iCURE Celebrates Transition of Largest Group of Scholars During Year-End Event
, by CRCHD Staff
Active and transitioning iCURE scholars pose as a group during the 2023 iCURE Year-End Gathering.
On June 8, 2023 the Intramural Continuing Umbrella Research Experience (iCURE) held its annual Year-End Gathering (YEG) at the NCI Shady Grove campus. For the first time in four years, NCI held the event in person – a welcomed change that allowed iCURE scholars, mentors, NCI principal investigators, and supporters to gather to celebrate the scholars’ year of accomplishments and their future endeavors.
The event opened with congratulatory remarks on another successful year conducting top-flight research at NCI as well as the noted personal and professional growth of each iCURE scholar. The iCURE Team acknowledged the transition of the program’s largest group of scholars since it launched in 2018 — more than 20 scholars are moving on to new career trainings and job opportunities.
iCURE celebrates scholars transitioning out of the program. From left, Dilorom Sass, PhD, Minervo Perez, PhD, John Fenimore, PhD, Muzzammil Ahmadzada, BS, Francine Baker, MS, Tishiya Carey, BA, Frank Colón-Matos, BS, Victoria Gonzalez, BA, and Enoc Granados Centeno, BS.
For those continuing their educational journey, three scholars will begin PhD programs at Stanford University, University of Minnesota, and University of Pennsylvania, respectively. Three scholars will be starting MD or MD/PHD programs at the University of Illinois Chicago, University of Queensland School of Medicine, and Stanford University, respectively. Additionally, a few scholars will start in graduate programs such as Master’s in Public Health and Master’s in Public Policy.
Three scholars that started out as graduate students in fall 2022 successfully defended their dissertation research to earn their PhDs and have continued their scientific journeys, starting postdoctoral fellowships at NCI or working in regulatory affairs outside of NIH. A few scholars will continue their research careers in additional research fellowship programs at the NCI and NIH. Additionally, multiple scholars have found a new home at the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) or in other industry or university roles.
DCEG Director Dr. Stephen Chanock presents the keynote address at the 2023 iCURE Year-End Gathering.
Dr. Stephen Chanock, Director of the NCI Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, served as keynote speaker for the event, encouraging the scholars to think about their research careers like that of a baseball player. As a batter, he noted, you may strike out many times, but there will be a time when you will hit a home run, and having a .300 batting average is a good thing.
"You don't always win every game, but you stay in it," Dr. Chanock said.
Following Dr. Chanock’s words of inspiration, 12 scholars took to the podium to describe their research and then presented during a poster session that followed the formal agenda. Scholars presented on various topics, such as pharmacologic inhibition and YAP signaling in cancer stem cells, splenic marginal zone and synergistic expansion of memory B cells, and T cell neuroimmune axis and liver cancer association. Scholars have demonstrated their dedication to advancing cancer research.
iCURE scholar Nadine Dogbe, BA, right, speaking with fellow scholars Mahider Enyew, BS, and Erika Kaschak, BA.
Following the scholars’ two-minute flash talks, NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities Director Dr. Sanya A. Springfield provided closing remarks, offering support and encouraging words to the scholars and reaffirming that, “Once iCURE, always iCURE!”
Congratulations to each and every iCURE scholar on another amazing year of scientific and professional progress! The iCURE looks forward to your continued dedication and success as you transition from iCURE to your professional career.