of dynamic activity in the ERK pathway,how it regulates cellular decisions, and how these outcomes lead to tissue regulation and
pathology. Furthermore, I address the question of how the ERK pathway exerts distinct and
context-specific effects on multiple processes. In brief, the dynamics of ERK activity induce
selective changes in gene expression programs which induces subsequent changes in cellular
behavior. In my research study, I combine an ERK biosensor approach with multiplexed
measurement of downstream target proteins to ask how well ERK activation correlates to
protein expression at the single-cell level. This analysis produces a model that can distinguish
different classes of ERK dynamics within a heterogeneous population, providing a tool
for assaying ERK dynamics within fixed tissues. By understanding the dynamic mechanisms
involved in ERK signaling, there is potential for improving detection of oncogenic behavior,
and adopting pharmacological strategies that not only inhibit ERK, but also restore
functional activity patterns and improve disease outcomes.