She earned her PhD in molecular pathology and her research primarily focuses on the study of cell signaling pathways and the role of DNA damage and repair in oncogenesis and cancer prognosis. Dr. Queimado is making important discoveries in the mapping and quantification of DNA endogenous damage. With funding from OTRC, Dr. Queimado is using the DNA damage detection assay she developed to study the levels and localization of tobacco induced DNA damage among smokers, and among American Indian smokers in particular. The results of her studies will strengthen the importance of smoking cessation as well as establish a practical population screening assay for the identification of early biomarkers of cancer risk, leading to novel personalized preventive and early detection strategies. Her OTRC funded research has generated important preliminary data for research applications to the NIH.