My research is focused on the integrated actions of steroid hormones and growth factor-activated protein kinases in breast cancer. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) are context-dependent transcription factors that are important for normal breast development. These hormones, when abnormally elevated, contribute to breast cancer risk and drive early tumor progression. The presence of abnormally activated ERs and imbalanced/activated PR isoforms in breast tumors can dramatically influence response to therapies. Notably, all steroid receptors including closely related (to PR) glucocorticoid receptors (GR) act as ?growth factor sensors? that are heavily phosphorylated by mitogenic protein kinases (ERKs, CK2, CDK2) frequently activated in breast and reproductive cancers. Phosphorylation events alter promoter selection and influence cancer cell fate by activation of proliferative and pro-survival genes that encode both autocrine and paracrine factors. Targeting multiple signaling molecules in addition to steroid hormone receptors is predicted to halt cancer progression, prevent recurrence, and increase patient survival. I have nearly 25 years experience in mechanisms of signal transduction related to cancer biology and altered cell fate, and the regulation of proteins by post-translational modifications. I have routinely developed new reagents and employed biochemistry and molecular biology techniques to study hormone action and gene regulation related to cancer biology and tumor progression. I have primarily worked in solid tumor (primarily breast or ovarian) models that utilize human cancer cell lines, genetically modified mouse models, and human tumor explants. I have contributed to the training and career development of numerous student and postdoctoral trainees and junior faculty in my leadership roles within the University of Minnesota where I serve as the Director of the Cancer Biology Training Grant (NIH/NCI T32) and the Cell Signaling Program within the Masonic Cancer Center. I currently serve as Vice President of Basic Science for the Endocrine Society (ES) and am a standing member of the Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology (MCE) NIH Study Section.