Researchers & Clinicians

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)

Yamile Molina, PhD

• In the Latinas Lideres En Salud (LALISA) study, 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)

Pamela Ganschow, MD

• In the TestMiGenes study, the research aims to compare two 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). Researchers 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)

Kent Hoskins, MD

• In the FOR ME 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.

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Clinician Scientist Development Grant

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

Keith Naylor, MD 

• The research seeks to improve cancer risk assessment and colorectal cancer screening among underserved populations through enhanced family history documentation.

Listen to him discuss his work on Chicago's WVON 1690AM radio show "Dr. in the House with Dr. Terry Mason."

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

Patrick D. Smith, DMD, MPH

• ln collaboration with Project Brotherhood, a community-based organization with expertise in Black men’s health, they will develop a tool that will assist dental providers in engaging Black men in discussions about oral and pharyngeal cancer prevention and treatment.

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Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant 

Racial/Ethnic Variation in ACKR1 on Breast Cancer Progression and Treatment

Chinwe Ewenighi-Amankwah, PhD

• The research aims to understand molecular determinants of health, including the therapeutic implications of ACKR1 mutations.

Listen to her discuss her work on Chicago's WVON 1690AM radio show "Dr. in the House with Dr. Terry Mason."

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Pilot Award Grantees

Assessment of Guideline Concordant Cervical Cancer Screening in Chicago Using Electronic Health Record Data from a Large Research Network (CAPriCORN)

Hunter Holt, MD

• Listen to him discuss cervical cancer on Chicago's WVON 1690AM radio show "Dr. in the House with Dr. Terry Mason."

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

Shaveta Khosla, PhD, MPH

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

Maria Jose Godoy Calderon, PhD

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

Saria Lofton, PhD, RN

• Listen to her discuss her work on Chicago's WVON 1690AM radio show "Dr. in the House with Dr. Terry Mason."

Duffy Status Effects on Racially Disparate Treatment in Breast Cancer

Chinwe Ewenighi-Amankwah, PhD

• Listen to her discuss her work on Chicago's WVON 1690AM radio show "Dr. in the House with Dr. Terry Mason."

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

Ines Pulido, PhD

• Listen to her discuss her work on Chicago's WVON 1690AM radio show "Dr. in the House with Dr. Terry Mason."

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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.