Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Aitziber Buque Martinez
In this edition of our Faculty Highlight, we are excited to feature Dr. Aitziber Buque Martinez. Dr. Buque Martinez is an Assistant Professor in the Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Research Program. Prior to joining Fox Chase, Dr. Buque Martinez was an instructor of cell biology in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Dr. Buque Martinez earned her doctoral degree in biomedicine at the Biocruces Research Institute – University of the Basque Country. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center in Paris, where she studied in the Apoptosis, Cancer, and Immunity Laboratory. She then went on to become a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Weill Cornell Medical College, before becoming an instructor of cell biology there. She has published more than 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has served as co-editor of Methods in Cell Biology.
Pictured from left to right: Simon Tarpinian (technical specialist), Dr. Ayoub Jaa (postdoc associate), and Dr. Aitziber Buque Martinez in front of their lab in the pavilion building.
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Leire Arrizabalaga Astigarraga, Dr. Esmeralda Garcia-Torralba (former research fellow at FCCC, currently Medical Oncologist at Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer in Spain and collaborator), Ai Sato (scientific associate at FCCC and long-term collaborator), and Dr. Buque Martinez at the FCCC receiving dock while receiving the first instruments of the lab.
What does a typical day look like for you as a faculty member?
"A typical day is a balance between several responsibilities. My day usually starts early, often with a review of emails and messages to catch up on administrative tasks and scheduling from home and during the commute. Once in the office I dedicate a part of my morning to reading the latest literature in biomedical research, as staying updated on new findings is crucial for my work. Late-mornings and early afternoons are often reserved for meetings with lab members and collaborators, where we discuss ongoing experiments, troubleshoot problems, and brainstorm new ideas. In the afternoon, I shift focus to writing—whether it's drafting research papers, grant proposals, or reviewing progress reports for funding agencies. Evenings often involve preparing talks or plotting figures."
What is your next project in your lab that you’re particularly excited about?
"I’m particularly excited about two major projects in my lab right now. One focuses on targeting NAD⁺ metabolism in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, where we're investigating how we can reshape tumor-immune metabolism. We’re exploring whether these metabolic changes can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and radiotherapy. The project will be led by Dr. Ayoub Jaa, a newly arrived postdoctoral fellow at FCCC, whose expertise will drive this innovative research forward.
The second project that I’m particularly passionate about revolves around metabolic syndrome and its connection to breast cancer. We know that metabolic syndrome, which includes factors like obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and influence treatment outcomes. We’re investigating how metabolic dysfunction in these patients affects immune fitness and hence tumor progression and response to therapies. By understanding these connections, we aim to identify new therapeutic approaches that target metabolic pathways, improving outcomes for patients with both metabolic syndrome and breast cancer. It will be led by Leire Arrizabalaga, who will join the lab in September after successfully defending her Ph.D. dissertation at CIMA in Spain.
For both projects, we are lucky to count on the expertise of Simon Tarpinian, a technical specialist with incredible experience in a broad range of preclinical models. These projects bring together the fields of cancer metabolism, immunology, and radiation therapy, aiming to develop a novel, metabolism-targeted approach to cancer treatment. Both hold strong translational potential and could lead to more effective, personalized therapies for patients facing the dual burden of metabolic disorders and oncogenic processes. To fully realize this potential, we collaborate closely with experts in psychology, oncology, and nutrition—both within FCCC and through international partnerships."
How do you balance your time between research, mentorship, grant writing, and other responsibilities?
"Honestly, I’m still figuring it out! It’s a bit of a constant shuffle between everything. Some days, it feels like I’m just putting out fire: grant deadlines, lab machines issues, questions, emails piling up… I try to keep my research as a priority, but when you're early in your PI career, it’s tough to juggle hands-on science with all the administrative stuff. I must be really disciplined about time-blocking, but even then, things don’t always go as planned.
Mentorship is important to me, and I try to make sure I’m available for my team. I do my best to make time for regular check-ins, even if it means fitting them in between other tasks. Mentorship isn’t just scheduled meetings, it’s being there in real-time when they need guidance, troubleshooting, or just someone to bounce ideas off, so I have an open-door policy.
Grant writing is something I’m getting used to. I’ve had to learn that it’s a long race; some weeks I’ll spend hours on it, and other weeks, I’m lucky to get a few solid hours. I try to stay ahead of deadlines, but sometimes it feels like it’s all happening at once (apologies to OSRA 😊) The key is just carving out time, but also being flexible when things pop up unexpectedly, which they always do.
With some of my peers and friends we have a motto “if it is not in my calendar, it doesn’t exist” I rely a lot on lists, calendars, and whatever keeps me organized in the moment. The structure is there, but it's more about adapting as the day goes by. Some weeks are a mess, and others feel productive, but I’m learning to embrace the chaos and roll with it. It’s all part of the growing pains of being a new PI."
How can early-career scientists better navigate the transition from trainee to independent researcher?
"Navigating the leap from trainee to independent researcher demands strategic planning, strong mentorship, and a solid professional network. While I didn’t initially see myself as a strategic thinker or an aspiring team leader, the support and example of mentors and colleagues helped me take that step. Through this process, I discovered that I truly enjoy leading a team—guiding them as they explore the feasibility of my ideas and develop their own. Building a collaborative and empowering environment has become a driving force in my work, and it’s deeply rewarding to contribute to the growth of the next generation of scientists.
In my experience, one of the most effective tools is participating in structured mentor-mentee programs. These programs—often sponsored by institutions, professional societies, or grant-funding agencies— put together a group of scientists with similar interests and pair early-career scientists with established investigators. These programs provide not only guidance from experienced scientists but also a network of peers you can rely on."
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your postdoc and early faculty years, and how did you overcome them?
"I’ll speak in the present tense because I’m still dealing with them! One of the biggest challenges is finding my own scientific voice and identity while transitioning from being part of someone else’s research vision to leading my own. It takes time to gain the confidence to propose bold ideas and trust my instincts. Another major challenge, as I mentioned before, is navigating the steep learning curve of grant writing and securing funding in a competitive environment.
What is helping me overcome these hurdles is surrounding myself with mentors who are generous with their time and honest with their feedback. Equally important is building a team that believes in the work we are doing. And, last but not least, to go through the inevitable try-and-fail cycles: experiments that don’t work, hypotheses that don’t hold up, and grants that aren’t funded… But each setback is an opportunity to refine my thinking, sharpen my approach, and build resilience. I learned to embrace the process as an essential part of growth rather than a sign of failure. We can follow up in two years and see if it worked!"
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received as a trainee?
"I wish someone had told me earlier that it’s okay not to have it all figured out right away: your research vision, your leadership style, your career path, they all evolve. What matters most is staying curious, asking bold questions, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you in equal measure."
What does having trainees in your lab mean to you?
"It’s a huge responsibility; it’s a privilege and a source of deep motivation. I see it as a mutual journey: while I guide and support them in building their skills and confidence, they constantly bring fresh perspectives, energy, and questions that push me to grow as a scientist and mentor."
Outside of the lab, what hobbies or activities help you recharge?
"Outside the lab, I try to stay balanced by staying active, social, and connected to the community. My family and lifelong friends are thousands of kilometers away, so I’ve built a strong support network wherever I am. I don’t like staying home, if there’s something happening, I’m usually there! Whether it’s meeting friends, exploring the city to find the best Philly cheesesteak, or just saying yes to last-minute plans, I find energy in being out and about.
Running and swimming are key parts of how I recharge. They help me clear my head, stay focused, and push my limits in a way that translates into my work. My dog is also a constant companion, giving me a reason to pause and enjoy the little things. Living in Philly, I’ve really embraced the local sports culture, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement, especially with the Eagles. It’s a tradition that has grown on me!
I’m also proud to be part of the New York Basque American Club, where I stay connected to my cultural roots and meet people who share that part of my identity. Even during the busiest times, staying socially and physically engaged keeps me energized, motivated, and ready to tackle the challenges of academic life with a fresh perspective."