Over the past years of my career in scientific research, I have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to a career in cancer research, with my interests gradually maturing to focus on translation research that can lead to directly benefit cancer patients. I am currently a Staff Scientist in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis. My research involves drug development, discovery of novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies for cancer. I have discovered a novel cancer therapeutic target (TAF15) that has never been considered for lung cancer therapy before. I have shown that antibody-based targeting of this cancer specific molecular target leads to direct cell death. In the current proposal I will be developing monoclonal antibodies against the radiation-inducible antigen TAF15