BIOMARKER DISCOVERY IN EARLY STAGE BREAST CANCER USING PROTEOMICS TECHNOLOGIES

This thesis would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of my thesis advisor, Dr. Mu Wang. Under his supervision I chose this topic and began the thesis. My thanks and appreciation go to him for persevering with me as my advisor throughout the time it took me to complete this research and write the thesis. It was a valuable experience working under his guidance. Sincerest appreciation also goes to my committee members, Dr. Sonal Sanghani, Dr. Frank A. Witzmann, and Dr. Jinsam You, for having generously given their time and expertise to improve my work. I thank them for their contribution and their good-natured support. I would like to thank Monarch LifeSciences for providing facilities and financial support. I also would like to thank Dr. Kerry Bemis for assistance on statistical analysis and also the other members of Monarch LifeSciences. My research experience would not have been successful and enjoyable without support from them. I cannot end without thanking my family, my husband Xigang Li and my daughter Yingxue, their constant encouragement and love I have relied throughout my time at the Academy. It is to them that I dedicate this work. i