Dr. Nikiforova focuses on applying next generation sequencing (NGS) and other high throughput technologies for molecular diagnostics in the area of molecular oncology and cancer genetics. Dr. Nikiforova's specific areas of expertise are in molecular diagnostics of thyroid cancer and brain tumors. She has authored and co-authored more than 100 publications and several book chapters. Dr. Nikiforova currently serves as Chair of Clinical Practice Committee at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) and Laboratory Practice Committee at the American Thyroid Association (ATA), and she is on the Board of Directors at the AMP.

Dr. Nikiforova's research efforts are focused on the areas of molecular diagnostics in solid tumors. Her main directions are:

Developing next-gen sequencing (NGS) based approaches for detection of rearrangements in cancer
Applying next generation sequencing (NGS) and other high throughput technologies for molecular diagnostics in the area of molecular oncology
Studying microRNA dysregulation in cancer, with emphasis on identifying novel microRNA markers for thyroid cancer
Developing novel diagnostics and prognostic molecular markers for brain tumors