We Take Cancer Personally

Our mission is to see a world free of the devastating effects of BRCA-related cancers.

Innovative Research

By advancing genetics research, carriers of BRCA mutations can live longer, healthier lives. The Basser Center continues to establish a far-reaching network of scientists, geneticists, and physicians dedicated to successfully treating BRCA-related cancers, and preventing them altogether.

Education and Genetic Counseling

The Basser Center is a place where families can turn for education and genetic counseling. We are a leader in raising awareness, which is currently the most effective way to save lives and provide options to those affected by a BRCA mutation.

Generous Support

The Basser Center for BRCA was established at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center in 2012 by Penn alumni Mindy and Jon Gray, whose total giving to the center is $110 million. Their visionary gift grows stronger every day through the commitment of our generous donors and philanthropic partners.

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Our Team

Led by Executive Director Susan Domchek, MD, the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is home to researchers, physicians and genetic counselors who are leaders in the field of hereditary cancers. Dedicated to eradicating BRCA-related cancers, the Basser Center builds upon the strengths of the Abramson Cancer Center’s formidable cancer genetics, vaccine research, and oncology programs.

Basser Center Leadership

Internal Advisory Board

External Advisory Board

  • Chair
  • Allison Kurian, MD, MSc 
    Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Population Health at Stanford University 
  • Alan Ashworth, PhD
    Director of UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Olivera J. Finn, PhD
    Distinguished Professor at University of Pittsburgh, Departments of Immunology and Surgery
  • Judy Garber, MD, MPH
    Director of Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Andrew Godwin, PhD
    Deputy Director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center
  • John Petrini, PhD
    Chair of the Molecular Biology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Institute

Clinical Staff

  • Angela Bradbury, MD 
    Medical Oncologist
  • Bryson Katona, MD, PhD
    Gastroenterologist
  • Daniel Lee, MD, MS
    Urologist
  • Kara Maxwell, MD, PhD
    Medical Oncologist
  • Vivek Narayan, MD, MS
    Medical Oncologist
  • Kim Reiss-Binder, MD
    Medical Oncologist
  • Mersedeh Rohanizadegan, MD, MPH
    Assistant Professor, Medical Genetics
  • Payal Shah, MD
    Medical Oncologist

     
  •  
  • Avi Anantharajah, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor II
  • Jackie Cappadocia, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor
  • Jessica Ebrahimzadeh, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor III
  • Marlene Edmonds, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor II
  • Dana Farengo Clark, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor III
  • Mosetta Harris, MSN, CRNP
    Oncology Nurse Practitioner
  • Jessica Long, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor III
  • Derek Mann, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor II
  • Joanna Mercado, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor II
  • Kimberly Molinari, CRNP, MSN
    Oncology Nurse Practitioner
  • Jacquelyn Powers, MS, LCGC
    Associate Director of Genetic Counseling
  • Kelsey Spielman, MS, LCGC
    Genetic Counselor II

Administrative Staff

  • Lauren Cuff
    Genetic Counseling Assistant
  • Jamie Brower
    Associate Director of Clinical Research
  • Hannah Bush
    Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Sabrina Davila
    Patient Services Associate
  • Sydney Drumheller 
    Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Jelisa Johnson
    Clinical Research Assistant
  • Rhonda Kitlas Gillette
    Research Project Manager
  • Carleigh Keegan
    Genetic Counseling Assistant
  • Patricia Lafferty
    Program Coordinator
  • Caitlin Orr
    Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Erica Petrone
    Sr. Digital Content Coordinator
  • Samantha Pipito
    Genetic Counseling Assistant
  • Veronica Rodriguez
    Outreach Coordinator
  • Maliha Tayeb
    Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Catherine Wolfe
    Clinical Research Coordinator

Development Staff

  • Laura Rostock
    Executive Director of Development
  • Carolyn Brown
    Sr. Associate Director of Development & Community Engagement
  • Dorothy Mejia-Smith
    Sr. Associate Director of Development & Communications
  • Karleigh Rose Pettit
    Director of Development
  • Brian Schwabenland
    Associate Director of Development

Over a Decade of Progress: Hope for Generations to Come

We’re proud to share Basser's latest progress report, which shares the ways that over 10 years of science, education, and community have dramatically changed the future for BRCA mutation carriers and their families.

Read the Progress Report

VIEW PAST PROGRESS REPORTS