This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Cancer Biology Retreat by the Cancer Biology Training Consortium (CABTRAC), a milestone celebrated with a gathering of scientists, researchers and trainees from across the country, including the University of Illinois Cancer Center.
Over three days, attendees engaged in scientific sessions, poster presentations and networking events to advance the understanding of cancer biology and foster collaborations across institutions. The retreat was held October 28-30 in Kansas City, Missouri, co-hosted by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Stephenson Cancer Center.
Here is a look at some key University of Illinois Cancer Center highlights at the retreat.
Spotlight on Cancer Research Training and Education
Ifeanyi Beverly Chukwudozie, MBA, MPH, Director of the Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) Office, presented a poster during the CRTEC Poster Presentations. The poster, “Fostering Excellence in Cancer Research: Integrated Training, Diversity Pathways and Outcome Evaluation,” showcased work by the Cancer Center CRTEC Office, in collaboration with other Cancer Center Cores and Research Programs, in creating structured and inclusive training programs to develop the next generation of cancer researchers. Her presentation highlighted the initiatives in place to attract diverse students and ensure robust evaluation methods to measure the success of these programs.
Trainee Poster Session: Showcasing Emerging Talent
The retreat provided an invaluable platform for trainees to share their work and gain recognition. Philippa Burns, a Cancer Center Trainee Member and a PhD student in the lab of Jonathan Coloff, PhD, co-leader of the Cancer Center’s Cancer Biology Research Program, presented her poster titled “Serine Starvation Inhibits SRSF Protein Expression and Modulates RNA Splicing in Breast Cancer Cells.” Her research explores a novel approach to targeting breast cancer cells through metabolic manipulation, specifically investigating how serine deprivation affects RNA splicing. Burns’s poster earned her one of the two Graduate Poster Awards, recognizing her scientific rigor and potential impact on the field.