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I am interested in investigating the mechanisms of tumor cell intravasation by implementing established and developing new microscopy technologies, combined with advanced image analysis and modeling into a “systems microscopy” approach. My focus is on visualization and analysis of tumor cell behavior as it relates to tumor microenvironment and its spatial and temporal changes, including tissue remodeling by tumor cells themselves. Utilizing several novel microscopy-based techniques of my own combined with classical cell biology, I was led to interest in integrating interactions of tumor cells with extracellular matrix, macrophages, endothelial cells and pericytes into a systems-level network of biologically relevant in- and out- signals to decipher how these interactions lead to intravasation and subsequent metastasis. The goal I wish to achieve is to be able to predict tumor cell decisions, which are a dynamical, ever-changing outcome of multiple biomechanical and biochemical signals from different cell-based and matrix-based sources. I believe this approach will take me towards a detailed, mechanistic understanding of intravasation and metastasis, as well as direct me towards novel therapeutic targets within the tumor microenvironment. I think the ideal perspective is a result of the iteration between molecular and cell biology, imaging and computational/systems methods.