Our Research

Participating researchers focus on overcoming biological and social factors that contribute to poor cancer outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities addressing inequities locally to inform solutions applicable on a national level.

The I-CHER Center supports six targeted projects designed to strengthen interdisciplinary science and create solutions to address the unmet needs of patients.

Research Scholar Grants

Latinas Lideres En Salud (LALISA)

ELLAS/The Resurrection Project and other stakeholders will compare the effects of two community navigation models on improving the uptake of genetic services and risk-based breast healthcare among Latinas who have elevated biological breast cancer risk and social risks due to structural factors.


Developing and Optimizing Best Practice Solutions for Implementation of Population-Based Cancer Genetic Services in Primary Care at FQHCs (TestMiGenes)

In the TestMiGenes study, our research aims to compare 2 models of cancer genetics service in primary care to improve the uptake of genetic testing among patients at risk for having a hereditary cancer syndrome (e.g., Lynch syndrome or a BRCA mutation). We will also examine the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of each care model to help inform the development of best practices for primary care integration.  


Creation of a Culturally Sensitive Narrative Intervention to Promote Equity in Clinical Trials (FOR ME)

In the FOR ME (Fostering Opportunities in Research through Messaging and Education) Study a team of researchers and  local community advocacy groups, including Sisters Working It Out and Equal Hope, will develop a multimedia decision aid for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer to increase awareness about clinical trial participation. 


Clinician Scientist Development Grant

Optimizing Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment From Family History to Promote Targeted Screening in an Urban Underserved Population

Keith Naylor, MD seeks to improve cancer risk assessment and colorectal cancer screening among underserved populations through enhanced family history documentation.


A Community Engagement Approach to Improving Communication with Black Men About Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers 

Patrick D. Smith, DMD, MPH will collaborate with Project Brotherhood, a community-based organization with expertise in Black men’s health, to develop a tool that will assist dental providers in engaging Black men in discussions about oral and pharyngeal cancer prevention and treatment.


Post-doctoral Fellowship Grant 


Racial/Ethnic variation in ACKR1 on breast cancer progression & treatment

Chinwe Ewenighi-Amankwah, PhD

Chinwe Ewenighi-Amankwah, PhD, aims to understand molecular determinants of health, including the therapeutic implications of ACKR1 mutations.


Pilot Award Grantees

Assessment of guideline concordant cervical cancer screening in Chicago using electronic health record data from a large research network (CAPriCORN)


Prevention and Screening of Cancer in the Emergency Department Patient Population (PaCE)


Surface-engineered NK/Trastuzumab Cells as a Targeted Immunotherapy for HER2-low Breast Cancer

Photo of Maria Jose Godoy Caderon in a laboratory.
Maria Jose Godoy Calderon, PhD


Developing Food is Medicine for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Lifestyle Modification for Black Breast Cancer Survivors with Cardiovascular Risk


Duffy Status Effects on Racially Disparate Treatment in Breast Cancer

Chinwe Ewenighi-Amankwah, PhD

Chinwe Ewenighi-Amankwah, PhD will study the treatment of Duffy null patients to determine the magnitude of treatment alterations linked to reduced ANC and establish a mouse model of Duffy null serotype to test CDK4/6 inhibitor effects on neutrophil levels.


Multi-omic Signature of Drug Resistance to Specific KRAS G12D Inhibitors

Ines Pulido, PhD

Ines Pulido, PhD will analyze non-genetic mechanisms of resistance to KRAS-specific therapies to find biomarkers that can identify which groups will respond and which ones will likely benefit from alternative drug treatment to provide the best therapeutic treatment to diverse groups of patients.


Citing and acknowledging I-CHER

You should cite I-CHER if you received services for your research project including free or subsidized services, such as:

  • Pilot awards
  • Education and training programs

You can CHOOSE to cite I-CHER if you received infrastructure support for your research project:

  • Coordination and support from I-CHER faculty or staff (e.g., organizing meetings, project facilitation & planning)
  • Other technical assistance for only one aspect of the research played an important role

Please use language as such: Funding and support of [this project and/or opportunity] was made possible through I-CHER, the University of Illinois Cancer Center, and the American Cancer Society.

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