The Buchakjian Lab utilizes in vitro models and translational patient biospecimens to examine cancer invasion in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. At the bench, work focuses on genetic, epigenetic, and regulatory modification of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program and how that interfaces with the extracellular matrix and tumor microenvironment. Translationally, the Buchakjian Lab has interest in spatial transcriptomics and understanding how novel gene expression invasion signatures might inform tumor behavior and treatment.