Ivy Blog

“GBM is a disease that is very, very aggressive and very difficult for patients and their families to deal with,...

As a research technician, Jennifer Molloy plays a fundamental role in the Ivy Center's pharmacodynamic lab. With her background in biological sciences and experience as a research intern at the University of Arizona, Jen assists in the facilitation of collection and analysis of tissue for our Phase 0 clinical trials. Jen's passion for science and research makes her a invaluable asset for the Ivy Center team.

World-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Robert F. Spetzler, recalls his sister-in-law's diagnosis with glioblastoma and the personal connections that guided him through his career.

Artak Tovmasyan, PharmD, PhD, joined our team two years ago from Duke University with an extensive background in pharmaceutical chemistry making him a fierce asset to the Ivy Center's Phase 0 clinical trials program. As the director of the Ivy Center's Pharmacokinetics core, Dr. Tovmasyan is leading his laboratory in providing data to enable the most efficient treatment regimens for brain tumor patients.

As a neurosurgical resident, Charuta is paving the way for women in her field. At the age of seven, Charuta’s mother was diagnosed with a glioma. Since that moment, Charuta has committed her life to helping others who have been diagnosed with brain cancer.

For Terra, a research nurse at the Ivy Center, brain cancer became all too personal after learning that her brother-in-law was diagnosed with glioblastoma.

As an Ivy Navigator, Lynnea is a Phase 0 patient's first point of contact when they begin the initial process of enrolling in a study. Patients are guided by her as she helps to explain next steps and ease their stress as they prepare to meet the rest of their treatment team. Learn more about Lynnea and how she landed at the Ivy Center.

It was in the middle of his residency at Barrow Neurological Institute when Dr. Zaman Mirzadeh found out that his mother was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Looking back now, Dr. Mirzadeh recalls the pain from that experience and the invaluable life lesson his mother left him with which he continues to apply to his work at Barrow and the Ivy Center.

As a nurse navigator, Jacki provides patients and families comfort, information and resources in a difficult time. Her role at the Ivy Center utilizes her caring nature and expertise in research to help patients on the frontline of their battle with brain cancer.

For Barrow Neurological Institute President and CEO, Michael T. Lawton, MD, his work in the neurological field became deeply personal 13 years ago.