Ms. Falk joined the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program in 1983 after receiving a M.S. degree in epidemiology and biostatistics from Georgetown University. Since that time, she has been involved in efforts to incorporate the study of molecular markers into large-scale epidemiologic studies, particularly in the area of hormonal carcinogenesis. Ms. Falk's early efforts to systematically evaluate the performance of laboratory assays influenced the direction of the program’s research efforts in hormonal carcinogenesis. Her methods have since been used as a model to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating new molecular markers into epidemiologic studies. With her longstanding interest in the role of steroid sex hormones in carcinogenesis, Ms. Falk has been involved in many studies throughout the Division evaluating circulating hormones and cancer risk. She has also played a key role in establishing a laboratory dedicated to developing reliable methods for measuring unique panels of estrogen, androgen and progesterone metabolites using state-of-the-art technology. Ms. Falk has guided all aspects of the design, implementation, and oversight of the laboratory component of many large epidemiologic studies of biomarkers such as estrogens, androgens, growth factors, vitamin D, cytokines, angiogenic factors and adipokines. She received an NIH Merit Award in 2009.

Understand the underlying biologic mechanisms linking sex hormones to cancer risk; Clarify whether known preventive measures/behaviors that reduce risk do so by favorably altering the hormonal milieu; Identify new preventive efforts or behaviors that favorably alter circulating hormones