Research Newsletter - November 2024

Deb Cole has joined the cancer center administration team as a program management specialist, where she is working closely with Ann Kimble-Hill, PhD, on the inclusive excellence initiatives. Deb was most recently a program manager with the IUPUI STEM Education Innovation Research Institute. She’s also no stranger to oncology, having worked with the Hoosier Oncology Group and the Walther Cancer Foundation.

She is working a hybrid schedule with an on-campus office in Walther Hall (R3), suite 528. She can be reached at cole22@iu.edu.

Susanna Crane is the new administrative generalist coordinator for the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. Susanna will evaluate office production, revise procedures, and organize office processes. She was most recently an administrative secretary in oncology administration at the Franciscan Health Cancer Center.

She is working a hybrid schedule with an on-campus office in Gatch Hall (CL), suite 601. She can be reached suscrane@iu.edu or 278-4025.

Cancer center trainee wins poster competition

Cancer center trainee Ryli Justice was the poster award winner at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) 33rd Annual Short Course on Experimental Models of Human Cancer. JAX and the American Cancer Society (ACS) teamed up to have ACS-funded trainees, such as Justice, attend advanced cancer courses at JAX, aiming to deepen their understanding of cutting-edge cancer research techniques through experiential learning.

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Clint Cary, MD (CPC), is lead author on a study that found traditional open surgery for lymph node removal remains the gold standard for testicular cancer. Read the news release.

Nasser Hanna, MD (EDT), has been named the screening program director at IU Health. Hanna, founder of the cancer center’s End Lung Cancer Now initiative, will serve in a dual role leading and directing cancer prevention and screening initiatives across the health system, while also developing and implementing cancer center research projects to reduce the burden of cancer for all Hoosiers.

Eric Walsh-Buhi, PhD (CPC), was awarded a four-year R01 grant for his project, “Skin cancer on social media: Analyzing current communications, modeling diffusion potential, and developing innovative prevention-focused messages.” Learn more.

Ashiq Masood, MD (EDT), is a recipient of a $200,000 grant from Project Cure CRC, the breakthrough research fund of the leading nonprofit Colorectal Cancer Alliance. His pre-clinical proposal, “Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts to Improve Treatment for Colorectal Cancer,” is among five proposals chosen for funding to advance colorectal cancer research. Read the news release.

Rita Assi, MD (EDT), has been elected president-elect of the Indiana Oncology Society 2024-2026 Board of Directors. Read more.

Patrick J. Loehrer, MD (EDT), shares stories on the founding of the Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) in this article, 40 Years of friendship and collaboration: A conversation with HCRN co-founders Pat Loehrer and Bill Fisher.

Mark Kelley, PhD (EDT), spoke at the Eugene M. Silinsky Student-led Symposium, “From Lab to Launch: Transforming Academic Discoveries into Biotech Venture,” on Nov. 7 at Northwestern University in Chicago.