Clinical Faculty

Dr. Mandernach is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine within the division of hematology and oncology, and serves as a clinician educator with a focus on thrombosis and hemostasis and sickle cell disease. She is a member of the American Society of Hematology.

Carol Mathew, MD, is an assistant professor in the hematology/oncology division at the University of Florida Department of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate years at College of New Rochelle in New York, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry. She attended Ross University School of Medicine and graduated with her doctorate receiving the highest honors in 2013. Her post-doctoral training includes an internship and residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and a fellowship in the division of hematology and oncology.

Mathew has received over six awards such as the President’s Award in the College of New Rochelle, New York, and Honor’s list for eight consecutive semesters. She currently serves on educational and administrative committees as well as clinical teaching activities. Mathew has presented her research at a local, state and national level specializing in leukemia and cardiac risk factors. Additionally, she has contributed to peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications analyzing multidisciplinary approaches to caring for geriatric patients with cancer.

Dr. Rajasekhar is a clinician and clinical investigator with a focus on benign hematology, specifically thrombosis and hemostasis. She is a member of the American Society of Hematology and the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society.

Dr. Zumberg is recognized as an outstanding clinician-educator in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and the Department of Medicine.   He serves as Section Chief for benign hematology and holds various medical directorships.  He is chairman of the Shands Hospital Transfusion Committee.  He is noted as a key clinical faculty member in the Internal Medicine residency training program and the Division of Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program.

Karen C. Daily, DO, is a professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Dr. Daily earned her Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University and her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in internal medicine and fellowship at UF in hematology and oncology. She served three years active duty in the United States Army.

Dr. Daily is a clinically-based investigator and educator with a focus in breast cancer. She is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Co-Chair of the Epidemiology and Prevention Item Writing Task Force. Dr. Daily serves as the Division Education Director and is the recipient of multiple teaching awards including the Fellowship Positive Impact Award.

Dr. Daily founded the High Risk Program, within UF Health Breast Center, that identifies women at above-average risk of developing breast cancer and offers prevention and early detection strategies. Dr. Daily serves as Associate Medical Director of the Medical Oncology Clinic. She is committed to resolving access to care barriers in disadvantaged populations and passionate about improving the efficiency of the health care system.

As the Breast Cancer Disease Site Group’s Research Leader, Dr. Daily is responsible for the UF Health Breast Center’s clinical trials portfolio. This role involves both selection of cooperative group and industry protocols that fit the needs of UF Health’s patient population and collaborative efforts with colleagues across multiple disciplines to develop novel institutional initiated trials. She is an active member of the National Surgical Adjuvant Bowel and Breast Project (NSABP)/NRG Oncology and has served as Co-Chair of the Rare Breast Cancer Committee.

As an associate professor of medicine and breast cancer specialist in the University of Florida Division of Hematology and Oncology, my passion lies in the intersection of patient care and groundbreaking research. As an oncologist, my primary focus is on breast cancer, and I’ve dedicated my career to improving treatment options for patients. I am aware of the limitations of conventional therapies, particularly when it comes to addressing inflammatory breast cancer.

In my role, I actively engage in research aimed at developing more effective breast cancer treatments through innovative approaches. These experiments enable us to develop and refine novel treatment strategies that hold the promise of providing better outcomes for our patients. Beyond my work in breast cancer, I am also deeply committed to the field of lysosomal storage diseases. I played an instrumental role in establishing the pediatric and adult multidisciplinary lysosomal storage disease clinic at UF, which I currently direct. Here, I provide compassionate care to patients with these conditions and actively engage in clinical trials focused on gene replacement, substrate reduction and enzyme replacement therapies.

My research extends beyond the lab as well. I collaborate closely with esteemed investigators at UF to conduct studies on patient-derived xenograft tumors. These models allow us to tailor drug testing in an individualized manner, all with the ultimate goal of better serving our patients.

My interests extend even further into the realm of physician-scientist pursuits. I am deeply invested in the development of gene and stem cell therapies, with a particular emphasis on Sanfilippo syndrome Type B and other inherited disorders. In the pursuit of innovative treatments, I also possess extensive experience in utilizing viral vectors for gene therapy and harnessing the power of stem cells for gene delivery and regenerative approaches to disease treatment.

Ultimately, my dedication to patient care and advancing medical science drives every aspect of my work. It is my privilege to be a part of the medical community at UF, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those I serve.

Dr. Staal’s professional career spans more than 35 years and includes conducting basic and applied cancer research, caring for patients, and organizing and administering a clinical cancer program. He has an interest in the molecular mechanisms that define cancer cells and how these can be exploited therapeutically. Clinically his interests are focused on experimental therapeutics, breast cancer, and clinical management to promote research and improve patient care.

Dr. George is a clinical investigator and educator with a focus on gastrointestinal malignancies and new cancer therapy development. As director of the GI Oncology Program at the University of Florida, Dr. George helps to oversee the treatment of all patients with GI malignancies. He also oversees the development and testing of new cancer treatments through clinical trials leveraging advancements in precision oncology and immunotherapy. He previously served as chair of the Medical Advisory Board to the State of Florida Department of Health and the Screen for Life Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, which targets historically underserved populations. He also recently completed a 10 year term as the gubernatorial-appointed chair of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council, which advises the legislature, Department of Health, and state surgeon general on all cancer related matters and policy. He currently serves as the Deputy Director of the UF Health Cancer Center. Through participation with large oncology clinical trial cooperative groups and the National Cancer Institute, Dr. George is an active clinician and clinical investigator in GI malignancies and early phase clinical trials testing new therapies for patients with advanced cancers. He is a member of the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and numerous cancer research groups.

I work as a hematology and oncology specialist here at UF Health and am board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. My position at UF Health was preceded by an educational journey that started in Busan, South Korea, where I received my medical degree in 2015 from the Kosin University College of Medicine . I continued my medical education in 2018 with a residency in internal medicine at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston , then affiliated with Tufts University School of Medicine. After this residency, I completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York .

Dr. Staal’s professional career spans more than 35 years and includes conducting basic and applied cancer research, caring for patients, and organizing and administering a clinical cancer program. He has an interest in the molecular mechanisms that define cancer cells and how these can be exploited therapeutically. Clinically his interests are focused on experimental therapeutics, breast cancer, and clinical management to promote research and improve patient care.

Dr. Daniel V. Araujo is a medical oncologist specializing in genitourinary malignancies—including renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer—as well as melanoma and other skin cancers.

He earned his medical degree from Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) in Brazil, followed by an internal medicine residency at UNESP Botucatu and a medical oncology residency at the AC Camargo Cancer Center. He later completed a fellowship in Drug Development at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, with a clinical focus on genitourinary and skin malignancies.

Dr. Araujo’s research interests center on early-phase clinical trials, cancer drug development, dose optimization, trial design, and evidence synthesis through systematic reviews and meta-analyses. He is deeply committed to advancing cancer care while ensuring that patients receive compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based treatment throughout their journey.

Prior to joining UF Health, Dr. Araujo was an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and a medical oncologist at BC Cancer – Abbotsford, Canada. He also served as Head of Medical Oncology at Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, and as faculty member at the AC Camargo Cancer Center, where he led initiatives in multidisciplinary care and clinical research. He continues to supervise and collaborate on academic projects at both national and international levels.

Fluent in English and Portuguese, Dr. Araujo is passionate about medical education, mentorship, and collaborative oncology networks. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, playing tennis, and cheering for his favorite Brazilian soccer teams.

Jonathan Chatzkel, MD is an assistant professor of medicine in the division of hematology and oncology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Chatzkel attended the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated magna cum laude, receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree with honors in Economics. He completed his medical degree at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by an internal medicine residency at Washington University in St. Louis, MO and a hematology and oncology fellowship at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. Dr. Chatzel’s clinical interests include the care of patients with genitourinary cancers, including cancers of the kidney, bladder, prostate, and testis. He believes strongly in delivering individualized care to each of his patients. Professional affiliations include the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO.

Merry Jennifer Markham, MD, FACP, FASCO, professor of medicine, is the research lead for the UFHCC’s Gynecologic Cancers Disease Site Group. She served as chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology from 2017 to 2024.

Dr. Markham is the principal investigator for chemotherapeutic and investigational therapy trials for gynecologic cancers and is site PI for numerous Gynecologic Oncology Group/NRG Oncology gynecologic cancer trials. Dr. Markham earned her medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and then completed her residency in internal medicine at UF where she served as chief medical resident and later completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology.

Clinically, Dr. Markham’s primary focus is on the care of women with gynecologic malignancies. She also has clinical expertise and experience in the care of patients with lymphoma and patients with prostate cancer.

Her research is focused on investigations of experimental therapeutics and prognostic factors for gynecologic malignancies. Dr. Markham is also involved in the study of quality of cancer care, quality improvement strategies and cancer survivorship. Dr. Markham is board-certified in medical oncology. She is also a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the European Society of Medical Oncology, and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology.

Martina Murphy, MD is the Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official (DIO) at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She is also an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, where she specializes in the care of patients with gynecologic malignancies.

Dr. Murphy is a clinical investigator and nationally recognized medical educator with a deep commitment to women’s health, mentorship, workforce and professional development, and effective healthcare communication. Her research focuses on improving the quality of cancer care through better communication, as well as addressing issues in survivorship and system-level care delivery.

In addition to her institutional GME leadership, she serves as Assistant Director for Clinical Research Education and Professional Development at the UF Health Cancer Center. She previously led the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program and served as Medical Director of the inpatient oncology unit. In her current role, she oversees one of the largest GME enterprises in the country and leads initiatives focused on trainee support, faculty development, and educational innovation.

Dr. Murphy is actively engaged across the medical education continuum, with a focus on mentorship, professional development, and innovative curriculum design. She frequently speaks on topics such as professional identity formation and communication in medicine, and she has held national leadership roles through the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH). She is a graduate of both the ASCO Educational Scholars Program and the ASH Medical Educators Institute, and has served as a faculty mentor and invited speaker for both organizations.

She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology, and continues to care for patients with gynecologic cancers at UF Health.

Karen C. Daily, DO, is a professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Dr. Daily earned her Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University and her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in internal medicine and fellowship at UF in hematology and oncology. She served three years active duty in the United States Army.

Dr. Daily is a clinically-based investigator and educator with a focus in breast cancer. She is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Co-Chair of the Epidemiology and Prevention Item Writing Task Force. Dr. Daily serves as the Division Education Director and is the recipient of multiple teaching awards including the Fellowship Positive Impact Award.

Dr. Daily founded the High Risk Program, within UF Health Breast Center, that identifies women at above-average risk of developing breast cancer and offers prevention and early detection strategies. Dr. Daily serves as Associate Medical Director of the Medical Oncology Clinic. She is committed to resolving access to care barriers in disadvantaged populations and passionate about improving the efficiency of the health care system.

As the Breast Cancer Disease Site Group’s Research Leader, Dr. Daily is responsible for the UF Health Breast Center’s clinical trials portfolio. This role involves both selection of cooperative group and industry protocols that fit the needs of UF Health’s patient population and collaborative efforts with colleagues across multiple disciplines to develop novel institutional initiated trials. She is an active member of the National Surgical Adjuvant Bowel and Breast Project (NSABP)/NRG Oncology and has served as Co-Chair of the Rare Breast Cancer Committee.

Dr. Jones is a Professor with the Division of Hematology & Oncology at the University of Florida. He is a board certified medical oncologist with expertise in the study and treatment of lung cancer. He completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, then completed in residency in Internal Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and then his fellowship in Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson cancer Center, where he remained on the faculty. After two years of research at Genentech, Inc., he returned to academic medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and then joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico as the Director of Thoracic Oncology as well as the Medical Director of the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance.

Dr. Lynch received his BA from the University of Virginia and MD from Eastern VA Medical School in 1984. After internal medicine training at the University of Florida, he did his training in medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda MD. In 1991 he returned to the UFCOM and has served in multiple roles during this tenure including, course director in Oncology (20 years), program director for hematology/oncology (13 years), section chief of hematology/oncology at the VAMC and now serves as the Assistant Dean for Admissions. He is a nationally recognized well published expert in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphomas and has coauthored over 130 papers, book chapters and abstracts. His educational roles include teaching cancer biology, clinical oncology, clinical reasoning and humanism in medicine. He was the first faculty inductee into the Chapman Humanism Society at the UFCOM and serves on its board of directors. He has received multiple teaching awards including clinical teacher of the year 5 times, the Hippocratic award three times, is a member of the College of Medicine Society of Teaching Scholars and in 2006 was honored by the University of Florida as one of 5 Distinguished Teaching Scholars. He was co-founder with his wife of the Christian Study Center at the University of Florida and serves as its board president. He and his wife Laura, have 4 children and 3 grandchildren.

Dr. Staal’s professional career spans more than 35 years and includes conducting basic and applied cancer research, caring for patients, and organizing and administering a clinical cancer program. He has an interest in the molecular mechanisms that define cancer cells and how these can be exploited therapeutically. Clinically his interests are focused on experimental therapeutics, breast cancer, and clinical management to promote research and improve patient care.

I completed my residency training at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA in a combined residency for both internal medicine and pediatrics where I was also Chief Resident. I then completed my specialty training in hematology and oncology at UF where I was also Chief Fellow. I chose to specialize in hematology and oncology due to the evolving landscape of immunotherapy and the need to improve care for the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population. I specialize in treating sarcomas – a rare cancer that affects the bones and soft tissues. As Director of the AYA Cancer Program, I work closely with our colleagues in Pediatric Oncology to optimize care for our AYA patients aged 15-45.

I aim to cure cancer using novel immunotherapies. As I believe we are close to this goal, I aim to decrease the morbidity and mortality of surgical interventions for cancer by developing therapies to work together with immunotherapy for advanced disease. We research various nanoparticles to accomplish this goal in my lab.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our 7 children serving in church, playing board games, sports, and movie nights!

My name is Aline Fares and I’m a medical oncologist at UF Health, specializing in thoracic oncology with a focus on lung cancer. I completed my medical training at the Faculty of Medicine of Catanduva and pursued a residency in internal medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto. I then specialized in medical oncology at AC Camargo Cancer Center and completed a fellowship in thoracic oncology at the University of Toronto’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Both of my parents are physicians, and growing up, I was inspired by their deep compassion and dedication to patient care. Their example guided me toward a career in medicine, and over time, my own love for forming meaningful connections with people naturally drew me to oncology. Building strong, lasting relationships with my patients is the most fulfilling part of my work.

In my role, I’m committed to advancing patient care through clinical research and mentorship. I’m especially interested in exploring how physical exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle factors can impact lung cancer outcomes. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our daughters, our dogs and my parents. I love cooking Mediterranean-style meals, making sure my family eats well, and staying active, especially with weightlifting, my favorite sport!

Dr. Jones is a Professor with the Division of Hematology & Oncology at the University of Florida. He is a board certified medical oncologist with expertise in the study and treatment of lung cancer. He completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, then completed in residency in Internal Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and then his fellowship in Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson cancer Center, where he remained on the faculty. After two years of research at Genentech, Inc., he returned to academic medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch, and then joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico as the Director of Thoracic Oncology as well as the Medical Director of the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance.

I am a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist at UF Health, with 12 years of experience in academia and community oncology practice. It is my goal to apply both research and science toward providing equitable lung cancer care. I believe in providing the highest quality of care for patients-like I would want for myself and my loved ones.

I previously served as the section chief of oncology at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. I was also principal investigator for the lung precision oncology program for veterans and served as the site director for the state veterans’ lung cancer screening program, along with other leadership roles.

I have experience as a medical educator, having served as a fellowship site director and associate fellowship program director, among other roles in health care education.

My research interests include designing and implementing high-quality clinical trials that are equitable and patient-centric, with a focus on enrolling those who are historically underrepresented in medicine.

Most recently, I was medical director for solid tumor oncology trials with Parexel and am currently an associate professor of medicine, disease group lead for thoracic oncology, and division director of quality and safety at the University of Florida in Gainesville. In this role, I focus on delivering the highest-quality clinical trials in lung cancer and enhancing the implementation of the lung cancer screening program.

In my free time I love to cook, read, dance and spend lots of quality time with my husband, children, and fur baby.