Author: apadilla

Status: Available
Intern:
Faculty Name: Bin Ren
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB Department: Surgery
Campus Address: WTI630
Telephone Number: (205) 996-2582
Email: bren98@uab.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 2
CCC Research Area: Cancer Biology & Immunology
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 2
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Dr Abdellah Akil. Dr Ana Karen
2. Rong Yuan
Title of Project: Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Vascular Microenvironment
Project Description:

Arteriolar endothelial cells (ECs) promote self-renewal of CSCs by direct cell-cell contact via Notch activation or indirect cytokine production. LPA/PKD-1 signaling-mediated arteriolar differentiation of ECs via inducing arterial markers, ephrin B2 and delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4, also a ligand for Notch) and regulation of CD36 (an angiogenesis regulator in ECs) may create the arteriolar niche to enhance BCSC self-renewal capacity. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a lipid signaling mediator, switches microvascular EC (MVEC) to an “arteriolar phenotype” via LPA/PKD-1 signaling and chromatin remodeling-mediated CD36 downregulation, likely contributing to the progression of estrogen positive (ER+) BC. Seminal studies showed that CD36 drives stemness of CSCs and increases their metastatic potential. We have also identified CD36+- and PKD-1+-CSCs in human ER+BC specimens. Notably, we have observed the enrichment of the CSCs in the arteriolar niche. Moreover, LPA antagonist or PKD inhibitor inhibits ER+BCSC self-renewal. We propose that LPA antagonist or PKD inhibitor may maintain or stimulate CD36 expression in tumor-associated ECs (TAECs), and inhibits arteriolar remodeling in the TME and stemness of BCSCs. Our central hypothesis is that LPA/PKD-1 signaling promotes arteriolar differentiation and remodeling and CSC self-renewal in ER+BC and that the use of an LPA antagonist or PKD inhibitor in combination with a CD36 inhibitor can effectively disrupt arteriolar niche and eliminate BCSCs to control tumor metastasis.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 3, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 27, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: 2
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
More than 1 day per week (prior to start of the internship, gain appropriate waivers and approvals for the student to be on site)
Category of Project: Laboratory Research
Cancer topic: Breast, Pancreas
Does this project involve human subjects: No
Does this project involve animal subjects: Yes
Duty:
1.

Learn relevant knowledge and techniques

2.

Presentation in the lab meetings

3.

Write and contribute abstracts to academic meetings.

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Office or desk space, Computer and printer, Laboratory work bench space, Supplies needed to complete project, Equipment needed to complete project
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Grant Proposal Preparation, Laboratory Skills, basic knowledge, Pathology, Pharmacology, NONE OF THE ABOVE (just the willingness to learn)

Status: Available
Intern:
Faculty Name: Bin Ren
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB Department: Surgery
Campus Address: 1824 6TH Ave South Wallace Tumor Institute WTI630C2 (O) & WTI620E (L) Birmingham, AL35294
Telephone Number: (205) 996-2582
Email: bren@uab.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 2
CCC Research Area: Cancer Biology & Immunology
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 2
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. 2 Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern
2. Dr.Abdellah Akil, Dr Ana Karen
Title of Project: Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Vascular Microenvironment
Project Description:

: In various solid cancers, endothelial cells (ECs) promote self-renewal of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) or cancer stem cells (CSCs) by direct cell–cell contact or activation of Notch signaling. Microvascular remodeling and arterioles are critical to the progression of breast, lung and skin cancers, for which the differentiation of microvascular ECs (MVECs) is essential in the tumor microenvironment (TME). MVEC differentiation into arteriolar EC may create a unique vascular niche to enhance the self-renewal capacity of CSCs due to an increase in arterial markers, ephrin B2 and delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4, a key ligand in the Notch pathway). This proposal challenges current antiangiogenic therapy against solid tissue cancers by elucidating mechanisms of arteriolar differentiation of tumor-associated (TA) MVECs or TAECs and targeting both arteriolar remodeling and CSCs to control metastasis of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (ER+BC).

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 3, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 27, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: 2
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
More than 1 day per week (prior to start of the internship, gain appropriate waivers and approvals for the student to be on site)
Category of Project: Laboratory Research
Cancer topic: Breast, Pancreas
Does this project involve human subjects: No
Does this project involve animal subjects: Yes
Duty:
1.

Learn relevant knowledge and techniques

2.

Presentation in the lab meetings

3.

Write and contribute abstracts to academic meetings.

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Office or desk space, Computer and printer, Laboratory work bench space, Supplies needed to complete project, Equipment needed to complete project
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Grant Proposal Preparation, Literature Review Skills, Molecular Biology, Pathology, Pharmacology, NONE OF THE ABOVE (just the willingness to learn)

Status: Filled – Yuri Kwon
Intern: Yuri Kwon
Faculty Name: craig-elmets
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB/HA Department: Dermatology
Campus Address: VH501
Telephone Number: (205) 276-8652
Email: celmets@uabmc.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 2
CCC Research Area: Experimental Therapeutics
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 4
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Craig Elmets, MD and Olufolakemi Awe, MD
2. Leslie Roop
Title of Project: 22CE – Topical Chemoprevention of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer
Project Description:

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs; cutaneous basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas) are
the most common malignancies in humans in the United States. They are the source of considerable
morbidity and are a tremendous cost to the health care system. Current methods for their prevention
have consisted primarily of sun and tanning bed avoidance and the regular use of sunscreens.
Unfortunately, these measures have proven inadequate, and in contrast to most other malignancies,
the incidence of NMSCs continues to increase. Two agents that show promise for the prevention of
non-melanoma skin cancers are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), which inhibit the
cyclooxygenase enzyme, and difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a non-competitive inhibitor of the
enzyme ornithine decarboxylase. In other organ systems, these agents have synergistic cancer
chemopreventive activities. Because the skin is readily accessible, it may be possible to apply
topical formulations of these agents for the chemoprevention of skin cancers without encountering
the potential for systemic toxicity. We hypothesize that topical application of the COX inhibitor
diclofenac and/or topical DFMO for 9 months is a safe and effective method of reversing biomarkers
associated with the development of non-melanoma skin cancers in subjects at risk for their
development and will prevent the onset of new actinic keratoses. To test our hypothesis, we plan to
conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 subjects with a history of
basal cell and/or squamous cell skin cancer and at least 8 actinic keratoses. Patients will be
randomized to receive: topical DFMO + placebo; placebo + topical diclofenac; topical DFMO + topical
diclofenac; placebo + placebo. We will assess whether topical DFMO + topical diclofenac alters
skin biomarkers focusing on prostaglandin E2, polyamines and ornithine decarboxylase, proliferation
and apoptosis markers (Ki67, PCNA, cyclin D1, caspase 3, tunel assay, Bcl-2, Bax), and molecules
in the Akt/ERK1/2 axis. Studies are planned to determine if treatment with topical DFMO and/or
topical diclofenac is well-tolerated without signs of significant toxicity. We will also assess
whether subjects randomized to topical diclofenac and/or topical DFMO develop over a 9 month period
of time fewer new actinic keratoses than those who are placed on placebo. The ultimate goal of
these studies will be to determine whether topical diclofenac and/or DFMO should be evaluated in a
clinical trial for the preventionof non-melanoma skin cancers.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 3, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 27, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: Not very flexible, intern MUST be at work on certain days of the week and at certain times of the day (as may be necessary to interview patients, attend lab meetings, process samples, etc.) and should contribute full-time effort.
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
More than 1 day per week (prior to start of the internship, gain appropriate waivers and approvals for the student to be on site)
Category of Project: Clinical (Patient Care) Research
Cancer topic: Skin
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

1. interview patients

2.

2. analyze data

3.

3. Prepare abstracts and manuscripts

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Office or desk space, Computer and printer, Supplies needed to complete project, Equipment needed to complete project
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: Clinical Trials, Interview Skills, Manuscript Preparation for Submission to a Journal, Scientific Writing Skills

Status: Filled – Abby Cook
Intern: Abby Cook
Faculty Name: laura-rogers
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB/HA Department: Medicine/Preventive Medicine
Campus Address: MT614
Telephone Number: (205) 934-9735
Email: lqrogers@uabmc.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 3 or more
CCC Research Area: Cancer Control & Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 6
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Rebecca Little
2. Ildiko Nyikos
Title of Project: 21LR – Exercise and the gut microbiome in breast cancer survivors
Project Description:

Exercise provides multiple biopsychosocial benefits after cancer diagnosis. Little is known about the human microbiome in cancer survivors, how exercise may affect the human microbiome, and whether these effects are related to persistent cancer-related symptoms (e.g., fatigue). Fecal microbiome samples are being collected as part of two randomized controlled trials testing the effects of aerobic exercise on the gut microbiome in breast cancer survivors. A CaRES student is needed to assist with manuscript writing (e.g., literature review, rationale and design paper, etc.) and data collection and management. The student will work with Dr. Rogers and her staff to participate in and observe remotely available aspects of the study (including but not limited to virtual physical assessments and videoconference diet/exercise counseling sessions). This project offers the student the opportunity to participate in a translational project that involves both lab-based (e.g., DNA extraction, etc.) and patient-oriented research activities. The CaRES student will also participate in other exercise and cancer survivorship activities occurring within Dr. Rogers’ research program with the goal of better understanding exercise benefits and promotion in the target population. For example, the student may be able to assist with assessments done as part of several randomized controlled exercise trials in cancer survivors. The student may also participate in data management, scientific writing, and literature reviews, as part of secondary data analyses. The student will be expected to write an abstract for submission to a scientific meeting and participate as a co-author on a peer-reviewed manuscript, when appropriate.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 17, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 27, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: Not very flexible, intern MUST be at work on certain days of the week and at certain times of the day (as may be necessary to interview patients, attend lab meetings, process samples, etc.) and should contribute full-time effort.
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
0 – project will be fully virtual except for the required in-person checkpoint visits
Category of Project: Clinical (Patient Care) Research
Cancer topic: Breast
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Assist with collecting, entering, and checking data

2.

Literature review with written tabulation and summary

3.

Assist with protocol quality control

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: none since remote project
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Possible
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: Clinical Oncology, Interview Skills, Literature Review Skills, Microbiology, Scientific Writing Skills, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge, Survivorship

Status: Filled – Jeffery Asiedu
Intern: Jeffery Asiedu
Faculty Name: kelly-kenzik
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB/HA Department: Medicine
Campus Address: 1600 7th Ave S; Lowder 500. Birmingham, AL 35233
Telephone Number: (386) 316-7706
Email: kkenzik@uab.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 1
CCC Research Area: Cancer Control & Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 2
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Robert Oster; Liang Shan
2. Maria Pisu
Title of Project: 20KK – AMPLIFI – From survey to data analysis
Project Description:

AMPLIFI is a large project to test different web-based programs to improve healthy eating and exercise in adults with an-obesity related cancer. Participants assessments include a survey questionnaire which includes various previously-developed valid instruments. The intern will work with the team to obtain all the scoring for these instruments, apply the scoring, and obtain the analytic dataset. The intern will then perform data quality checks on scored survey data and on all other assessment data, and prepare data quality reports. The intern will have the opportunity to carve out a small data analysis project from these data.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 3, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 27, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: Flexible, intern can largely set his or her own schedule (as for students who are instructed how to proceed and are permitted to work independently with weekly guidance) and should contribute full-time effort.
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
0 – project will be fully virtual except for the required in-person checkpoint visits
Category of Project: Analytical/Statistical Research
Cancer topic: Survivorship, Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

1) evaluate current database and codebook; attend weekly zoom meetings for updates

2.

2) organize and clean codebook based on preceptor and team feedback

3.

3) preliminary descriptive analyses; frequencies/means to understand the current variables

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Equipment needed to complete project
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: SAS Programming, willingness to learn

Status: Filled – Emily McCoy
Intern: Emily McCoy
Faculty Name: robert-oster
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB/HA Department: MT650
Campus Address: 1717 11th Avenue South
Telephone Number: (205) 975-0539
Email: roster@uabmc.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 0
CCC Research Area: Cancer Control & Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 2
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Aquila Brown-Galvan
2. Maria Pisu
Title of Project: 19RO – AMPLIFI Assessment and Analysis Core – Challenges of conducting zoom assessments of study participants.
Project Description:

AMPLIFI is a large project to test different web-based programs to improve healthy eating and exercise in adults with an-obesity related cancer. Participant assessments include the following measurements and tests: 1) weight measurement, 2) waist circumference measurement, 3) balance tests, 4) sit and reach, 5) chair stand, 6) 8’feet get up and go, 7) 8’foot walk, 8) back scratch, 9) two-minute step test. In addition, blood pressure is measured, blood and urine samples are collected, and information on comorbidities, drugs and supplements, is obtained. Many of these activities are done during a ZOOM visit of 30-60 minutes. The CARES intern will work with the assessors to assemble the manual of operations, prepare and ship supplies and make reminder calls to participants, set up the ZOOM calls, conduct the ZOOM visit, and collect and enter the data. The intern will then analyze the data from the assessments, and note any challenges to conducting zoom assessments.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 3, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 27, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: Flexible, intern can largely set his or her own schedule (as for students who are instructed how to proceed and are permitted to work independently with weekly guidance) and should contribute full-time effort.
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
1 day or a few days as needed
Category of Project: Clinical (Patient Care) Research
Cancer topic: Breast, Colon and rectum, Obesity, Ovary, Prostate, Survivorship, Uterus, Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Prepare for assessments with participants, including making reminder calls, help participants set up zoom

2.

assist with assessments, enter data, note challenges of zoom assessments

3.

Data analysis, prepare manuscript

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Office or desk space, Computer and printer, Supplies needed to complete project
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: NONE OF THE ABOVE (just the willingness to learn)

Status: Filled – Fallon Lalor
Intern: Fallon Lalor
Faculty Name: gabrielle-rocque
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB/HA Department: Medicine
Campus Address: 1824 6th Avenue S.
Telephone Number: (205) 975-2914
Email: grocque@uabmc.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 3 or more
CCC Research Area: Cancer Control & Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 6
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Stacey Ingram
2. Nicole Caston
Title of Project: 18GR – Health Services Research Internship
Project Description:

The student will participate in two projects:

1. Evaluating clinical trial participation: One student will work on a series of projects related to improving representation of diverse populations in clinical trials. This will include (1) refining patient materials about the importance of representation of diverse population in clinical trials, (2) developing a policy brief to share with key stakeholders on results from our large database analysis on patients who are traditionally well-represented, underrepresented, and unrepresented in clinical trials, (3) conducting in depth chart review of whether patients were eligible and/or offered a clinical trial during their treatment at UAB, and (4) assist with literature review for manuscript preparation. They will also participate in discussions about analysis and dissemination or results.

2. Implementation of patient-reported outcomes: The student will participate in a research project that evaluated a large-scale implementation of patient-reported outcomes as part of standard of care. The student will take field notes during meetings, participate in qualitative analysis of interviews regarding barriers and facilitators to implementation, and assist with literature review for manuscript preparation. If the student has an analytic background, they will have the opportunity to participate in the quantitative evaluation of the implementation.

The student will gain experience in different types of health services for patients and the nuances of conducting research.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 3, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 27, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: Flexible, intern can largely set his or her own schedule (as for students who are instructed how to proceed and are permitted to work independently with weekly guidance) and should contribute full-time effort.
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
0 – project will be fully virtual except for the required in-person checkpoint visits
Category of Project: field or analytic
Cancer topic: Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Abstract charts

2.

Take field notes

3.

Conduct literature review

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Office or desk space, Computer and printer, Supplies needed to complete project, Equipment needed to complete project
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: NONE OF THE ABOVE (just the willingness to learn)

Status: Filled – Bryan Mortimer
Intern: Bryan Mortimer
Faculty Name: m-k-sewell-loftin
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB/HA Department: Biomedical Engineering
Campus Address: WTI 630A
Telephone Number: (205) 934-0198
Email: mksewellloftin@uab.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 0
CCC Research Area: Cancer Biology & Immunology
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 5
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Joel Berry
2. Maranda Tidwell
Title of Project: 17SL – Investigating Biomechanical-Induced Changes to Chemotherapeutic Responses
Project Description:

Our lab focuses on how biomechanical factors affect tumor progression and angiogenesis. We utilize a microfluidic device made from poly(dimethylsiloxane), a clear polymer, that allows us to create small tissue mimics that contain multiple human cell lines including fibroblasts and endothelial cells (ECs). The ECs will organize into vascular networks, allowing us to interrogate how different biomechanical parameters (ECM composition, stiffness, etc.) affect blood vessel growth. Ongoing work in the lab is dedicated to understanding how cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) actively induce mechanical perturbations in the tumor microenvironment, and how these forces alter EC signaling to lead to angiogenesis and tumor progression. A new area of research for our lab is understanding how biomechanical changes (matrix composition/stiffness, interstitial flow, etc.) in microenvironment affect tumor cell proliferation rates and drug resistance. This project will focus specifically on processing and analyzing images of our 3D tumor platform to measure changes in (1) mechanical properties of the matrix, (2) angiogenesis, (3) tumor cell proliferation, and (4) resistance to first line chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin.

Project Status: Will begin on or before the CaRES student’s start date
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 3, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 13, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: Flexible, intern can largely set his or her own schedule (as for students who are instructed how to proceed and are permitted to work independently with weekly guidance) and should contribute full-time effort.
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
0 – project will be fully virtual except for the required in-person checkpoint visits
Category of Project: Laboratory Research
Cancer topic: Breast, Ovary
Does this project involve human subjects: No
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Optimize processing and analysis protocol for images of cancer cells and blood vessels in 3D microscopy images, 3D maps of mechanical activity, and Western blot densitometry measurements; basic protocols and techniques exist currently and will be taught to the intern by Dr. Sewell-Loftin

2.

Perform quantitative analyses on data and image sets, including appropriate statistical analyses; prepare results for inclusion in figures for publications, grants, abstracts, etc.

3.

Lead discussions and planning for optimization of experimental protocols, including identification of new/downstream targets to be investigated based on results the intern provides. This will be facilitated through regular meetings with Dr. Sewell-Loftin, in addition to a collaborator (Dr. Joel Berry, BME) and graduate students in both labs.

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Supplies needed to complete project, Software and data set access
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: Cell Biology, Computer Programming, Laboratory Skills, basic knowledge, Literature Review Skills, Molecular Biology, Scientific Writing Skills, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge, Statistics and Data Management advanced

Status: Available
Intern:
Faculty Name: jessy-deshane
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB Department: Medicine
Campus Address: THT 433A, Department of Medicine/Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care
Telephone Number: (205) 996-2041
Email: jessydeshane@uabmc.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 1
CCC Research Area: Cancer Biology & Immunology
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 4
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Kayla Goliwas
2. Jessy Deshane
Title of Project: Impact of immune check point blockade on sphingolipid metabolism
Project Description:

Several studies have identified that dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism occurs during lung cancer progression. The bioactive sphingolipids including, ceramide (Cer), sphingosine (So), and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are important in signaling and regulation of many cellular processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cellular senescence and angiogenesis associated with lung cancer. Specifically, the imbalance of anti-apoptotic S1P and pro-apoptotic Cer and So ratio regulated by sphingokinase (SK1 and SK2) enzymes contributes to these processes. Currently, it is unknown if immune check point blockade (ICB) therapy would modulate sphingolipid metabolism pathway. We have developed a three dimensional human lung tumor tissue model using a perfusion bioreactor platform. Using these models, we will investigate if the anti-apoptotic to pro-apoptotic sphinglipid ratios are altered by ICB. Samples will be analyzed by lipidomics and image analyses of expression data in tissues from the 3D-models. Data analyses can be done remotely following limited person training.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 31, 2021
Proposed End Date: August 13, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: 1
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
1 day or a few days as needed
Category of Project: Clinical (Patient Care) Research
Cancer topic: Lung and Bronchus
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Receive training

2.

Analyze data and plot

3.

Meet by zoom weekly to discuss data

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Laboratory work bench space
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: Biochemistry, Immunology, Pathology, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge

Status: Filled – Sara Ferguson
Intern: Sara Ferguson
Faculty Name: elizabeth-e-brown-3
Primary Faculty Appointment: UAB
UAB/HA Department: Pathology
Campus Address: WTI 602C
Telephone Number: (205) 612-2202
Email: elizabethbrown@uabmc.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 3 or more
CCC Research Area: Cancer Control & Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 2
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Teresa K. Martin
2. Kevin Arnold
Title of Project: 15EB – Risk factors associated with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Project Description:

The goal of this investigation is to characterize risk factors for relapsed refractory disease in patients treated for multiple myeloma. This investigation will be ancillary to the Integrative Molecular And Genetic Epidemiology (IMAGE) Study of myeloma. CaRES Fellows will be working with the existing IMAGE Study team and infrastructure to identify and recruit new participants, provide informed consent, conduct data management, quality control as well as obtain longitudinal data on existing participants. Preliminary analyses may result in publication.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: June 1, 2021
Proposed End Date: July 30, 2021
Expected work schedule for intern: Flexible, intern can largely set his or her own schedule (as for students who are instructed how to proceed and are permitted to work independently with weekly guidance) and should contribute full-time effort.
Number of days that the student will be expected to come physically to UAB:
1 day per week (prior to start of the internship, gain appropriate waivers and approvals for the student to be on site)
Category of Project: Clinical (Patient Care) Research
Cancer topic: Lymphoma
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

interview patients

2.

electronic medical record abstraction

3.

data management, data analysis and presentation of findings

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following: Office or desk space, Computer and printer, Supplies needed to complete project, Equipment needed to complete project
Likelihood that intern will be included as an author on one or more publications related to this summer research project: Very likely
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience: Cancer Rates, Trends and Statistics, Interview Skills, Literature Review Skills, Manuscript Preparation for Submission to a Journal, Scientific Writing Skills, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge