Responsibility at the KTB:

Principal Investigator, Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank

Contact Information:

mlcote@iu.edu

Other Roles: 

Dr. Carrie Ann Glasscock West Chair in Breast Carcinogenesis, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Professor of Epidemiology, Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health

Responsibility at the KTB:

Founding Director, Senior Advisor

Contact Information:

astornio@iu.edu

Other Roles: 

Catherine Peachey Breast Cancer Prevention Program Professor of Clinical Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, IU School of Medicine

Responsibility at the KTB:

Chief Operating Officer

Contact Information:

jihenry@iupui.edu

Why do you do what you do? Or what brought you here?

I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Storniolo in my previous life as Board Development Chair of the Komen Indianapolis Affiliate. When I was looking for a career change, this opportunity was available and I remembered Dr. Storniolo talking about it with such passion. I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful organization.I have been involved with the local Komen Indianapolis Affiliate for years and have developed a passion for the breast cancer cause. I am lucky not to have had any family members afflicted with breast cancer so far, but after all this time in the field, I have made many friends who are breast cancer survivors.

Favorite KTB story/experience?

There are so many! I would say my favorite times are during blood and tissue collection events, when things are going smoothly and we have time to chat with donors as they go through the process. They are always so grateful to be able to make a contribution to breast cancer research. It is a very heartwarming experience. We always enjoy reading the stories that donors include in our journal of why they donated.

Other passions in life:

My amazing daughter, Rachel Claire. Travel, reading, scrapbooking, blogging, cooking, spending time outside (when it is warm out), meeting new people.

People would be surprised to know that you…

I was really shy in high school…and a wild and crazy girl in college. Now — a happy medium!

Ice cream or pizza?

Both! Pizza with olives for dinner and mocha ice cream for dessert!

Responsibility at the KTB:

Communication and Minority Recruitment Coordinator 

Contact Information:

317-274-4051 | keridley@iupui.edu

Why do you do what you do? Or what brought you here?

I was in a job where I felt I was no longer learning, and in which the stress was increasing but the rewards were diminishing. I came here because I was excited at the idea of being in a position where I learn new things on a daily basis, and where my skills can really be put to use. This job stoked a passion for research I did not know I had. I pursued and received my Masters while working for the KTB, and am now a researcher in my own right, seeking my PhD . You can find my publications on ResearchGate.

Favorite KTB story/experience?

I was asked to make a master copy of our donor journal – the book in which the women who come to give their breast tissue write down why they are there. That job took a long time. I had to flip pages and re-position the book between the copies, so I would see some of the entries. After a while I just gave up and sat down to read…what powerful stories. Some came in memory of a loved one, some came to support a friend or family member, but I was most struck by those who came simply because they are healthy and thriving, and finally feel that they can help. There are very few things worse than feeling helpless.

Other passions in life:

My family and friends, of course. I’m also passionate about traveling, acting, reading, music, and trying new things.

People would be surprised to know that you…

Actually can sit quietly and do very little. Not for long, but I can do it.

Ice cream or pizza?

Definitely ice cream.

Responsibility at the KTB:

Event and Regulatory Coordinator

Contact Information:

317-274-3900 | jurmccar@iupui.edu

Why do you do what you do? Or what brought you here?

I feel like it was fate that brought me to the KTB and an absolute sense of rightness once I got here. I have learned so much about not only the world of breast cancer research, but about myself. I have really grown into my own with the help of my KTB family. We have so many stories of courageous women and their battle with this disease that it is not hard to feel like working here is making a difference. What could be better than a job that makes you feel like that? It’s almost selfish.

Favorite KTB story/experience?

I have many from over the years, but my favorite moment was being able to not only donate tissue during Indy Super Cure and be a part of the largest tissue event in KTB history, but I was able to do it with my mother on her birthday. She was over-the-moon excited to celebrate her birthday by giving herself and her time for others, just a testament to the many donors we have in our study. It was an emotional weekend for many reasons, but when I was driving home later that evening to have a celebratory birthday dinner with my family, I knew I would also be rejoicing in the fact that we accomplished such an amazing goal to advancing research and awareness.

Other passions in life:

Cooking and reading, but my true blessing in life is being close to my family.

People would be surprised to know that you…

Don’t overly enjoy dessert, hence my answer to the proceeding question.

Ice cream or pizza?

Hands down pizza, whether I’m indulging in the real carb feast or trying crusts made out of zucchini, it’s still a treat!

Responsibility at the KTB:

Biospecimen Manager

Contact Information:

317-274-2284 | rgerman@iu.edu

Why do you do what you do? Or what brought you here?

I am the Biospecimen Manger. My responsibility is to process, bank and distribute specimens and to help researchers to identify their study cohorts. Prior to this position, I worked at the KTB research lab using the KTB healthy tissues to study molecular alterations in the breast associated with breast cancer risks and susceptibility. I am grateful to be part of this unique Biobank that helps researchers around the globe to study breast cancer disease and help curing it.

Favorite KTB story/experience?

My first tissue collection event in NYC were I also had the chance to donate blood and tissue to the KTB. It was an intense 2 days of hard work of the KTB team together with hundreds of volunteers. Since I was working with the tissues in the lab, I was constantly practicing the great impact of the KTB healthy tissues bank in breast cancer research and greatly appreciate the women who donated.

Other passions in life:

Spending time with family and friends, gardening, and cooking.

People would be surprised to know that you…

I took a few years off the lab bench and opened my own floral business. I enjoyed the creativity of making the arrangements and making people smile to the sight of my flowers.

Ice cream or pizza?

Pizza.

Responsibility at the KTB:

Data Specialist and Program Assistant

Contact Information:

317-274-2366 | alisnide@iu.edu

Why do you do what you do? Or what brought you here?

I was working at IU as an administrative assistant in pediatric research when my neighbor told me about an opening where she worked-at the Komen Tissue Bank. I decided to apply and see what happened. I got the job! Now I am working with some of the most dedicated and caring individuals who would love to be out of work because breast cancer has been eradicated. We are not there yet but through the study of NORMAL, that is a hope. I like being at the KTB because it is a supportive environment where everyone pitches in and gets the job done. 

Favorite KTB story/experience?

My first event was 11/3/18 and it was eye opening. The coordination of all the volunteers that it takes to put on a Tissue Collection Event is a marvel to witness. The dedication and the general atmosphere of the event are indescribable. I was able to observe several different areas and see the whole experience from check in to check out.  

Other passions in life:

Traveling with my husband on small road trips and large adventures and spending time with family. I also like going out to eat and trying out new places. 

People would be surprised to know that you…

I met one of my favorite authors, Kurt Vonnegut, and heard him give the commencement speech at Butler’s Graduation in May of 1996. 

Ice cream or pizza?

Pizza

Responsibility at the KTB:

Application Developer

Contact Information:

srysdyk@iu.edu

Why do you do what you do? Or what brought you here?

My job is to develop and maintain the applications and databases the KTB uses to manage all its data. It is important for me to work with an organization that is doing good in the world and that describes the KTB. I'm a Michigan native, but I like Indianapolis. It's is a great, goldilocks city – not too big, not too small; not too hot, not too cold; cool things to do, but still affordable.

Favorite KTB story/experience?

We held a big tissue donation event on my first week here. It was a great way to become quickly immersed in one of the KTB’s big functions. During the event, donors were sharing stories of why they chose to donate and that really reinforced the importance of the KTB and cancer research.

Other passions in life:

When not staring at a computer screen, I like to get outside. Cycling and running are my day-to-day hobbies. Travels usually involve national parks.

People would be surprised to know that you…

I am a ‘retired’ lawyer. I enjoyed law school, but never quite developed a passion for the grind of actual practice. After graduating and passing the bar, I decided to pursue a career in my hobby of programming.

Ice cream or pizza?

Supreme Pizza!

Responsibility at the KTB:

Data Analyst

Contact Information:

jencui@iu.edu

Why do you do what you do? Or what brought you here?

I am interested in data, research and technology. I do not feel bored in this position. IU and KTB provide various opportunities for learning and growth in career. I also feel the research in KTB is really meaningful.

Favorite KTB story/experience?

I feel KTB is a place where you can get a lot of support and inspiration. I am inspired by the braveness and selflessness of all the volunteers. I appreciate the rich personalities of my teammates. Some are profoundly philosophical, some are outrageously humorous, some are unbelievably versatile, some are extraordinarily wise, some are extremely friendly and some are amazingly creative. I feel lucky to work with all of them.

Other passions in life:

My son and daughter. I also like movies, trying out food from different countries, and developmental psychology.

People would be surprised to know that you…

I was a tomboy when I was a young kid, but I felt calming down after entering my adolescence. It seems quite contrary to the development of most people.

Ice cream or pizza?

Ice cream

Responsibility at the KTB:

Consumer Advocate

Contact Information:

labaxte@iu.edu

About Latrice:

Hi everyone! My name is Latrice Baxter and I am privileged to share the role of Consumer Advocate! In 1998, my mom's best friend died from complications of breast cancer. Ten years later, I participated in the Komen Race for the Cure Walk. Seeing a sea of pink shirts and realizing it was 10 years since my mom's best friend died probably triggered my desire to do more than wear a pink pin in October. I learned about the KTB when someone made a presentation at my church about the importance of donating healthy breast tissue for research for a cure for breast cancer. This was my chance to help and it was one of the most meaningful and emotional things I've done so far in my 43 years. I was amazed at the camaraderie and the energy at the site! I left in tears, happy tears at the small impact I had for women who look like me, my goddaughter, my children's daughters, my cousin in law and her daughters...all from one little donation. A few years later, I had the opportunity to volunteer with KTB directly on the Super Saver project and at a KTB donor event which led to involvement with the Minority Recruitment Team. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought a brief presentation would have led me here and I could not be more excited, invigorated, and ready to serve.

I've lived in Indiana since 2006 after I graduated from grad school. The two-year stint I thought I would make in the Midwest has parlayed into a career change, purchasing a home, and starting a private practice. I am a proud native of Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection! Most of my family is in Philly but I visit when I'm able especially during the holidays. I am a mental health therapist and recently started a private practice which has been challenging but a great adventure. I've worked in mental health since 2013 and worked in Human Resources for about 12 years prior to my career change.

My happy place is exercise, cooking, and watching anime (don't judge me, it's great!), HGTV, and the Food Network. At this point in my life, joy comes from serving and learning to enjoy myself, my life and this path God has meticulously and masterfully laid out for me. I look forward to learning and growing in this role with my fellow Advocates Gena and Nicole!