A Motivating Loss

Greetings on a rainy Saturday. Harriet and I attended the memorial service for Denise Robbins this morning. As I noted last week, Denise succumbed to breast cancer about 10 days ago. David, his family and friends were joined at the service by many members of his Georgetown family. The service was filled with the ache of loss, the warmth of remembrance and the closeness of a caring community.

Read more.

Georgetown Lombardi Members Recognized for University Service

Georgetown Lombardi members Amrita Cheema, PhD, Fung-Lung Chung, PhD, and Rabindra Roy, PhD, are among 35 faculty at Georgetown honored this year with the Vicennial Medal for their two decades of service to the university. Watch this video honoring all who celebrated this special milestone.

Georgetown Lombardi Center Hosts Symposium Examining PFAS

Scientists from disciplines ranging from organic chemistry, microbiology and oncology to environmental and chemical engineering gathered for an online symposium examining the problems associated with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) The three-day event, held March 6 to 8, was organized by the Consortium Center for PFAS and Cancer (CPAC) under the leadership of Georgetown Lombardi member Siva Dakshanamurthy, PhD, MBA. Read more about this symposium.

Project Cure CRC Grant Information Session

Join an information session this Wednesday, March 27, from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. to learn more about the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Project Cure CRC grants from John L. Marshall, MD, Project Cure CRC Grant Review Committee member and scientific co-chair. Tens of millions of dollars will be available to researchers from around the world whose work aims to expedite colorectal cancer (CRC) research to a curable science. The program is accepting applications for one- to three-year projects from qualifying professionals at research-based institutions and private companies. Sign up to receive the Zoom link.

Faculty Mentors Needed for the 2024 Summer Research Volunteer Program

The Summer Research Volunteer Program, now in its final week of taking applications from high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing summer research experiences with Georgetown Lombardi for Summer 2024 (June - August), is in need of faculty willing to mentor students.

If you are interested please email Dr. Mira Jung (jungm@georgetown.edu) to indicate your interest and provide the following information:

• Please specify the number of students you can accommodate
• Indicate whether you intend students to work in-person or virtually

After the application period closes on March 31, more information will be provided to those who have expressed interest in mentoring students this summer.

Rapid Qualitative Data Analysis Workshop

On Tuesday, April 9, from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Georgetown Lombardi researchers Randi Williams, PhD, MPH, Lisa Carter-Bawa, PhD, MPH, and Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza, PhD, will conduct a training on rapid qualitative data analysis, which offers an expeditious approach to evaluate dynamic and time-sensitive topics. Join this training in Conference Room G-308, 2115 Wisconsin Ave. or via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

Save the Date: 36th Annual Lombardi Gala

Saturday, April 27 

Held at:

The Anthem

901 Wharf Street, SW, Washington DC

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Cocktail Reception

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.: Dinner Program

9:30 - 11:00 p.m.: After Hours Party

Black-tie optional. View more information.

Meet the Coaches of the Lombardi DEI Leadership Coaching Program

The Georgetown Lombardi DEI Office has invited a selected group of certified professionals to participate in the Lombardi DEI Leadership Development Coaching Program. Meet the coaches here!

Funding is available for one-on-one coaching sessions to faculty and staff across all ranks who are thinking of pursuing professional development. Members affiliated with Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack Meridian Health and MedStar Health are welcome to apply.

For more information, visit the Lombardi DEI Funding Opportunities section on the website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Deadline for DEI Student Stipend Applications Due Today (3/25)

Students and trainees, the Lombardi DEI Summer Stipend funding can be applied for as many as 20 hours per week for six to eight weeks in a cancer research project to be developed from May to August. Submit applications for the Summer Stipend Funding Opportunities by March 25 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

PhD Thesis Defense

Monday, March 25

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Megan Majocha, PhD candidate in tumor biology in the NIH-Georgetown Partnership Program, presents “RESF1 is a Tumor Suppressor and Metastasis-Associated Gene in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.” Mentor: Kent Hunter, PhD. Join this event in the Warwick Evans Conference Room, Building D or via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

Department of Human Science Research Seminar Series: “Addressing Tobacco Use in Individuals with Mental Health Disorders”

Monday, March 25

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Catherine Nagawa, PhD, postdoctoral research fellow, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Sponsored by the School of Health. Join this seminar in St. Mary’s Hall Room 204 or via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

GUFaculty360 Class - Updating Your Profile

Tuesday, March 26

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

Learn how to upload your CV, add your personal website information, upload a syllabus, publications and more. Register for this class held via Zoom.

Special Seminar: “Targeted Protein O-GlcNAcylation: A Chemist’s Perspective”

Wednesday, March 27

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Presented by Billy Wai-Lung Ng, PhD, assistant professor, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Join this seminar in Room W302, New Research Building. (+Google Calendar)

Cancer Research Data Meeting

There will be no meeting on Thursday, March 28.

Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series

There will be no lecture on Friday, March 29 (Good Friday holiday). Grand Rounds resumes April 12.

Next Week

CDI Seminar: “Safe But Not Too Safe — Human Challenge for Tuberculosis”

Tuesday, April 2

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Presented by Eric Rubin, MD, PhD, editor-in-chief, New England Journal of Medicine, adjunct professor of immunology and infectious disease, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, and associate physician, Brigham & Women's Hospital. Join via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

Clinical Research Coordinator Seminar Series

Wednesday, April 3

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

This series is designed for Clinical Research Professionals and others vested in the care of research participants. The series provides opportunities for professional development as well as updates on GU policies, procedures and operations related to clinical research. Register for the Zoom seminar series.

PhD Thesis Defense

Wednesday, April 3

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Yutong Luo, MS, PhD candidate in Biostatistics, presents “Deconvolution Analysis and Differential Expression Inference for Bulk Tissues and Spatial Transcriptomics.” Mentor: Ruzong Fan, PhD. Join this event in Warwick Evans Conference Room, Building D. (+Google Calendar)

Cancer Research Data Meeting

Thursday, April 4

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Presented by Tumor Biology PhD student Thomas Rohwetter. Join the meeting in W302 or via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

NOTE NEW DATE:

Distinguished Scientist Seminar Series: “A Fireside Chat with Dr. Fauci”

Monday, April 8

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Presented by Anthony Fauci, MD, Georgetown University Distinguished University Professor in the School of Medicine and the McCourt School of Public Policy. In-person, location TBA, with Zoom option. (+Google Calendar)

In the News

The Guardian What is a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score? Should I Get One?

Healthline Mouth Bacterium Subtype Found in Half of Colon Cancer Tumors

Physician’s Weekly Molecular Profiling Improves Outcomes in Biliary Tract Cancer

OncLive Treating Colorectal Cancer: Overview of MRD Testing and ctDNA

Publications

Translational Aspects of Epithelioid Sarcoma: Current Consensus

Emerging Mechanisms of Ferroptosis and Its Implications in Lung Cancer

Suppressor T Helper Type 17 Cell Responses in Intestinal Transplant Recipients With Allograft Rejection

Vaccination of Adults With Cancer: ASCO Guideline

Echinocandin persistence directly impacts the evolution of resistance and survival of the pathogenic fungus Candida glabrata



Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of HER2 Protein Expression in PDAC Tumors

DUE TUESDAY: Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Scholar Award Call for Proposals

The Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre invites MD or PhD researchers at accredited academic medical centers, research institutions and universities in United States, Canada and UK to apply for the 2024 Rare Disease Scholar Award. Proposals of interest include novel approaches to treat rare diseases with an emphasis on neurological disorders, developmental and metabolic disorders, and rare cancers. Other rare genetic indications with high unmet need are also of interest. Any therapeutic modality will be considered. Learn more about the award and how to apply.



Up to 10 Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Scholars will be selected to receive:

• Guaranteed grant award of USD$100,000
• One year of therapeutics development support and project management from Harrington’s Therapeutics Development Center, with potential to renew for a second year based on milestones met
• Access to Oxford facilities and infrastructure including oligonucleotide synthesis and screening, small molecule and protein platforms, cell and gene therapy facilities as well as genomics capabilities, and links to Genomics England
• Opportunity to compete for acceleration funds up to USD$300,000
• Opportunity to qualify for investment funds at a higher level according to project requirements
• Invitation to present at the Harrington Discovery Institute Symposium for U.S.- and Canada-based awardees.

Full Proposals Due: March 26, at 11:59 p.m. ET

NEW The Mark Foundation Emerging Leader Awards

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research Emerging Leader Awards are granted to outstanding early career investigators to support high-impact, high-risk projects that are distinct from their current research portfolio. Applicants must be an MD, PhD, or equivalent and three to eight years from the start of an independent faculty research appointment (start date must fall within 2016-2021). The awards are $750,000 total over a three-year term, beginning January 1, 2025. Letters of intent must be submitted through the online application system by 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday, April 29. View complete details and submission guidelines.

AACR Funding Opportunities



The following AACR funding opportunities are open for applications. View a complete list of current and upcoming AACR funding opportunities. Please direct questions to the Research and Grants Administration Department: grants@aacr.org.

Breast Cancer:

AACR-Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance-Deborah Mueller Foundation Fund Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Innovation and Discovery Grants

Funding: $50,000 over one year; Eligibility: Applicants must be independent investigators affiliated with an academic, medical or nonprofit research institution; Application Deadline: April 12

Cancer Disparities:

AACR Cancer Disparities Research Fellowships

Funding: $130,000 over two years; Eligibility: Applicants must be working under the auspices of a mentor and have completed their doctoral degree or medical residency (if applicable) within the past five years of the grant start date; Application Deadline: April 16

Kidney Cancer:

AACR-Exelixis Renal Cell Carcinoma Research Fellowship

Funding: $130,000 over two years; Eligibility: Applicants must be working under the auspices of a mentor and have completed their doctoral degree or medical residency (if applicable) within the past five years of the grant start date; Application Deadline: April 11

AACR-KidneyCAN Kidney Cancer Innovation and Discovery Grants

Funding: $50,000 over one year; Eligibility: Applicants must be independent investigators affiliated with an academic, medical or nonprofit research institution; Application Deadline: April 11

Phi Beta Psi Grant Proposal Invitation

The goal of the Phi Beta Psi Charity Trust is to advance cancer research nationwide to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment by providing research grants to qualified investigators addressing original questions and hypotheses to be explored in basic and clinical studies in the field of cancer. Research applications must be focused on brain, breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer. Preference is given to young investigators with documented evidence of potential for conducting novel research of either basic or clinical aspects of cancer and cancer-related problems. Applications from established investigators exploring new and innovative areas of cancer research also will be considered. Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible. Two proposals from Georgetown Lombardi will be considered. View full application information. Direct questions to Kelli Lozada Reese, pbp.2vp@gmail.com. Applications for grants must be submitted electronically as well as mailed to the office of the National Second Vice President by Monday, June 10.

Federal Grants Digest: Colleges & Universities Edition

A weekly curated digest of federal funding opportunities of interest to colleges and universities to support programming, research, infrastructure and other efforts, provided by Thorn Run Partners. View current issue (for March 20, 2024).

8:00 AM | Division Weekly Update Meeting | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

8:30 AM | Monday Morning Oncology Report | Inpatient Oncology Fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

9:00 AM | Breast Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 528 212 194)

11:00 AM | GU/Melanoma Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 796 253 566)

4:00 PM | GU Tumor Board (on 1st/3rd Mondays of the month) | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 869 742 463)

9:00 AM | Hematology Path Conference - Inpatient Heme fellows + Outpatient Heme + BMT fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME code: 80737; phone: 202-796-7323)

4:00 PM | Liver Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams

5:00 PM | Breast Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 932 1012 3816; CME Code: 87253)

8:00 AM | Thoracic Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 993 7680 5192; Passcode: 4231; CME 86693)

12:00 PM | Melanoma Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME: 80988)

5:00 PM | GI Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

9:00 AM | Cancer Research Data Meeting - none | W302 New Research Building or Zoom

9:30 AM | Head and Neck Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams

12:30 PM | GI Research Meeting | WebEx (dial 844-302-0362, Meeting Number (access code): 712527865, HOST PIN: 5514)

5:00 PM | Lymphoma Tumor Board - every other week | Microsoft Teams

5:00 PM | Myeloma Tumor Board - every other week | Microsoft Teams

7:00 AM | CNS Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 298 285 483 265, Passcode: rJWpmU)

12:00 PM | Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series | none | New Research Building Auditorium / Zoom

12:00 PM | Team Building | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)

1:00 PM | Team Building | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)

1:00 PM | Pancreas Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 299 996 740 910, Passcode: z7j7Rc)

2:00 PM | Team Building | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)