Research Newsletter - December 2024

Summer programs are now open, mentors needed

Applications for the 2025 cancer center summer research programs are now open.

These summer programs need cancer center mentors to host student participants. These programs place students in our labs, exposing them to didactic programs in cancer biology, networking opportunities, and hands-on research experience.

Up to 81 interns will need mentors next summer. Plus, mentors receive $1,000 toward the purchase of lab supplies for the student(s).

Interested? The deadline to sign up is Friday, Feb 28.

Become a mentor

More than 150 people attended the fourth annual End Lung Cancer Now Gathering held on Nov. 8 to discuss the critical importance of research in advancing treatments and improving outcomes for those diagnosed with lung cancer. Attendees learned from national experts about how they can play a role in advancing research efforts statewide and participated in engaging breakout sessions to help develop a comprehensive research toolkit that will be released in 2025. Mark your calendars for next year’s gathering on Nov. 14, which will focus on the importance of prevention.

Danielle Halsey, the lead exercise physiologist for the cancer center’s MOVE program, is one of four finalists for the 2025 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Professional of the Year.  ACSM is the largest exercise scientist and exercise professional organization with more than 50,000 members. This award recognizes an outstanding ACSM Certified Professional for their dedication and exceptional contributions towards enhancing the health and wellness of individuals in their community.  Congrats, Dani!

Lawrence Einhorn, MD, and the 50th anniversary of his cure for testicular cancer was celebrated at an event on Nov. 9 at the Indiana State Museum. The event brought together testicular cancer survivors, families, colleagues and past trainees to mark this monumental milestone.

Relatedly, The Cancer Letter covered Einhorn’s keynote address that he presented Oct. 20 at the Association of American Cancer Institutes/Cancer Center Administrators Forum annual meeting. The Cancer Letter highlights his keynote and legacy and shares the video of his presentation.

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center was chosen to host the 2027 NACCDO-PAMN annual conference in Indianapolis. The National Association of Cancer Center Development Offices (NACCDO) and Public Affairs and Marketing Network of National Cancer Centers (PAMN) conference brings together more than 600 development, marketing, communications and public relations professionals from National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers.

The cancer center was chosen as the 2027 host through a bid submitted by Candace Gwaltney, associate director of communications at the cancer center and a PAMN steering committee member, and Amber Senseny, executive director of advancement and a member of the NACCDO board of directors. The cancer center communications team and PAMN members – Michael Schug, Mika Mokko, Betsy Cooney and Samantha Essex – and the gift development team and NACCDO members – Amanda Massey, Ashleigh Wahl, Meghan McFadden Forestal, Lauren Stutsman and Brittany Concannon – will play a role in content planning and hosting during the conference.

The new Komen Tissue Bank website earned a bronze award in the responsive website design category in the 2024 Digital Health Awards competition. A panel of health technology professionals reviewed entries based on content, format, success in reaching the targeted health audience, and overall quality. Kudos to the following for their award-winning work: Jill Henry, Kathi Ridley-Merriweather, and Julia von Arx of the Komen Tissue Bank; Samantha Essex, Patrick Hanson, Jeff Johnson, Josh Nichols, and Dennis Pund, of the cancer center’s web team; Candace Gwaltney, Mika Mokko, and Michael Schug of the cancer center’s communications team; and staff at Stamats Communications Inc.