Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Day is investigating how bacteria called Prevotella contribute to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common type of oral cancer. These bacteria are found in higher numbers in the mouths of people with OSCC compared to healthy individuals, and studies suggest they may promote tumor growth and make cancer treatment more difficult. When patients undergo surgery to remove oral tumors, these bacteria can form resistant communities called biofilms that survive antibiotic treatment, increasing the risk of post-surgical infections. By developing genetic tools to study Prevotella, Dr. Day aims to identify how these bacteria persist in cancer environments and potentially discover new ways to improve OSCC treatment outcomes. Dr. Day received her PhD from the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, and her BS from the University of Missouri, Columbia.