"The AACR maintains a strong commitment to enhancing the educational and training opportunities available to the next generation of cancer researchers,"said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), AACR chief executive officer.
"Our primary mission is to promote the exchange of knowledge and new ideas among the scientists on the front lines of the quest for the prevention and cure of cancer," Foti added. "These awards seek to improve the inclusiveness of cancer research, so that no pool of potential talent goes untapped."
- The AACR-Minority Scholar Awards in Cancer Research go to full-time graduate- or medical students, residents, clinical or postdoctoral fellows, or junior faculty members. Criteria for candidacy include the stipulation that the applicant fit the National Cancer Institute definition of groups traditionally underrepresented in cancer and biomedical research: African Americans, Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Native Pacific Islanders. The 65 early-career scientists who won the awards this year were selected on the basis of their qualifications, references from mentors, and an estimation of the potential professional benefit to the awardees. They are entitled to apply for support to attend an AACR Special Conference, as well as receiving complementary registration, travel expenses and a subsistence stipend to participate in the Annual Meeting. There they will participate in networking events and compile detailed reports of their experiences, and 37 will present papers.
- The Minority Scholar Awards are supported generously by a grant from the Comprehensive Minority Biomedical Program of the National Cancer Institute.
- The AACR Minority-Serving Institution Faculty Scholar Awards in Cancer Research were, until this year, known as the AACR-Historically Black Colleges and Universities Faculty Scholar Awards. The program has been expanded to include predominantly Hispanic-serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities, in order to extend its reach. These awards also are supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute's Comprehensive Minority Biomedical Program. Candidates must have completed doctoral studies or clinical fellowships relevant to cancer research and hold full-time faculty positions at the level of assistant professor or above at an institution designated as minority-serving. They must also be engaged in meritorious basic, clinical or translational cancer research. Each of the 16 AACR-MSI Faculty Scholars chosen this year will receive $1,800 for use toward expenses associated with attending the AACR Annual Meeting or Special Conferences.
A committee of the AACR Minorities in Cancer Research Council administers both of these award programs.
- The AACR-Women in Cancer Research Brigid G. Leventhal Scholars in Cancer Research Awards honor members of AACR Women in Cancer Research who are scientists-in-training and first authors of meritorious scientific papers selected for presentation at AACR Annual Meeting. They are full-time graduate students, medical students, residents, clinical fellows or the equivalent, or postdoctoral fellows. The WICR Council sponsors the awards with the generous support of a grant from AstraZeneca. The awards are named for Dr. Brigid Grey Leventhal, who began her career in pediatric oncology at the National Cancer Institute, conducting clinical and laboratory research on leukemia and other childhood cancers. Subsequently, she served on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, until her own life was claimed by cancer in 1994.
There are 10 AACR-WICR Brigid G. Leventhal Scholars in 2004.
Editors Note: The names, affiliations and, where applicable, abstract titles of all Scholar Award winners research projects are contained in the attachment.
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research is a professional society of more than 22,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical scientists engaged in all areas of cancer research in the United States and in more than 60 other countries. AACR's mission is to accelerate the prevention and cure of cancer through research, education, communication, and advocacy. Its principal activities include the publication of five major peer-reviewed scientific journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. AACR's Annual Meetings attract more than 15,000 participants who share new and significant discoveries in the cancer field. Specialty meetings, held throughout the year, focus on the latest developments in all areas of cancer research.
2004 AACR Scholar Award Winners
AACR-Minority Scholar Awards in Cancer Research (Alphabetically by location of institution)
Belgium*
Jean-Claude Twizere, Ph.D., Gembloux Agricultural University, Gembloux, Belgium. Abstract # 235. The Homeobox Protein MSX-2 Interacts with Bovine Leukemia Virus Tax
Canada*
Juliet Michelle Daniel, Ph.D., McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Abena A. Otchere, B.S., McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract # 2404. The POZ-ZF Transcription Factor Kaiso Regulates cyclinD1 Expression in Breast Tumor Cells
California
Theodore O. Garnett, M.S., Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, Calif.
Abstract # 3223. Modulation of the TRAIL Apoptotic Pathway by Human Papillomavirus 16 E6
Manuel Luis Penichet, M.D., Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, Calif.
Romyla S. Ilagan, B.S., University of California, Los Angeles, Calif.
Abstract # 208. Interrogating Androgen Receptor and MAPK Function in Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer by Optical Imaging with Two-Step Amplification Systems
Gustavo A. Miranda, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, Calif.
Abstract # 4808. Wnt10b Signaling Mediates Cell Cycle Regulators in Mammary Tumor Progression and Functions as a General Antagonist of TGF-¦Â1 Cell-cycle Arrest
Tracy M. Downs, M.D., University of California, San Diego, Calif.
Robert J. Diaz, Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco, Calif.
Abstract # 3428. Type I Collagen Remodeling Regulates Keratinocyte Malignant Potential
Colorado
German G. Gomez, B.S., University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colo.
Abstract # 689. Human Glioma Cell Models Resistant to Alloreactive Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
District of Columbia
Sharon L. Steele, M.S., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Tamara A. Tatum-Broughton, B.S., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Abstract # 5053. Molecular Gene Expression Profiles of Gelatinases During Neoplastic Progression of Cervical Epithelial Cells
Jacquline A. Mason, B.S., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Abstract # 1832. Analysis and Comparison of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Breast Cancer in African American and Caucasian Women
Gay S. Morris, B.S., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Abstract # 5201. THP-1 Macrophages Stimulate Proliferation, Protect Against Tamoxifen Killing, and Modulate Angiogenesis-related gene Expression in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Douglas F. White, M.S., Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
Haile F. Yancy, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Bianca P. Gomez, M.S., Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Abstract # 1213. Human X-Box Binding Protein in Antiestrogen Resistance
Florida
Esther A. Obeng, B.S., University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Fla.
Abstract # 4012. Proteasome-inhibitor Induced Apoptosis in Multiple Myeloma Cells Involves Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and the unfolded Protein Response
Selina F. Darling-Reed, Ph.D., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla.
Mario R. Green, M.S., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla.
Abstract # 2237. Diallyl Sulfide Inhibits DES-induced DNA Adducts in the Breast of Female ACI Rats
Onyinye F. Nwagbara, M.S., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL.
Tomar Ghansah, Ph.D., H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Research Institute at University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla.
Illinois
Chinonye C. Nnakwe, B.S., University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill.
Abstract # 2656. Characterization of the DNA Ligase IV BRCT Domains and Their Role in DNA Double-Strand Break Repair
Indiana
John A. Sandoval, M.D., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind.
Abstract # 2725. Mutagenic Activity of Human Neuroblastoma vs. Neural Stem Cell Precursors
Kansas
Shalmica R. Williams, B.S., University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kan.
Abstract # 2517. Reduction of Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Effector Cells During Ovarian cancer Progression by TCDD: Possible Mechanism of Immunosuppression
Louisiana
Walter Rayford, M.D., Ph.D., LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, La.
Tisheeka R. Graham, B.S., Tulane University, New Orleans, La.
Massachusetts
Alice B. Brown, M.D., Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass.
Cecilia A. Fern¨¢ndez, Ph.D., The Children¡¯s Hospital of Boston/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
Abstract #2298. Characterization of the Anti-angiogenic Effects of TIMP-4
Maryland
Johnny O. Alexander, M.D., Franklin Square Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Michigan
Sarah L. Claud, M.P.H., Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Mich.
Abstract # 4019. Racial Differences in the Prevalence of Her-2/neu Positive Tumors
Jonathan Rios-Doria, B.S., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Abstract # 1442. Proteolytic Regulation of B-Catenin by Calpain and Potential Role in Cancer Joe Barber, Jr., B.S., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Abstract # 2972. Induction of p53R2 by dFdCyd Does Not Prevent R2 Expression Celina G. Kleer, M.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. Abstract # 3287. Validation of RhoC-GTPase Expression as a New Tissue Biomarker in Breast Cancer
Minnesota
Ofelia L. Zegarra-Moro, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Abstract # 1840. Blockage of Androgen Receptor Signaling Correlates with Enhanced Vimentin in Prostate Cancer Invasion
Jamie Lynn Wood, B.S., Mayo Graduate School, Rochester, MN.
Emiro E. Caicedo-Granados, M.D., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
North Carolina
A. Deloris Alexander, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Anastacia C. Berzat, B.S., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Abstract # 343. Transforming Activity of the Rho Family GTPase, Wrch-1, a Wnt-regulated Cdc42 Homolog, is Dependent on a Novel C-terminal Modification
Reginald Hill, B.S., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Abstract # 4299. Investigating the Role of the Rb Pathway in Prostate Tumor Suppression
Adrienne J. Smith, M.S., Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Abstract # 5177. Anti-apoptotic Signaling of Epidermal Growth Factor in Prostate Cancer
New Jersey
Karl E. Miletti-Gonzalez, Ph.D., UMDNJ/The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, N.J.
Abstract # 1823. CD44 Up-regulates the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Ovarian and Breast Carcinoma Cells
New Mexico
Miquella G. Chavez, B.A., B.S., University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.
Rita E. Serda, M.S., University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M.
Abstract # 968. Cytochrome P450 24R-Hydroxylase Regulation in Prostate Cancer
New York
Kathie-Ann P. Joseph, M.D., Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, N.Y.
Pennsylvania
Monique A. Gary, B.S., Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pa.
Elizabeth A. Hopper-Borge, Ph.D., Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pa.
Chelsea Camille Pinnix, B.S., The Wistar Institute/University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Abstract # 4938. Dissecting the Role of Tyrosine Receptor kinase Ligand Pair, EphA2/Ephrin A1, in Cultured Endothelial Cells
Clayton C. Yates, M.S., University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa. Abstract # 939. Direct Visualization of Prostate Cancer Progression Utilizing a Bioreactor
Puerto Rico
Juan M. Ramos, M.D., Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, P.R.
Abstract # 2892. UV Dose and DNA Repair Capacity Predict Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Risk
Lisandra Negr¨®n-Vega, B.S., University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, P.R.
Abstract # 182. The Expression of a 110-kD Isoform of EGFR in MCF7 is Regulated by EGF and PMA
South Carolina
Brittnaie J. Bell, B.S., University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C.
Abstract # 1026. Effects if Phosphorylation of Human Thymidylate Synthase by Casein Kinase 2 on Ligand Binding
Tennessee
Katherine L. Glover, B.S., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
Cimona V. Hinton, B.S., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
Magaly Martinez-Ferrer, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
Abstract # 1524. Lycopene Reduces Incidence of Azoxymethane Induced Colon Tumors in Fisher 344 Male Rats During Initiation and Progression Stages
Texas
Maria Perez-Lamigueiro, B.S., University of North Texas Health and Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.
Abstract # 1583. Changes in Mammalian Chromatin Structure as a Function of Protein-poly (ADP-vibosyl)ation. Susceptibility of Interphase Chromatin to Enzymatic Digestion with Deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) and Microccocal Nuclease (MNase)
Bernard Kwabi-Addo, Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Abstract #4811. Sprouty1, An Inhibitor of Fibroblast Growth Factor Signal Transduction, Is Down-regulated in Prostate Cancer
Nicolas G. Azios, B.A., University of Texas, Austin, Texas.
Abstract # 2864. Novel Resveratrol-mediated Signaling Pathway Induces Filopodia Extension and Inhibits Cell Migration in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Tilahun Jiffar, Ph.D., University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas.
Abstract # 3367. PKC alpha Promotes Chemoresistance in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Derived REH Cells by a BCL-2 Dependent, MAPK-Independent Mechanism
Ralph A. Highshaw, M.D., UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Loleta D. Harris, Ph.D., UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Abstract # 3273. Identification of AN43 a Tumor Associated Antigen Found in Bladder Cancer
Tamra S. McKenzie, M.D., UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Abstract # 5135. Combination Therapy of Ad-mda-7 and Herceptin Inhibits Tumor Growth in Nude Mice and Increases Apoptosis in Her2/neu Overexpressing Breast Cancer Cells
Virginia
Teneille Denise Walker, B.S., Virginia State University, Petersburg, Va.
Kara R. Jones, M.S., Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
Abstract # 2412. Ionizing Radiation-induced Senescence of Breast Tumor Cells is Dependent on p53 and Associated with Telomere Dysfunction
Washington
Lupe G. Salazar, M.D., University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.
Abstract # 1414. Long Term Immunity After Immunization with a HER-2/neu Vaccine
West Virginia
Valerie G. Walker, D.V.M., West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va.
Abstract # 3529. AFAP-110 is a Prospective Binding Partner for the p85-alpha Subunit of PI3K
*Recipients must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada
2004 AACR-MSI Faculty Scholar Awards in Cancer Research (Alphabetically by location of institution)
Alabama
Elijah O. Okegbile, Ph.D., Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL. Abstract # 1385. Preliminary Studies on Chemoprevention of Ovarian Cancer Progression by Vitamin C
District of Columbia
Xiaowu Pang, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, DC. Abstract # 3742. Comparison of Nicotine Effects in Vitamin E Succinate and 5-FU Treated Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Jianchao Zeng, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, DC.
Yanfei Zhou, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, DC. Abstract # 2139. Evaluation of a Series of Z-1,1-Dichloro-2,3-Di- and Tri-arylcyclopropanes as MDR Reversing Agents
Florida
Ellen S. Campbell, Ph.D., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL.
Hong Xiao, Ph.D., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL.
Georgia
Felix O. Aikhionbare, Ph.D., Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Abstract # 1903. Haploblock of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Colorectal Cancer Progression
Harvey L. Bumpers, M.D., Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Abstract #52. Antiangiogenic Effects of a Novel HIV-1 nef Cytotoxic Peptide on the Growth of Primary and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
James W. Lillard., Jr., Ph.D., Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Abstract # 3794. Glycoprotein 120 IIIB Mediates Prostate Cancer Cell Death and Inhibits Lymphangiogenesis
Mississippi
Ibrahim O. Farah, Ph.D., D.V.M., Jackson State University, Jackson, MS.
Puerto Rico
Jaime L. Matta, Ph.D., Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. Abstract # 1492. DNA Repair and UV Exposure Influence Important Characteristics of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer
Edna M. Mora, M.D., University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR. Abstract # 3329. Selective Secretion of Osteoclast-Activating Factors by Bone-Metastatic Breast Carcinoma Cells
Tennessee
Nasar U. Ahmed, Ph.D., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN. Abstract #3730. Racial/Ethnic Differences and Predictors of Adherence to One or More Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Guidelines in the US
Gautam Chaudhuri, Ph.D., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN.
Alecia S. Malin, Dr.P.H., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN. Abstract # 1080. Combined Association of Energy Balance, Lifestyle Factors, and Breast Cancer Risk
Texas
Maria O. Duarte-Gardea, Ph.D., University of Texas, El Paso, TX.
2004 AACR-WICR Brigid G. Leventhal Scholars in Cancer Research (Alphabetically by location of institution)
Canada**
Mira A. Rao, M.S., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Abstract # 2396. Cyclin G-Associated Kinase: An Androgen Receptor-interacting Protein that Enhances Receptor Transactivation
California
Alice E. Guardino, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Abstract # 4849. Generating a Lymphoma Tumor Vaccine Using CD40 Ligand
Susan A. Krum, B.S., University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
Abstract # 5555. BRCA1 Interacts with Phosphorylated Forms of RNA Polymerase II or Gamma-H2AX in Temporally and Biochemically Distinct Molecular Complexes
Maryland
Julie L. Blum, B.S., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Abstract # 1592. Treatment with the novel HDAC Inhibitors LAQ824 or LBH589 Inhibits HDAC1 and HDAC2 and Leads to Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ER) Re-expression in ER-negative Human Breast Cancer Cells
Cecile M. Ronckers, Ph.D., National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD.
Abstract # 3113. Second Primary Thyroid Cancer After a First Childhood Malignancy: A Report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
New York
Laura E. Klein, Ph.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Abstract # 5608. The Microtubule Stabilizing Agent Discodermolide is also a Powerful Inducer of Accelerated Senescence
Jiyoung Ahn, M.S., Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Abstract # 2313. Catalase (CAT) Genotype, Dietary Antioxidants, and Breast Cancer Risk
Ohio
Kathleen L. Tober, Ph.D., The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
Abstract # 2362. The Role of the EP Prostanoid Receptor EP1 in Acute UVB-mediated Inflammation
Pennsylvania
Christina M. Coughlin, M.D., Ph.D., Children¡¯s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Abstract # 4851. High-Risk Neuroblastoma Patients Harbor Survivin-specific Cytotoxic T Cells at Diagnosis that LyseTumor Cells in an MHC-restricted Fashion
Tennessee
Risa Kitagawa, Ph.D., St. Jude Children¡¯s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.
Abstract # 5540. The Role of SMC1 in DNA Damage Induced Signaling Pathways
**Eligible candidates may be traveling within the U.S. or from abroad. Some awards are specifically designated for those traveling from Asia, Europe, and Latin America.