Lab Members
Sita Withers
After graduating with a veterinary degree from the University of Melbourne (Australia)
in 2008, Sita practiced in a mixed animal clinic in Far North Queensland for a year.
She then returned to Melbourne to pursue a small animal internship, and subsequently
moved to California to undertake a medical oncology residency at UC Davis. During
her residency she developed a keen interest in cancer research, which prompted her
pursuit of a PhD after becoming board certified in veterinary medical oncology. Her
PhD in Integrative Pathobiology enabled her to develop skills in pathology, immunology,
molecular biology, and flow cytometry. She spends about 30% of her work-life in the
Oncolocy clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and the remainder of her time
engaged in research. When she's not at work she enjoys hoarding plants, jogging, swimming,
practicing yoga, traveling and hanging out with her two dogs and two cats.
Cambri Moeller- Research Associate
Cambri graduated with her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Louisiana
at Lafayette in 2017 and went on to receive her Masters of Science in Biomedical Sciences
from Mississippi College in 2019. Although she is a Texas native, Cambri decided to
return to Louisiana and joined the Withers Research Lab in 2020. Since then, she has
been heavily involved in research within the lab centered on investigating the tumor
microenvironment in canine and human osteosarcoma. When asked, she said her favorite
part of the job is being able to give pets to the pups that she sees around campus
and when she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her own dog Sophie and her
one eyed cat named Jack.
Laura Hoffmann- Medical Oncology Veterinary Technician
Laura completed a Bachelor of Science at Louisiana State University in 2013. After
working many years in private practice and intensive care, she obtained her RVT and
joined the LSU Oncology Team! Laura’s hobbies outside of work include watercolor
painting, pottery, kayaking, photography, sewing, hiking, & camping. She enjoys spending
time with her guinea pigs, her dog “Kiwi”, & her cat “Mema”. While Laura's role is largely outside the lab, she assists the doctors in patient
enrollment, keeps study paperwork organized and current, and collects research samples.
Her favorite part of research is the discovery of novel information that can be utilized
to improve the community's understanding of a disease process and aid in the planning
of new, effective treatment options.
Christopher Robinson- Medical Oncology Resident
Dr. Robinson is a 3rd year Medical Oncology Resident from Georgia. He received his
undergraduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia.
In the Withers Lab, Dr. Robinson is interested in cancer biology and the influence
of the tumor microenvironment on cancer behavior. He is currently researching the
way different cytokines affect the immune microenvironment in canine osteosarcoma.
He enjoys research because it provides an opportunity to advance the field of veterinary
medicine.
Amber Moses- Medical Oncology Resident
Amber grew up in New Orleans and graduated from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
in 2019. After completing a rotating internship at Texas A&M College of Veterinary
Medicine, she spent a year working at a general and emergency care private practice
in Louisiana. She then completed an academic oncology internship and is now a 1st
year medical oncology resident at LSU. Her time at LSU has allowed her to further
explore laboratory research, and she has enjoyed participating in projects that are
striving to further understand cancer pathogenesis, and improve treatment protocols
of various canine cancers. Outside of the hospital, Amber enjoys spending time hiking
and kayaking with her husband and son, and relaxing with her two dogs and two cats.
Christine Goodermuth- Undergraduate Student Worker
Christine is currently attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge to earn
her undergraduate degree in animal science with a concentration in science and technology.
She is originally from Franklin, MA, but decided to come to Louisiana for college
due to more opportunities for hands-on experience in many different fields. She joined
the Withers Research Lab in June 2021 where she has been assisting with research that
studies the canine immune response to chemotherapy treatment.
Kaitlyn Perkins- Undergraduate Student Worker
Kaitlyn is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences and
minoring in Sociology. She grew up in New Orleans, LA. During her high school years,
she competed in different levels of science fairs and that is where her interests
grew in cancer research. Her particular interests are in cancer immunology, and she
aspires to be a physician scientist who focuses on pediatric oncology. While in Dr.
Withers lab, she works on developing spheroids and other 3D tumor models from human
osteosarcoma cell lines and determining the effects of different chemotherapeutics
on those models. She enjoys spending time with friends and being an advocate for children's
health with Dance Marathon at LSU. Back at home, she has one furry pup that she always
misses!
Brennan Naquin- Undergraduate Student Worker
As a junior undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Animal Sciences, Brennan hopes
to one day go to veterinary school to work towards a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
degree. Growing up in the deep south, Brennan has experience with a variety of animals
both in veterinary clinics and elsewhere, and he developed an interest in pursuing
veterinary oncology as a career. He presently works in Dr. Withers Comparative OncoImmunology
lab on the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine campus. His responsibilities include
helping with cell culture maintenance, protein extraction, and a range of different
experiments. Brennan's favorite part of working in research is the way it provides
him with experience in a field that interests and excites him, and the opportunities
to develop new lab skills. Outside of the lab, he loves gardening, hiking, reading,
and volunteering at nearby shelters.
Former Lab Members and Student Workers
- Victoria Costa - Medical oncology resident (2019-2022)
- Katie Groves - Rotating small animal medicine/surgery intern (2021-2022)
- Aimee Soileau - DVM student (2020-2021)
- Tricia Hu - Rotating small animal medicine/surgery intern (2020-2021)
- Cally Quick - Undergraduate student worker (2020-2022)
- Annie Bauman - Graduate student researcher (2019-2021)
- Jessica Schaumburg - Undergraduate student worker (2019-2020); DVM student (2020-onwards)
- Andrew Schleuter - Rotating small animal medicine/surgery intern (2019-2020)
- Sitanshu Singh- Graduate student in the LBRN Summer Research Program (2019)
- Shelby Baham - Undergraduate student in the LBRN Summer Research Program (2019)
- Raegan Abadie - Undergraduate student in the LBRN Summer Research Program (2019)