The Protumorigenic Role of Caspase-8 in Neuroblastoma

Abstract

DEDICATIONThis dissertation is dedicated to my wonderful parents who have given immeasurable love, devotion, guidance, and sacrifice throughout the years on my behalf and have helped to make this achievement possible.A special dedication is extended to my lovely wife, who without her, none of this would have been possible. Through her unselfish love, devotion, and personal sacrifice for me and our family, she has been my strength, my support, and my motivation to endure when times got hard. To my wonderful children (Camryn, Leigha, Ethan, McKenna, and Hayden) who have kept me focused on what matters most in life.iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work would not have been possible without the mentorship of Dr. Jill Lahti, who lost her battle to breast cancer. Dr. Jill Lahti was a great mentor who allowed a young scientist, such as me, to explore and develop my technique, logic, and scientific reasoning. I regret that she could not be here to see this work completed. I appreciate her willingness to accept me into her lab and work on her project as my own. She was always willing to listen to my ideas and theories, no matter how extravagant, and always encouraged me to explore many of those ideas.Special thanks are extended to my current mentor Dr. Gerard Zambetti who was gracious enough to adopt me into his lab. I appreciate all the work he did behind the scenes to keep me at St. Jude long enough to complete my dissertation. Dr. Zambetti is an incredible mentor who is constantly urging me to challenge my hypothesis and myself as a researcher. He has given me great insight and understanding as to how be a good scientist, constantly questioning and challenging the hypothesis. Dr. Zambetti instilled in me a stronger desire to improve as a scientist each time we met. I am also very