McDonald Lab

At the core of our lab’s mission is a commitment to understanding the biological foundations of breast cancer etiology and developing meaningful strategies for its prevention. We take a lifecourse approach, recognizing that breast cancer risk is shaped over time—beginning even before birth—and that prevention must consider the full arc of a woman’s life.

Our research focuses on critical windows of breast development—the prenatal, pubertal, and postpartum periods—when the mammary gland undergoes intense biological changes and may be particularly vulnerable to carcinogenic influences. By studying these windows of susceptibility, we aim to uncover the underlying molecular and epidemiologic mechanisms that initiate and promote breast cancer, with the goal of translating this knowledge into effective, evidence-based strategies for risk reduction.

We are equally committed to ensuring that our work reaches beyond the lab. Through a wide range of training programs, community partnerships, and educational outreach, we aim to foster inclusive pathways into biomedical science and co-create solutions rooted in equity.