The focus of Dr. Cote's research is the intersection of molecular epidemiology and health disparities. Specifically, she is interested in examining genetic and molecular factors in lung and female cancers that impact disease occurrence or prognosis in underserved populations. Highlights of her previous work include the first report in African Americans of increased risk of lung cancer associated with familial aggregation of lung cancer, and assessment of somatic mutations in endometrial tumors from African American women. Her current R01 will molecularly profile high grade, aggressive endometrial tumors from white and African American women, incorporating detailed clinical data, allowing for comprehensive survival analyses. As the 5-year survival for African American women with endometrial cancer is significantly poorer than all other race / ethnic groups across all stages and subtypes, identification of molecular indicators to target appropriate adjuvant therapy is crucial to improve outcomes for this common female cancer. Dr. Cote first became interested in this field when she noted most population-based studies reported racial disparities seen in survival after an endometrial cancer diagnosis were among the highest of all cancer types.