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| Duke investigators offer new insights into cancer; Are rewarded for their efforts |
More than two dozen Duke investigators–many of them students and postdoctoral fellows–were presented with awards acknowledging their scientific achievements in cancer research during the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center's Annual Meeting in October. The investigators are currently working with mentors from the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center to investigate the underlying causes of cancer and new therapeutic strategies for patients.
The annual $10,000 Malek Cancer Research Scientist Award, established by Marlene and Fred Malek, was presented to Jing Mi, MD, PhD. Mi is mentored by Bryan Clary, MD, and Bruce Sullenger, PhD, and is exploring the biology of human cancers. Mrs. Malek serves on the Cancer Center's Board of Overseers and is president of Friends of Cancer Research. |
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The Citizens Advisory Council, the longest standing group of volunteers for the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, awarded Young Investigator Awards to 11 researchers who had demonstrated excellence in research. Each investigator received $500. An additional 11 investigators were awarded $500 for their scientific poster presentations. Both sets of winners were determined by a scientific committee of faculty members who reviewed more than 120 abstracts which were submitted for review.
The $1200 Citizens Advisory Council Outstanding Oral Presentation Award was presented to Rebecca Dodd, PhD, who is mentored by David Kirsch, MD, PhD. Dodd's research project explores the use of a mouse model to study cancer metastasis. The $1000 Citizens Advisory Council Outstanding Poster Award was presented to Taoran Li, who is mentored by Jackie Wu, PhD. Li's research focuses on radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
The $1000 Robert M. and Barbara R. Bell Basic Science of Cancer Award, endowed by Dr. Robert M. and Barbara R. Bell, was presented to Nam Lee, PhD. Lee, whose research is focused on the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, is mentored by Gerry Blobe, MD, PhD. The Bell Award is given annually to a postdoctoral fellow who has demonstrated exceptional abilities in basic cancer research based on work accomplished entirely at Duke. Dr. Bell founded and chaired the Department of Molecular Cancer Biology at Duke and is the former deputy director and acting director of the Cancer Center.
Zeljko Vujaskovic, MD, MPH, won the $1000 R. Wayne Rundles Award for Excellence in Cancer Research. Vujaskovic is mentored by Chris Willett, MD. Vujaskovic is studying the effects of ionizing radiation leading to the development of lung injury. The Rundles Award is presented annually to a Duke investigator whose research has made an important contribution to the detection, treatment, or prevention of cancer. The award pays tribute to Wayne Rundles, MD, a pioneer in chemotherapy and leader in the development of national cancer programs and policies.
"As evidenced by the outstanding research presented during the Cancer Center's Annual Meeting, I am pleased to recognize and acknowledge the caliber of researchers at Duke who are focused on cancer," says H. Kim Lyerly, MD, director of the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Because of generous contributions from our friends, we are able to support these young investigators to ensure that they are able to continue their important work. These awards are a testament to these forward-thinking individuals who have partnered with us to ensure that we reach our goal of eradicating cancer." |
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