My research focuses on the functional role of microRNA (miRNA) molecules in benign and malignant diseases of the female reproductive tract, in particular, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers.
Dr. Hawkins’ research laboratory focuses on benign and malignant diseases of the female reproductive tract (i.e., endometriosis, endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, and endometrial cancer) using clinical samples, genetically engineered mouse models, in vitro systems, three-dimensional tissue engineering techniques, and next-generation sequencing. MicroRNA molecules are 22-nucleotide single-stranded RNA molecules that function to repress networks of genes involved in impactful biologic functions.
Dr. Hawkins practices general obstetrics and gynecology and has a particular clinical interest in endometriosis.