On the Cancer Research Frontier: Erin Rodmaker, Lab Manager and Research Scientist III
On the Cancer Research Frontier is a series spotlighting the scientists, doctors, nurses, patients, and philanthropists at the Cancer Vaccine Institute. Join us in meeting the brilliant minds behind our cancer vaccines and immunotherapies as they share their professional journeys and personal stories.
At 5:30 AM, after a one-hour commute, Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) Lab Manager and Research Scientist III Erin Rodmaker is already at the preclinical lab. While much of Seattle is still asleep, Rodmaker is already tending to the hands-on work that supports preclinical research. Often the first one in and last one out of the lab, Rodmaker ensures the lab has what the researchers need to bring cancer vaccines closer to clinical trials.
“To me, it’s worth it because I love where I live and I love working for the CVI.”
The first vaccine given to a participant is the culmination of years, and often decades, of preclinical research. Before a cancer vaccine can be evaluated in clinical trials, scientists must identify promising vaccine targets and evaluate potential approaches in preclinical studies, including preclinical models. These studies generate data that helps researchers assess a vaccine’s safety and potential effectiveness and determine whether it is ready for clinical testing.
As the liaison between researchers and the preclinical team, Rodmaker helps translate early identified targets into preclinical testing, every step of the way. Her involvement, ranging from administering treatments and assessing tumor growth, equipment maintenance, animal care, and overseeing research operations, is key to generating the data needed to determine the next steps toward clinical trials.
“I like figuring out how the puzzle pieces fit, especially when coordinating studies with senior scientists. Each study has its own goals, timelines, logistical challenges, and people involved, and I enjoy figuring out how to bring all those pieces together.”
Making the puzzle pieces fit may sound simple, but keeping an entire lab running safely and efficiently takes adaptability, thoroughness, and anticipation for what’s needed. These skills come naturally to Rodmaker, but her journey to the CVI wasn’t straightforward.
Rodmaker began as a veterinary technician in South Carolina eventually becoming the surgery lead. This built a strong foundation in animal care and hands-on science. After moving to Seattle, she grew curious about what other opportunities might be available to her in the field. A contract position at Amgen opened the door to biotechnology, where she advanced to a senior lab technician role. She discovered that she had a passion for biotechnology and intricate coordination for laboratory workflows.
When Amgen closed its doors, Rodmaker found herself at a crossroads, wondering what would come next. Instead of returning to what she already knew, she looked for another opportunity in biotechnology. She saw an opportunity at the CVI to build on her experience while contributing to a mission with a meaningful impact. She joined the animal core department as a Research Scientist II, taking on new challenges, new collaborations, and a deeper connection to cancer research.
Now as a Lab Manager, Rodmaker keeps the CVI’s preclinical research moving. She coordinates in vivo procedures, oversees protocols and animal care, and works across teams to ensure each study has the approvals, supplies, equipment, schedules, and people it needs. Her work requires more than organization: she must anticipate what researchers will need, identify potential obstacles, and resolve problems before they delay a study. Are all the necessary components in place? Will the right people be available when a study needs to happen? All of these considerations happen before a single vaccine is administered.
Translational research requires careful and extensive oversight, with protocols reviewed by veterinary staff and committees. Preparing a study for preclinical research means balancing scientific needs with careful planning and responsibility at each step. Much of this work happens out of sight, but without it, even the most promising research can come to a standstill.
Looking ahead, Rodmaker is excited about the direction of the CVI’s preclinical research and the work still to come as researchers troubleshoot and refine vaccine approaches.
“I am excited for the way preclinical is going. I can see that we’re going to be very busy in the future. Cancer affects so many people, and chances are most of us know someone whose life has been impacted by it. It makes you realize how important the work we're doing here at the CVI is and that we're contributing to something bigger than ourselves.”
If there’s one theme running through Rodmaker’s life, it might be keeping everyone and everything moving. After managing research logistics, Rodmaker shuttles her kids to after-school activities, clubs, and sports. She also loves introducing her kids to Millennial music and taking them to concerts, along with her friends.
Rodmaker has her own hobbies, too. She enjoys horseback riding, once an owner of two horses and a Shetland pony. Before moving to Washington, she also played roller derby and could take (and give) a mean hip check.
Whether she’s coordinating a complex research study or a jam-packed family schedule, Rodmaker is comfortable with moving pieces. While breakthroughs may capture the headlines, they depend on people like Rodmaker: the early risers who are ready to solve problems, anticipate challenges, and make sure the science is ready for what comes next.
