Dr. Coughlin conducts research in the laboratory of Robert H. Vonderheide, MD, DPhil at Penn’s Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute; she is also a pediatric hematology-oncology fellow at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Her research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Vonderheide and Stephan A. Grupp, M.D., Ph.D., director of Stem Cell Biology at CHOP, included the manipulation of immune cells known as CD40-activated B cells to carry RNA produced by tumors and viruses. The activated B cells could stimulate the creation of other immune cells capable of recognizing – and killing – the tumors and viruses that also carry these RNA strains.
“We are particularly proud of this work and the collaborative initiative among all the investigators at both institutions,” said Dr. Vonderheide. “This award recognizes Dr. Coughlin’s leadership at the national level and the beneficiaries of this work are children with cancer.”
Dr. Coughlin will be presented with her award at the Society for Pediatric Research Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, May 3-6. In addition, she will present her work at a platform session during the meeting.
The Society for Pediatric Research encourages young investigators to engage in research that is of benefit to children by providing a forum for interchange of ideas and an opportunity for young investigators to present their work.
The Society for Pediatric Research annually honors students, house officers and fellows engaged in pediatric research. The awards are designed to encourage pediatricians in training to pursue careers in academic pediatrics. Winning candidates are selected by a committee from the Society for Pediatric Research based on the quality of the work presented in the abstract.
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania is one of only 31 cancer centers in the nation designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. This status reflects the Cancer Center's excellence in research, treatment, community outreach, professional education, and information services. The NCI mark of excellence assures patients and families that they have selected physicians and services that are recognized nationally and that they will benefit from the latest research advances.