Dr. Hibler’s lab is studying the biological links between behavior and breast cancer risk with the goal of using biological signatures to improve precision prevention programs among high-risk individuals. She is studying modifiable risk factors, such as physical activity and diet, and molecular biomarkers of primary and secondary prevention of breast cancer. She has evaluated the impact of diet and behavior interventions on circulating levels of inflammation and patterns of DNA methylation among both healthy adults and women at high risk for cancer.

As a Lynn Sage Scholar, Dr. Hibler is investigating associations between device-based measures of physical activity and DNA methylation by breast density status. High breast density is a recognized risk factor because it can mask breast cancer tumors on routine mammograms. However, it is not yet clear if the differences in high versus normal density breast tissue may also be related to changes in molecular signatures.

Dr. Hibler started as an Assistant Professor in the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 2016. Her prior training included an MPH in health policy with a focus on epidemiology from the University of Michigan and a PhD in epidemiology with a minor in cancer biology from the University of Arizona. She then completed postdoctoral training in Cancer Prevention and Control at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer at Vanderbilt University. These unique training opportunities focused on laboratory-based molecular techniques, while expanding her skills in epidemiologic research to incorporate -omics biomarkers into population studies.