LaTerrica Williams Yarbrough

I am a research associate in the Precision Medicine Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Currently, I am overseeing the initiation and function of a breast cancer clinical laboratory. I use digital droplet PCR to identify and analyze patient specific circulating tumor DNA via liquid biopsies in metastatic breast cancer patients. We collect blood samples at several occasions to assess future biomarker development to predict the risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients with high-risk triple negative breast cancer.

With my degree I have the ability to recognize and contribute to both the basic science and clinical perspectives of this project. Working in a precision medicine laboratory has afforded me the opportunity to drive laboratory findings into new therapeutic approaches. My ultimate goal is to see change not only at the bench but also at the bedside.

My long-term goal is to become a vital part of the breast center’s clinical laboratory focusing on the development of novel, targeted therapies to improve the outcome for metastatic breast cancer patients, who do not benefit from current therapies, and to reduce short- and long-term treatment-related complications.