Education and Outreach Staff and Contact Information
For information on activities, potential collaborations, and upcoming opportunities, please contact ncistemeducation@nih.gov.
Emily Davis, Ph.D., NCI Education and Outreach Program Manager
Dr. Davis is a Program Manager in the Center for Cancer Training (CCT) and the current lead for the NCI Education and Outreach Program. Immediately prior to joining NCI, she was an AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS). She received her doctorate in biomedical sciences from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where her research focused on the role of the second X chromosome in brain aging and neurodegeneration. She enjoys helping and mentoring others — especially those interested in science careers — and is committed to supporting a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment where people can be their authentic selves.
Chanelle Case Borden, Ph.D., NCI Education and Outreach Program Manager
Dr. Case Borden is currently the Acting Branch Director of the Intramural Diversity Workforce Branch in the Center for Cancer Training (CCT). She joined the Center for Cancer Training in 2016 to pursue her passions in science education, improving the training education, and increasing diversity in biomedical sciences. She received her Ph.D. in Molecular Oncology from George Washington University, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health Graduate Partnership Program (GPP). Chanelle founded the NCI Education and Outreach Program (formerly NCI Scientists in the Community) in 2017 to enhance STEM experiences by connecting scientists with the local community
Antonella Sassano, Ph.D., NCI Education and Outreach Program Volunteer and Organizer
Dr. Sassano has over 25 years of lab experience in cancer research and translational medicine. She grew up in Italy by the Amalfi Coast, received her Ph.D. in Immunology and Cell Biology from the University of Turin (Italy), then transferred to the US and became a Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University in Chicago. In 2017, she joined NIH as a scientist in Dr. Glenn Merlino’s Lab, where she studied mouse preclinical melanoma modeling. Beyond her daily responsibilities in the lab, she collaborates with CCT to develop and expand EOP. Antonella is committed to scientific excellence, innovative thinking, and using her experience and network to support trainees.
Jordann Smak, Ph.D., NCI Summer RISE Lead
Dr. Smak received her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan and is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the Center for Cancer Training (CCT).
Past Team Members
Britney Hardy, Ph.D. (former NCI Postdoc) transitioned to the NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education (OITE) where she now directs the High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) Summer Program.
Mary-Grace Katusiime (former NCI Summer RISE Co-Lead)
Patricia A. Wiley, Ph.D. (former Assistant Program Manager) was awarded a AAAS Fellowship and transitioned to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB).
Cora Hersh (former Volunteer Coordinator) transitioned to a Research Assistant position at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution following the completion of her postbaccalaureate fellowship.