Dr. Altomare is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cancer Research in the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. She has an extensive background as a cancer biologist, in working with animal models of cancer and in defining protein signaling pathways. Dr. Altomare also studies novel treatments to control tumor growth and spreading in models that recapitulate human cancer.
Investigations have focused on the study and therapeutic targeting of oncogenic, over-active and pro-survival pathways, such as those involving Akt1 and Akt2 serine threonine kinases and also downstream mTOR kinase. Following molecular targeted strategies, tumor cells can be analyzed for an overall effect on cell viability, cell cycle progression or cell death in response to chemotherapeutic treatment. Projects currently focus on a genetically predisposed animal model for pancreatic cancer, the role of inflammation in pancreatic cancer and the analysis of innate immunity and other novel therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer.
Dr. Altomare has an additional role as the scientific Director of the Transgenic Facility, which is part of the UCF animal care program that is accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International. Dr. Altomare also is a member of the UCF Graduate School faculty, and works in teaching and training both undergraduate and graduate students.
Select recent professional awards and honors include:
2014 Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences Research Mentor of the Year, UCF
2013 Early-Career Women Professional Development Series, American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC)
2012 Women Faculty Nominated by Deans, Directors and Chairs, Center for Success of Women Faculty at UCF