Research Newsletter - May 2025

Leadership transitions

Anita Turk, MD (EDT), has been named medical director of the Clinical Trials Office. In this role, Turk is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all activities of the Adult Clinical Trials Office.

Eric Vachon, PhD (CDC), has been named assistant director of inclusive excellence. Vachon will work to further the cancer center’s goal of advancing a culture of inclusive excellence by designing sustainable programming and initiatives that align with the center’s mission and vision.

Tim Lautenschlaeger, MD (EDT), has been named the inaugural director of research for cancer screening at IU Health. In this role, he is responsible for developing the next generation of cancer screening solutions and improving access to cancer screening. As previously reported, he was recently named associate director for clinical research at the cancer center.

Burger Bash and ClusterTruck deals

Burger Bash returns to kick off Indy 500 race week to benefit IU cancer research.  

This free, outdoor event will be 5:30-8 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, outside Gate 1. NTT INDYCAR SERIES.com's Curt Cavin and INDYCAR on FOX's Kevin Lee will preview the race. The event will also feature Indy500 drivers.

Learn more

Additionally, now through May 31, 20% of proceeds from select ClusterTruck burgers will be donated back to cancer research at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Visit ClusterTruck’s website for more information.

IU Research launches new Research Development Services to streamline proposal support

To enhance support for researchers, IU Research recently launched Research Development Services. The new Research Development Services team, led by Jen Lawrence, can help with all stages of the proposal process, from early project ideation and collaborator identification to finalizing and uploading proposal documents for routing to the Office for Research Administration for submission. The service provides this support for proposals to government, corporate and foundation funders. Learn more.

Pride Parade registration is now open

Registration is now open to walk with the IU School of Medicine and IU Health in the Indy Pride Parade on Saturday, June 14. Parade participants are invited to celebrate visibility, allyship, and belonging. Participants must register by May 18 to guarantee a free IU School of Medicine Pride T-shirt. Faculty, staff, learners, and their loved ones are all welcome to join. Join the parade.

Member headlines and highlights

Arpan Prabhu, MD (CPC), is the co-editor of the second edition of “The Evolution of Health Literacy: Empowering Patients Through Improved Education,” published by Nova Science Publishers. This comprehensive volume delves into the critical role of health literacy and its impact on healthcare outcomes. Learn more.

Asmaa El-Kenawi, PhD (TMM), received the Outstanding Graduate Scholar Award from the American Urological Association. Presented during the association’s annual meeting, this national honor recognizes her impactful research in prostate cancer. Learn more.

#ResearchCuresCancer

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