meet our team

• Postdoctoral Research, Breast Cancer - Women’s Cancer Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA (2011-2016)

• Ph.D., Pharmacology – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (2011)

• B.S., Genetics and Molecular Biology – University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (2006)

Matt was born and raised in the Detroit area, and spent 9 years in Ann Arbor during his undergraduate and graduate training – Michigan football may or may not have been a slight draw to stay in AA for as long as he did. The conclusion of his time in Michigan was frantic, as Matt defended, got married, finished his dissertation, and left for his postdoc in Pittsburgh within the span of ~2 months. After 5 years in Pittsburgh, Matt heeded the call of Horace Greeley to “Go West, young man” and took his family to Colorado, joining the Department of Pathology in August 2016.

When not writing grants, Matt is an amateur gardener, a (semi-retired) gamer, and wishes he were a more avid hiker.

• Ph.D., Cell and Molecular Biology – Colorado State University (2010)

• M.S., Biomedical Sciences – Colorado State University (2005)

• B.S., Biological Sciences – Colorado State University (2004)​

Joe was raised in what is now part of Centennial, CO.  Joe’s drive to cancer biology was initiated while working with Sky High Hope Camp – a week long summer camp for pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings.  He received his undergraduate and graduate training at Colorado State University.  Joe pursued a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan prior to returning to Colorado.

Outside of the lab, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelli, and two daughters, Isla and Norah.  The family enjoys going to the zoo, the mountains, and various activities around the front range.  In what little spare time exists, Joe enjoys photography, gardening, cooking, and the occasional movie.

• B.S., Chemistry; B.S., Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences – University of Hawai'i at Hilo (2019)

​Maddy grew up in a small farming town in western Washington. From early on she held an interest in life sciences and biology, which led to pursuing bachelor degrees in Cellular, Molecular, and Biological Sciences and Chemistry from the University of Hawai’i where she was introduced to (and fell in love with) cancer biology. While living in Hawai’i was idyllic, Maddy jumped at the opportunity to expand her education and experience in cancer biology by joining the Sikora Lab where she reigns as the self-declared Western Blot Queen. She has also developed a significant soft spot for the Wnt ligand WNT4 and studying its impact and importance in breast and ovarian cancers.  

When not elbow deep in immunoblots Maddy spends her time watching terrible movies, exploring local eateries, cooking, and discovering new board games with her husband Troy. She also enjoys traveling to visit family near and far in addition to adventuring around Colorado.   

• B.S., Biology - Lipscomb University (2014)

• Ph.D., Biological Sciences - Clemson University (2022)

• 2022-24 CU Anschutz Cancer Biology T32 Trainee

​Maggie grew up in Wyomissing, PA, and lived in the Southeast for 10 years before moving to Colorado. Maggie’s passion for cancer biology began in high school when her dad was diagnosed with fourth stage non-smoker's lung cancer. She was and is determined to reduce the physical, mental, and emotional hardships for families affected by cancer through research, outreach, and education. During her last year of graduate school, Maggie became a mom, defended her dissertation, and moved with her family across the country to begin a new exciting journey in the Sikora Lab.    

During free time, Maggie enjoys being outside- whether she’s training for a triathlon, going for walks (with her husband, Geoff, and son, Quill), or relaxing on the back porch.  

• B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Arabic Studies – University of Richmond (2022)

Sydney grew up in Lake Tahoe, California. She fell in love with science in the outdoor classes where her science teachers taught all about the nature around them. From collecting water samples from the creeks to analyzing novel therapeutic cancer treatments, she credits much of her success to her amazing teachers from elementary school to her AP chemistry teacher and the supportive chemistry/biology faculty she found at University of Richmond. Her career in cancer research began in the Pollock Lab and she is excited to continue that path with the Sikora Lab. When she’s not working, she’ll be enjoying the outdoors, reading, painting, playing guitar, skiing, and spending time with her friends. She intends on working towards an advanced degree but is currently focusing on her research. 

• B.S., Biomedical Sciences; Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Concentration. Colorado State University (2023)

Camryn grew up in Parker, Colorado and moved to Fort Collins in 2020 to study microbiology at Colorado State University. Research in the medical community has always been a passion of hers, and when she got the opportunity to be a part of cancer research and the field of women's health at the Sikora Lab, she couldn't be more excited. Camryn plans to continue her education through a masters program and medical school in the future.

Aside from the lab, Camryn loves to play and (attempt to) make music, read, and host game nights.

• B.S., Chemical & Biological Engineering - Colorado State University (2023)

Carmen grew up in Colorado Springs and has always had a love for math and science. Throughout her undergraduate career, she focused on applying engineering principles to solve biological problems and had a special interest in pharmaceuticals. After completing her BS, she felt compelled to explore the biomedical sciences more deeply, which led her to pursue a Master's in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology. She is particularly invested in breast cancer research because her mother is a survivor, and Carmen has made it her career goal to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment options. 

Outside of her studies, Carmen spends all of her time baking sourdough, weightlifting, taking her dog on hikes, and spending time with her husband Ben. 

• Ph.D., Cellular and Molecular Biology – Maynooth University, Ireland (2024)

• B.A., Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology – University of Colorado at Boulder (2016)

​Taylor grew up in Lone Tree, Colorado. Taylor's love of biology was inspired by high school biology teachers who focused on problem solving and critical thinking. After completing her B.A. at CU Boulder, Taylor began research in epithelial biology at the Anschutz campus. Continuing her work in epithelial biology, she moved to Ireland to complete a Ph.D. program at Maynooth University. Taylor is excited to be back in Colorado working in the Sikora and Bitler labs, helping to bring mechanistic insights to ovarian cancer and furthering the understanding of women's health.

Out of the lab, Taylor enjoys winding down by cooking and listening to music, spending time outside, and discovering new restaurants.

• B.S., Mechanical Engineering – Iowa State University (2017)

• M.S., Biomedical Engineering – University of Minnesota (2019)

• 2022 Endocrine Society REGMS Fellow

​Michael was born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa for the first 18 years of his life. Through his desire to help others and solve problems through the application of math and science, Michael initially began his career in mechanical engineering. However, throughout his time in undergraduate, the pull to medicine was constant and always in the back of his mind, eventually causing him to move to Minnesota for a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. During his time in Minnesota completing his master’s degree, not only did he find and marry his wife, but he also once again felt the desire to help patients directly. Because of this, Michael applied to medical school soon thereafter and started here at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 2021. 

Maddy was disturbingly good at this...

Sydney argues that it's all in the wrist.