Jonathan Shoag
Principal Investigator
Dr. Jonathan Shoag is a urologist and physician-scientist at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, whose research focuses on the genetic and molecular basis of urologic cancers. He integrates germline and somatic genomics, computational analysis, and clinical data to understand cancer risk, progression, and treatment response in prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers. A central focus of his work is identifying inherited cancer susceptibility variants and translating these findings into actionable screening and therapeutic strategies. His lab also investigates drug repurposing opportunities, applying existing molecular knowledge to accelerate the path from scientific discovery to improved patient outcomes.
Shany Picciotto
Dr. Shany Picciotto is a postdoctoral researcher whose work focuses on the molecular and translational study of urologic cancers, with a particular emphasis on prostate cancer. Her research centers on NanoSeq and targeted NanoSeq approaches to detect somatic and germline mutations. By integrating high-resolution sequencing technologies with computational analysis, she aims to better characterize mutational landscapes and uncover clinically relevant genomic alterations. Her work contributes to advancing precision medicine by improving mutation detection and informing risk assessment and therapeutic strategies.
Dayanna Bohorquez
Dayanna Bohorquez is the Lab Manager, overseeing the coordination of research operations and supporting the execution of ongoing projects within the lab. Her work is primarily focused on in vivo experimental models, where she leads the design and implementation of preclinical studies. In parallel, she collaborates on drug repurposing and NanoSeq-based projects, contributing to both experimental and genomic research efforts. She also has a growing interest in computational genomics, integrating data analysis approaches to complement experimental findings and advance translational research in urologic cancers.
Bryan Daly
Bryan Daly is a research technician whose work is primarily focused on drug repurposing projects within the lab. He supports the design and execution of experimental studies aimed at identifying and evaluating existing compounds for new therapeutic applications in urologic cancers. Through his work, he contributes to advancing translational research efforts and accelerating the development of novel treatment strategies.
Matthew Prince
Matthew Prince is a research technician whose work is primarily focused on drug repurposing projects within the lab. He supports the design and execution of experimental studies aimed at identifying and evaluating existing compounds for new therapeutic applications in urologic cancers. In parallel, he explores the use of artificial intelligence to identify and generate potential therapeutic compounds, applying computational approaches to inform and accelerate drug discovery. Through this work, he contributes to advancing translational research and developing innovative treatment strategies.
Sophia Benkirane
Sophia Benkirane is the prostate cancer project manager, leading initiatives focused on improving care delivery for patients with prostate cancer. Her work centers on developing and implementing programs to reduce time to treatment and expand access to timely, high-quality care following diagnosis. Through her efforts, she aims to streamline clinical pathways and enhance patient outcomes by addressing barriers within the healthcare system.
Juan Echeverria
Juan Echeverria is a research coordinator who supports the promotion and enrollment of patients into cutting-edge clinical research studies in urologic oncology. His work focuses on connecting patients with innovative trials and facilitating their participation, with the goal of improving patient care and advancing treatment options in the field.
James Fioritto
James Fioritto is an M1 medical student contributing to clinical and translational research in urologic oncology. His work in the Shoag Lab includes hands-on laboratory experience and support for ongoing projects focused on improving care and outcomes for patients with urologic cancers.
Keiden Cheung
Keiden Cheung is an M1 medical student working with the Shoag Lab on research initiatives in urologic oncology. He contributes to clinical research efforts and is developing experience in the scientific and translational approaches that guide precision care for patients with prostate and other urologic cancers.
Jack Millot
Volunteered in the lab from 2022 to 2026 as a medical student, contributing to clinical research initiatives in urologic oncology, including study coordination, data collection, and ongoing clinical projects. He is now a Resident at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston.
Ilon Weinstein, MD
Completed volunteer research in the lab during medical school from 2021 to 2022, contributing to ongoing projects and supporting the lab’s research efforts. He is now a Urology resident at University Hospitals.