Rachel Commander, PhD
Program Manager
Cell Biology and Preclinical Cancer Research Program
Why I'm a Cancer Researcher
I got started in cancer research because I was drawn to the intricate biology. At ACS, I hope to broaden my understanding and my impact.”
At ACS since 2021
As a Program Manager for the Extramural Discovery Science team, Rachel Commander, PhD, manages the grant application and peer review process for the Cell Biology and Preclinical Cancer Research Program. She also facilitates communication about the research we have invested in and manages the portfolio of active grants and constituent relationships with scientific volunteers, stakeholders, and grantees.
Research focus and accomplishments
Rachel’s research experience has centered around translational science, with an emphasis on drug discovery and cellular mechanisms of invasion and metastasis. Her favorite aspect of this work is learning about emerging tools and technologies for recreating the 3D tumor microenvironment in the lab.
Publications
For a full list of her publications, see Rachel Commander-Google Scholar.
Contact
Work before ACS
- Emory University, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Project Manager
Education
- PhD: Cancer Biology, Emory University, 2020
- MS: Human Genetics, Tulane University, 2011
- BS: Biology, Emory University, 2009
Personal life
I love exploring Atlanta locales with my husband and cozying up at home with our pets.