Internships 2020 – Page 5 – Cancer Research Experiences for Students (CaRES)

11AO – Functional Characterization of Novel Oncogenic Drivers in Cancer

Status: Filled – Intern: Nicole Pelletier
Intern: Nicole Pelletier
Faculty Name: akinyemi-i-ojesina
UAB Department: Epidemiology
UAB School: Public Health
Campus Address: 1665 University Boulevard RPHB 230L
Telephone Number: (205) 934-7911
Email: ojesina@uab.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 2
CCC Research Area: Cancer Biology
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 10
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Jianqing Zhang, PhD
2.
Title of Project: 11AO – Functional Characterization of Novel Oncogenic Drivers in Cancer
Project Description:

In the Oncopathogenomics laboratory, we combine genomic analyses with functional experiments in primary human tissues and cell lines, to investigate how somatic genomic alterations synergize with microbial influences to modulate tumor initiation, progression, response to therapy and prognosis.

Using the most up-to-date genomics analytical tools, we have identified several putative novel cancer driving genes with recurrent hotspot mutations, which are likely to be targets for cancer therapy.

In this project, we seek to perform functional characterization of these genes. This will involves ectopic expression of wildtype and mutant constructs for the gene(s) of interest in cell lines to assay for their differential phenotypic effects on cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, etc. We will also test for sensitivity to both pharmacologic and shRNA inhibitors of the gene(s) of interest.

Depending on the progress made during the project, there will be opportunities for genomic investigation of lysates from our experiments. This will likely be associated with opportunities to learn how to perform some genomic analyses.

This work has great promise for illuminating the mechanisms of cancer, development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, and the prevention of cancer.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Huntsville, AL (HudsonAlpha)
Proposed Start Date: February 4, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 28, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Laboratory Research
Cancer topic: Breast, Cervix, Genetics, Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: No
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Cell culture

Molecular biology and biochemical assays

Analysis and interpretation of data, reports, presentations

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, Computer Programming, Genetics and Genomics, Infectious agents and cancer, Laboratory Skills, advanced knowledge, Molecular Biology

10YY – Determine the mechanism whereby Runx2 deficiency in osteoblasts induces chemoresistance of multiple myeloma

Status: Available
Intern:
Faculty Name: Yang Yang
UAB Department: Department of Pathology
UAB School: School of Medicine
Campus Address: Volker Hall Building, Room G035; 1670 University Blvd Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Telephone Number: (205) 996-6228
Email: yangyang@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 Biology
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. Dr. Chao Zhang
2.
Title of Project: Determine the mechanism whereby Runx2 deficiency in osteoblasts induces chemoresistance of multiple myeloma
Project Description:

Chemoresistance is a major cause of multiple myeloma (MM) relapse and patient mortality. Bortezomib is a front line anti-MM drug and one of most effectively used chemotherapeutic drugs on MM patients. Our previous studies have demonstrated that MM cells secrete soluble factors and suppress osteoblastogenesis via the inhibition of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in osteoblasts (OBs) in bone, and this OB-Runx2 deficiency, in turn, promotes myeloma cell resistance to the treatment of Bortezomib. In this project, we will investigate the mechanisms of OB-Runx2 deficiency induced Bortezomib resistance and seek a strategy for overcoming the drug resistance.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: June 1, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 21, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Laboratory Research
Cancer topic: Multiple myeloma
Does this project involve human subjects: No
Does this project involve animal subjects: Yes
Duty:
1.

Cell culture

Experimental analyses (e.g., Western blot and PCR )

Analyze data and write an abstract

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, Laboratory Skills, basic knowledge, Molecular Biology, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge

09AO – Genomic Determinants of Microbe-Associated Cancers

Status: Filled – Intern: Yasmeen Abdo
Intern: Yasmeen Abdo
Faculty Name: akinyemi-i-ojesina-2
UAB Department: Epidemiology
UAB School: Public Health
Campus Address: 1665 University Boulevard RPHB 230L
Telephone Number: (205) 934-7911
Email: ojesina@uab.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 2
CCC Research Area: Cancer Biology
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 10
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Jianqing Zhang, PhD
2.
Title of Project: 09AO – Genomic Determinants of Microbe-Associated Cancers
Project Description:

In this project, we will analyze exome and RNA sequencing data derived from tumor samples, and identify molecular determinants of patient prognosis. This work has great promise for illuminating the mechanisms of cancer, development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, and the prevention of cancer.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 4, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 28, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Analytical/Statistical Research
Cancer topic: Breast, Cervix, Genetics, Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: No
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Genomic data analysis

Bench experiments

Figure/Table generation, reports and presentations

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:
Computer Programming, Epidemiologic Methods, Infectious agents and cancer, Laboratory Skills, basic knowledge, Scientific Writing Skills

08JD – Exosomal signaling by myeloid cells in suppressing B cell responses in lung cancer

Status: Filled – Intern: Veena Krishnan
Intern: Veena Krishnan
Faculty Name: jessy-deshane
UAB Department: Medicine/Pulmonnary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine
UAB School: Medicine
Campus Address: THT 433A, Department of Medicine/Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care
Telephone Number: (205) 382-0847
Email: jessydeshane@uabmc.edu or Click to Send E-Mail
For how many summers have you served as a preceptor: 1
CCC Research Area: Inflammation, Immunology, and Immunotherapeutics
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 40
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Yong Wang
2. Kayla Goliwas
Title of Project: 08JD – Exosomal signaling by myeloid cells in suppressing B cell responses in lung cancer
Project Description:

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in regulating tumor biology and response to therapeutic intervention, with intercellular communication between tumor and stromal cells regulating tumor growth and progression. We recently reported that immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) suppress B cell responses in the lung TME. Using mouse models and human samples, we will investigate if MDSC-derived extracellular vesicles modulate sphingolipid signaling in B cells and contribute to dysregulation of B cell function in lung cancer. Additionally, we will investigate the role of exosomal mitochondria in class switching of B cells.

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: June 1, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 1, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Animal Research
Cancer topic: Lung and Bronchus
Does this project involve human subjects: No
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Perform co-cultures of tumor celld erived exosomes with B cells and Bcell-T cell co-cultures and analyse class switching and other functional aspects of B cells. A

Analyze internalization of exosomes by B cells

analyze and quantitate data and prepare poster presentation

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, Immunology, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge

07EB – Progression-free survival among patients with multiple myeloma

Status: Filled – Intern: Adriana Reyes
Intern: Adriana Reyes
Faculty Name: elizabeth-e-brown
UAB Department: Pathology
UAB School: Medicine
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 and Population Science
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. Teri Martin
2. Kalyn Purnell
Title of Project: 07EB – Progression-free survival among patients with multiple myeloma
Project Description:

The goal of this investigation is to characterize risk factors for relapsed refractory disease in patients treated for multiple myeloma following high dose chemotherapy or autologous stem cell transplant. 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: May 4, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 28, 2020
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.
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.

Participant recruitment, obtain informed consent and epidemiological/clinical data

Data entry, data management and quality control

Analysis and write up abstract

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)

06EB – Risk factors associated with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

Status: Filled – Intern: Brent Collier
Intern: Brent Collier
Faculty Name: elizabeth-e-brown-2
UAB Department: Pathology
UAB School: Medicine
Campus Address: WTI 602C
Telephone Number: (205) 934-6105
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 and Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 3
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Teri Martin
2. Kalyn Purnell
Title of Project: 06EB – Risk factors associated with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Project Description:

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 4, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 28, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Clinical (Patient Care) Research
Cancer topic: Lymphoma, Survivorship, Treatment
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Participant recruitment, provide informed consent, obtain epidemiological data

Conduct data entry, data management and quality control

Analyze data and write abstract

05JW – Causation: Differering Views of Epidemiology and the Legal System

Status: Available
Intern:
Faculty Name: John W Waterbor
UAB Department: Epidemiology
UAB School: School of Public Health
Campus Address: Ryals – 227C
Telephone Number: (205) 934-7146
Email: h2obor@uab.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 and Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 3
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Dr. Jeffrey Roseman
2. Ms. Judy Baker
Title of Project: Causation: Differering Views of Epidemiology and the Legal System
Project Description:

When a jury sides with a plaintiff and rules that a consumer product caused the plaintiff’s cancer, what criteria are used by the jury to arrive at the conclusion of causation? If the evidence considered in a legal case is analyzed by means of accepted epidemiologic thinking, such as “Hill’s Criteria for Causation,” does the conclusion of causation (yes or no) typically agree with the legal conclusion? For what specific reasons might the legal conclusion and the epidemiologic conclusion of causation, differ? Does it make sense — and is it a strength or a weakness — that science and the law can differ in their definitions of causation?

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 4, 2020
Proposed End Date: July 24, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Analytical/Statistical Research
Cancer topic: Chemical Carcinogens, Diet and Nutrition, Radiation, Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: No
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Review the literature on the outcome of litigation involving consumer products and cancer

Draft a manuscript of a full-length paper formatted for publication in a specific journal.

Make a poster that summarizes methods, key findings, and conclusions.

Preceptor will provide intern with access to the following:
Office or desk 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:
Cancer Rates, Trends and Statistics, Environmental Carcinogenesis, Epidemiologic Methods, Literature Review Skills, Manuscript Preparation for Submission to a Journal, Scientific Writing Skills, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge, Consumer Product Law

04JL – Does a vegetable gardening intervention improve the overall health of older cancer survivors?

Status: Available
Intern: Alan George
Faculty Name: julie-locher
UAB Department: Medicine
UAB School: Medicine
Campus Address: 501 WEBB
Telephone Number: (205) 945-4948
Email: jlocher@uab.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 and Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 40
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried
2. Dr. Teri Honeymeyer
Title of Project: 04JL – Does a vegetable gardening intervention improve the overall health of older cancer survivors?
Project Description:

Harvest for Health is an NCI-funded randomized controlled trial to determinr whether a vegetable gardening intervention can improve diet and physical activity behaviors among older cancer survivors and ultimately result in improved physical functioning, quality of life, and overall health. This study has enrolled over 300 cancer survivors across Alabama who will receive the gardening intervention (either a raised bed or 4 earthboxes, soil, fertilizer, gardening tools, plants and seeds, as well as twice monthly contact with a master gardener from their local Cooperative Extension) during the first or the second year of study. Home and community assessments that include survey administration, physical function testing, anthropometric assessment and blood draws will be performed to assess the impact of the intervention

Project Status: Will begin on or before the CaRES student’s start date
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 4, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 28, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Clinical (Patient Care) Research
Cancer topic: Diet and Nutrition, Rehabilitation, Survivorship, Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Duty 1: Interact directly with study participants while assisting with program delivery and fidelity.

Duty 2: Assist research team with other daily tasks related to data acquisition.

Duty 3: Enter and clean data

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: Possible
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience:
Clinical Oncology, Clinical Trials, Interview Skills, Nutrition Sciences, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge, Survivorship

03JL – Improving health and function of Older Alabama cancer survivors

Status: Filled – Intern: Haley Rasmussen
Intern: Haley Rasmussen
Faculty Name: julie-locher-2
UAB Department: Medicine
UAB School: Medicine
Campus Address: WEBB 501
Telephone Number: (205) 945-4948
Email: jlocher@uab.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 and Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 40
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried
2. Teri Hoenemeyer, PhD
Title of Project: 03JL – Improving health and function of Older Alabama cancer survivors
Project Description:

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 4, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 28, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Community-Based or Field Research
Cancer topic: Diet and Nutrition, Rehabilitation, Survivorship, Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

Duty 1: Interact directly with study participants while assisting with program delivery and fidelity.

Duty 2: Assist research team with other daily tasks related to data acquisition.

Duty 3: Enter and clean data

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: Possible
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience:
Clinical Oncology, Clinical Trials, Interview Skills, Nutrition Sciences, Statistics and Data Management, basic knowledge, Survivorship

02WD – Harvest for Health among Older Cancer Survivors: Debriefings

Status: Filled – Intern: Abigail Morgan
Intern: Abigail Morgan
Faculty Name: wendy-demark-wahnefried
UAB Department: Nutrition Sciences
UAB School: Health Professions
Campus Address: 650 Webb
Telephone Number: (205) 975-4022
Email: demark@uab.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 and Population Science
Number of hours per week that the preceptor will personally supervise or work with the intern: 40
Other faculty, staff, or graduate students who may help to supervise the intern:
1. Walker Cole
2. Teri Hoenemeyer
Title of Project: 02WD – Harvest for Health among Older Cancer Survivors: Debriefings
Project Description:

Harvest for Health is an NCI-funded randomized controlled trial that is aimed at determining whether a vegetable gardening intervention can improve diet and physical activity behaviors among older cancer survivors and ultimately result in improved physical functioning, quality of life, and overall health. This study will recruit 426 cancer survivors across Alabama who will receive the gardening intervention (either a raised bed or 4 earthboxes, soil, fertilizer, gardening tools, plants and seeds, as well as twice monthly contact with a master gardener from their local Cooperative Extension) during the first or the second year of study. Home visits that include survey administration, physical function testing, anthropometric assessment and blood draws will be performed to assess the impact of the intervention

Project Status: Already up and running
Location of Project: Birmingham, AL (UAB)
Proposed Start Date: May 4, 2020
Proposed End Date: August 28, 2020
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.
Category of Project: Community-Based or Field Research
Cancer topic: Diet and Nutrition, Rehabilitation, Survivorship, Multiple Cancer Sites
Does this project involve human subjects: Yes
Does this project involve animal subjects: No
Duty:
1.

To assist with home and community-based assessments by assisting with physical performance and balance testing, anthropometric measures, and biospecimen collection.

Conducting surveys among study participants.

Interact directly with study participants while assisting with program delivery and fidelity.

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: Possible
Areas in which the ideal candidates will have experience:
Behavioral Science/Psychiatry, Clinical Oncology, Clinical Trials, Interview Skills, Manuscript Preparation for Submission to a Journal, Nutrition Sciences, Patient Care, Rehabilitation, Survivorship