Sobering Moments

Greetings from 30,000 feet in the air on Sunday afternoon. Harriet and I are flying back from Denver. It is my second set of long airplane flights this week. It started off well enough, as I attended the AACR meeting in San Diego last weekend, leaving on Friday and returning on Tuesday afternoon. The weather was not idyllic, but the meeting was wonderful. However, we received the sad news that Judy, my daughter-in-law Sarah’s (Ken’s wife) mom, passed away that Sunday.

Read more.

BellRinger Announces Tony Covington as Next Executive Director

As was announced last week, as of today, April 15, Tony Covington, former NFL defensive back and fundraising champion, is BellRinger’s new executive director. Covington will lead the BellRinger team in expanding upon its long term goals and establishing a foundation for success for the future. Read an introduction to Tony and the passion he brings to lead BellRinger, written by Dr. Lou Weiner.

Participants Wanted: Walking Warriors 7th Annual Walk

Walking Warriors Battling Breast Cancer, a dedicated group of individuals who raise money to fund research and access to care for breast cancer, is seeking participants for its next fundraising walk on Saturday, May 4, at 7:30 a.m. The 7th annual 13.1-mile walk will step off from National Presbyterian Church in DC. View more information and a registration portal.

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.

Register for the MedStar Health-Georgetown University Research & Education Symposium

Register now for the MedStar Health-Georgetown University Research & Education Symposium, which celebrates the breadth of academic pursuits within the MedStar Health and Georgetown University communities. The symposium takes place on Monday, April 29, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The event offers the opportunity to connect with researchers, educators, residents, executive leaders, and collaborative partners from across the region. Anthony S. Fauci, MD, distinguished university professor at the School of Medicine and the McCourt School of Public Policy, will present the keynote address. View more information and register.

Cancer Research Conference Participation Reinforces Trainee’s Professional Growth

Spring 2024 Lombardi DEI Trainee Stipend Awardee Lourdes Inbar-Albo, MD, MS, (pictured here) shared her thoughts on having the opportunity to attend the Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos Conference last February. Lourdes, who graduated from Georgetown’s Epidemiology master’s program in 2023, presented her research on the relationship between financial hardship, depression and anxiety among caregivers of Latina breast cancer survivors.

“This experience reinforces my commitment to my professional growth and development. Moving forward, I am eager to apply the knowledge and connections gained from this conference to further advance my work in cancer research and ultimately contribute to improving outcomes for Latino cancer survivors and their caregivers.”

Read all of what Lourdes had to say and explore all of the Lombardi DEI Funding Opportunities.

Distinguished Scientist Seminar Series: “How the Endocrine/Paracrine System ‘Jumps the Minotaur’ to Regulate the Enhancer Activation Network”

Tuesday, April 16

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

Featuring M. Geoffrey Rosenfeld, MD, professor of medicine, UC San Diego. Join this seminar in Med-Dent NE201C or via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

Department of Human Science Research Seminar Series: “Delving Into the Realms of Cancer Survivorship, Behavioral Medicine, and Health Equity”

Tuesday, April 16

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Natasha Burse, DrPH, MS, NCI K00 Postdoctoral Research Associate, School of Nursing, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Join this seminar in St. Mary’s Hall Room 204 or via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

“Telomeres in Health and Disease”

Wednesday, April 17

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Sharon Savage, MD, Clinical Genetics Branch, NIH, presents the keynote address at this year’s Undergraduate Research Conference (which runs 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). All faculty and staff are invited to attend. Join this talk in the Herman Room, Healey Family Student Center.

Cancer Research Data Meeting

Thursday, April 18

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Tumor Biology PhD student Stanley Tam presents “Mechanisms of Targeted Therapy Resistance in ER+/HER2+ Breast Cancer.” Mentor: Rebecca Riggins, PhD. Join the meeting in W302 or via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

Joint Scientific Partners Distinguished Lecture Series & Distinguished Scientist Seminar Series: “Harnessing Genome Editing Technologies to Elucidate Cancer Biology”

Thursday, April 18

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Presented by Raj Chari, PhD, director, Genome Modification Core Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research. Join this seminar in the New Research Building Auditorium or via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series: “DNA Damage and Tumor Suppression via the BRCA Axis”

Friday, April 19

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Patrick Sung, PhD, professor of biochemistry and structural biology, Robert A Welch Distinguished Chair in Chemistry, associate dean for research, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, director, Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio. In-person, New Research Building Auditorium with Zoom option. (+Google Calendar)

MHRI-GHUCCTS Monthly Statistical Seminar Series: “Bayesian Statistics”

Friday, April 19

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Paul Kolm, PhD, associate director in the Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics at MedStar Health Research Institute. Part of the . Sponsored by GHUCCTS. Register for this Zoom webinar.

Next Week

Center for Metabolomic Studies Seminar Series: “Novel Functions for Atypical Sphingolipids”

Monday, April 22

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Presented by L. Ashley Cowart, PhD, professor, biochemistry & molecular biology, director, Lipidomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University. Join this seminar via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

CDI Seminar: “The Interplay Between T Cell Immune Activation and Endothelial Inflammation in HIV Infection: Mechanisms and Implications”

Tuesday, April 23

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

Presented by Marta Catalfamo, PhD, associate professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University. Join this seminar via Zoom. (+Google Calendar)

Cancer Research Data Meeting

Thursday, April 25

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

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

Georgetown University Postdoctoral Research Symposium 

Thursday, April 25

10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

This annual event highlights the excellent research and scholarship that our postdoctoral community is producing. 10:00 a.m.: Oral Presentations in Harvey Amphitheater North; 1:00 p.m.: Keynote speaker in Harvey Amphitheater North and via Zoom; 2:30 p.m.: Poster Presentations in Preclinical Science Building Hallway C; 4:30 p.m.: Reception at the West Pavilion (Above Pre-Clinical Science Building). Sponsored by the Georgetown University Postdoctoral Association (GUPDA) and the BGE Office of Postdoctoral Development. Volunteer as a judge. RSVP for symposium proceedings. (+Google Calendar)

GUFaculty360 Class - Updating Your Profile

Thursday, April 25

2:00 - 3:00 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.

Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series: “Mechanisms Driving Physiological Cachexia in Regeneration and Pathological Cachexia in Pancreatic Cancer”

Friday, April 26

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Teresa Zimmers, professor of cell, developmental & cancer biology at Oregon Health & Science University, co-leader of the Cancer Biology Program at the Knight Cancer Institute, and co-leader of the Patient Resiliency Program of the Brenden Colson Center for Pancreatic Care. In-person, New Research Building Auditorium with Zoom option. (+Google Calendar)

In the News

The BayNet.com Fun Run To Support Brain Cancer Research To Be Held At Horsmon Farm

Publications

Comparative Molecular Profiling of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Head Versus Body and Tail

A Scoping Review of Racial, Ethnic, Socioeconomic, and Geographic Disparities in the Outcomes of Older Adults with Cancer



Nascent Shifts in Renal Cellular Metabolism, Structure, and Function Due to Chronic Empagliflozin in Prediabetic Mice

NEW Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Research Fellows Award Program

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Research Fellows Award Program is an initiative that supports early career researchers at the postdoctorate, medical fellow or junior faculty levels currently active or interested in research in multiple myeloma research. The MMRF will provide $150,000 in research funding over two years to successful applicants who seek to learn more about the biology of multiple myeloma and identify new approaches to monitor for and treat the disease. Read the full program guidelines. Application deadline is Friday June 28, at 11:59 p.m. ET; applications must be submitted via ProposalCENTRAL.

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.

2024 Federal Lung Cancer Funding Opportunities

The Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP), part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, has released its fiscal year 2024 funding opportunities. The LCRP looks to support highly innovative, high-risk early ideas, advanced translation research, early stage clinical trials and patient-centered outcomes and survivorship research. In addition, it supports researcher development with a career development-focused award mechanism. Pre-application (letter of intent/preproposal) is required. Direct questions to help@eBRAP.org or 301-682-5507. View the funding opportunities and application instructions for:



• Career Development Award: LOI due May 28, 5:00 p.m. ET
• Concept Award: LOI due May 28, 5:00 p.m. ET
• Idea Development Award: Preproposal due May 28, 5:00 p.m. ET
• Translational Research Award: Preproposal due May 28, 5:00 p.m. ET
• Patient-Centered Outcomes and Survivorship Award: LOI due July 17, 5:00 p.m. ET

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 April 10, 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 - Stanley Tam: “Mechanisms of Targeted Therapy Resistance in ER+/HER2+ Breast Cancer” | 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 | Patrick Sung, PhD: “DNA Damage and Tumor Suppression via the BRCA Axis” | New Research Building Auditorium / Zoom

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

1:00 PM | Dr. Boikos - GIST | 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 | Dr. Dawson - Seminoma/Nonseminoma | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)