advance her research and training .
“ This award provided support for my training in the form of a stipend as well as academic enrichment funds that I will be using to attend the Society for Neuro-Oncology annual conference ,” Ziebro said . “ I am very excited to have this opportunity to present my work , learn about all of the cutting-edge work being done in my field , and network with other investigators to share ideas and forge collaborations .”
From cancer survivor to cancer researcher , Ziebro ’ s journey is a testament to the importance of mentoring and supporting young researchers at the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center . Ziebro ’ s tenacity has led her to explore innovative therapies that pave the way for more effective treatments in the fight against cancer .
— HOLLY DUNN
14 | O ’ NEAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER