Dr. Nykia D Walker
Tenure-Track
Department of Biological Sciences
College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
She/Her/Hers/Herself
About
I attended the University of Pennsylvania, w with a B.A. in biology in 2006 and a M.S. in Infectious Diseases & Immunology in 2007. Upon completing her Master’s Degree, she worked as a biochemist in the research laboratories of Merck and Co. for eight years. She went on to receive her Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Physiology in 2018 from the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey and to work as a post-doc the University of Chicago’s Ben May Department for Cancer Research, before starting in the UMBC Department of Biological Sciences in Spring 2021.Research interests
The Walker laboratory investigates how tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TD-EVs) mediate cellular reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment to promote breast cancer metastasis. Our research focuses on defining how primary tumors communicate with distal stromal tissues to establish pro-metastatic niches, with a particular emphasis on bone-tropic progression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).We combine molecular biology, spatial transcriptomics, and computational approaches to identify gene expression programs induced in non-malignant cells following exposure to tumor-derived signals. Our work has identified key regulatory pathways, including EV-associated miRNAs and stromal remodeling factors, that drive phenotypic changes such as immune suppression, extracellular matrix remodeling, and metastatic outgrowth.
A central goal of the lab is to determine how therapy-induced stress reshapes EV signaling and stromal responses to promote minimal residual disease, cellular dormancy, and recurrence. By integrating experimental models with patient-derived data, we aim to uncover biomarkers of metastatic risk and therapeutic resistance.
Ultimately, our research seeks to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that target tumor–stroma communication, with the long-term goal of preventing metastatic relapse and improving outcomes for patients with aggressive breast cancer.
Teaching interests
My teaching interests span cancer biology, immunology, stem cell biology, and cellular communication, with a particular emphasis on integrating molecular mechanisms with translational and clinical applications. I am especially interested in teaching courses that bridge fundamental biology with emerging technologies, including extracellular vesicle biology, tumor–microenvironment interactions, and spatial omics approaches.
In the classroom, I prioritize active learning and critical thinking, encouraging students to engage deeply with primary literature, experimental design, and data interpretation. My teaching approach incorporates case-based discussions, concept mapping, and research-driven assignments, enabling students to develop both conceptual understanding and practical scientific reasoning skills.
I am also committed to mentoring students at multiple levels—from undergraduate to graduate trainees—by fostering independence, scientific curiosity, and effective communication. I am particularly passionate about training students from diverse backgrounds and supporting their development into independent scientists through hands-on research experiences and structured mentorship.
Looking forward, I am interested in developing new courses or modules in stem cell biology.
Education
- Postdoc — University of Chicago (2021)
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Ph D, Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Physiology
— Rutgers University (2018) MSC:M2 macrophage axis in promoting breast cancer dormancy