My research interests focus on uncovering the molecular mechanisms driving cancer development and progression through detailed investigations into the regulatory mechanisms governing gene expression. While some genes important to cancer development have clear alterations in their genetic codes to explain changes in their expression in cells, some do not exhibit such defined defects. We want to understand this observation through the investigation of gene regulation in the context of the epigenetic landscape. I apply this approach to the study of the regulation and function of the oncogene GLI2. The overexpression of GLI2 has been identified in a variety of tumor types, and yet questions remain regarding the mechanisms of this overexpression. My laboratory seeks to describe and understand the molecular mechanisms governing the activity of the GLI2 gene in cancer cells.

As veterinary medical oncologist, I am also interested in how we can apply what is learned in the laboratory to our companion animals diagnosed with cancer. This dual approach to furthering our understanding of cancer allows the opportunity to interact with both basic science researchers as well as clinicians.

• 2009 - 2013     Mayo Graduate School, College of Medicine, PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• 2006 - 2009     North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Residency in Medical Oncology
• 2005 - 2006     University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, Rotating Small Animal Internship,
• 2001 - 2005     Iowa State University, DVM
• 1997 - 2001     Iowa State University College of Agriculture, BS with Honors and Distinction, Agricultural Biochemistry

Dr. McCleary-Wheeler completed her Ph.D. in 2014 in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Mayo Graduate School College of Medicine.  She is a 2011 Board Certified Oncologist and served for three years as a medical oncology resident at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine following a rotating small animal internship at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005-2006.  She received her DVM form Iowa State University.

Dr. McCleary-Wheeler’s research interests focus on uncovering the molecular mechanisms driving cancer development and progression through detailed investigations into the regulatory mechanisms governing gene expression.  She applies this approach to the study of the regulation and function of the oncogene GLI2.  Her laboratory seeks to describe and understand the molecular mechanisms governing the activity of the GLI2 gene in cancer cells. 

As veterinary medical oncologist, Dr. McCleary-Wheeler is also interested in how we can apply what is learned in the laboratory to our companion animals diagnosed with cancer, providing an opportunity to interact with both basic science researchers as well as clinicians. Finally, she enjoys teaching and interacting with students and trainees both in the laboratory and the clinic settings.

    Please select the PubMed link for a list of Dr. McCleary-Wheeler's publications.

• 2011     Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Medical Oncology
• 2011     Mayo Graduate School Student Symposium, Outstanding Poster Presentation, Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology Track
• 2009     Winston High Coat of Excellence, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

• American Association of Cancer Research – Active Member
• American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Oncology

• American Veterinary Medical Association

• American Veterinary Medical Association, Student Chapter, 2001-2005 (President 2004)

• Cornell University Comparative Cancer Biology Training Program

• Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, 2005-2007  

• Veterinary Cancer Society

• Weill Cornell Medicine Cancer Center