News

Up Close and Personal: IU Simon Cancer Research Team

BY Ruth Cook, Contributing Writer

Indianapolis, Indiana (October 8, 2010) — The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research Laboratories at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis opened in January of 2009 where a team of talented researchers works daily toward a future free from breast cancer. Meet some of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center researchers.

Janet Carpenter, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N.

Dr. Carpenter is a behavioral scientist with many talents! She plays the cello and clarinet, does needlepoint and crewelwork, is a gourmet cook according to her husband, and has mastered some advanced yoga poses in her spare time. To unwind, she enjoys lemon drop martinis and has a zest for living life to its fullest that few can match!

Dr. Skaar is a research scientist who is using “applied microbiology” for the hobby he engages in during rare down time – brewing his own beer! He brews wheat beer at home when not playing the role of soccer dad, playing sports himself, or watching the Green Channel or “American Idol” with his children. The mound of Cherry Coke cans in his office is misleading … he shares that he’s more of a Mountain Dew and Shredded Wheat guy, and that the cans are all about collecting cans and recycling in the lab. Dr. Skaar recommends the book The Hot Zone, saying that he “couldn’t put it down.”

Dr. Flockhart, a clinical pharmacologist, is a true Renaissance Man. Born in Scotland, he plays the violin and guitar, makes time for his three children, and carries passports from the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. He enjoys travel with his family and has also made several work-related and humanitarian trips to China to explore why that country has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the world.

Robert Hickey, Ph.D.

Dr. Hickey, or “my beloved Bob” as his wife and research partner, Dr. Linda Malkas fondly calls him, is a research scientist and a true gentleman. Outside of “working on becoming a pilot forever,” this Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels look-alike is an amateur radio operator. Dr. Hickey built the home that he and Dr. Malkas share, putting his carpentry skills to excellent use. He has come a long way from his days as a steamfitter in the Local 638 in New York City!

Theresa Guise, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Guise, an endocrinologist, is the kind of woman other women look to for beauty advice. While she practices yoga, she says she drinks too much coffee, works too much, and has trouble saying “no.” Her bad habits don't show on her face thanks to good hydration habits. She enjoys scuba diving and underwater photography, and has traveled the globe pursuing her passion. Her images from the Galapagos Islands, the Mediterranean, Japan, Spain and the Caribbean capture the artistic and thoughtful way she also approaches her research.

Mircea Ivan, M.D., Ph.D.

Hailing from Romania, Dr. Ivan, a laboratory scientist, graduated only one year behind Dr. Daniela Matei, a fellow IUSCC researcher also from Romania. Dr. Ivan has two children, and relies on coffee and sunshine for quick pick-me-ups. He has converted his loyalties to the Indianapolis Colts, forsaking the New England Patriots. Dedicated to his research, he says, “Thinking of it while I am driving, dreaming, and even sleepwalking is the nature of our trade!”