My research aims to elucidate how hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), their clonal composition, and inter-clonal competition contribute to the initiation and progression of clonal blood disorders. These disorders—including various malignancies—are marked by disruptions in the balanced output of HSC-derived clones. While their origins remain poorly understood, growing evidence suggests that developmental acquisition of somatic mutations can shape hematopoiesis over years, setting the stage for disease. My long-term objective is to define the cellular and molecular forces that establish and maintain clonal fitness, and to uncover the biologic shifts that drive malignant transformation. By understanding these processes, I aim to identify opportunities for early intervention and prevention in individuals at high risk. To achieve this, my lab employs cutting-edge techniques such as cellular barcoding in zebrafish and primary human hematopoietic cells. These tools provide critical insight into clone-specific behaviors and vulnerabilities. Inspired by constantly emerging clinical data and novel technologies, I want to address clinically relevant questions about pathobiology of initiation of clonal blood states during development with the goal of finding new therapies for devastating blood disease of childhood and young adulthood.