2009 Minority-Serving Institution Faculty Scholars in Cancer Research

The AACR is very pleased to administer this important program which provides funds for the participation of full-time faculty members of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) at the AACR 100^th Annual Meeting 2009. Recipients of this award are scientists who are working at the level of assistant professor or above at a Minority-Serving Institution and who are engaged in meritorious basic, clinical, or translational cancer research.

This award program has been supported, since its inception in 1997, by a generous grant provided by the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. The Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) works to increase the number of underrepresented minorities participating as competitive NCI/NIH-funded cancer researchers. The Board of Directors of the AACR expresses its appreciation to the CRCHD for its long-term and generous support of faculty at Minority-Serving Institutions and congratulates these outstanding Scholars. The names and affiliations of the 2009 Minority-Serving Institution Faculty Scholars supported by the CRCHD are listed below, along with the numbers and titles of their presentations, where appropriate.

	A. Deloris Alexander, Ph.D., Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL. "My career objectives are to develop a world-class investigative group working in the areas of host-commensal relationships and disease, especially as it relates to therapeutics."
	Wellington K. Ayensu, M.D., Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. Abstract #3026. Altered GABAA receptors levels as biomarkers and predictors of developmental toxic responses to exposures to low levels of mercury in embryoneurogenesis. "My interests and goals are to work in toxicity associated with xenobiotics and differential responses among various ethnic groups; disparities in diagnosing and management."
	Antonio T. Baines, Ph.D., North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC. Abstract #4347. Pim kinases are potential molecular targets in K-Ras mediated transformation of pancreatic cancer. "I plan to continue building my research program in pancreatic cancer biology and earn tenure and promotions as an Associate Professor. In addition, I want to continue encouraging students to pursue a career in cancer research. "
	Hirendra Nath Banerjee, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC. Abstract #1141. The role of CED 6 gene in glioblastoma mutiforme cell phagocytosis. "My goal is to continue my research work in the field of cancer biology and train students in this field to prepare them for a future as cancer researchers."
	Hareesh Babu Bhaskaran Nair, Ph.D., UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX. Abstract #2379. Hyaluronic acid^_coated letrozole nanoparticles in targeting breast cancer enhance in vivo therapeutic activity and delay resistance. "My goal is to establish a strong extramurally funded research program centered in finding noval therapies and their effective delivery systems for cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer."
	Hassan Brim, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, DC. Abstract #5161. Frequent SLC5A8 promoter methylation in colorectal adenoma patients. "My goal is to establish a comprehensive program (genetics, epigentics, gurflora) to understand the main factors that drive colon cancer in African Americans."
	Marcia R. Cruz-Correa, M.D., Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR. Abtract #4877. Familial clustering of cancer among Hispanics with colorectal cancer. "My goal is to develop an integrated multidisciplinary team of investigators dedicated to understanding the genetic epidemiology of colorectal cancer, evaluated molecular, epidemiological, and environmental factors."
	Ruben R. Gonzalez-Perez, Ph.D., Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Abstract #4704. Differential effects of leptin-peptide receptor antagonist (LPrA) on breast cancer estrogen receptor positive and negative. "My goal is to delineate a comprehensive signaling mechanism for uptin and its targeted molecules in breast cancer."
	Karen M. Hill-Williams, Ph.D., Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC. Abstract #3390. PI 3-kinase p110β is linked to AKT activation and anti-apoptosis in LNCap, DU145, and PC3 human prostate cancer cell lines. "My long-term career objective is to become a well-established prostate cancer researcher. My research goal is to engage in research projects that will further our understanding of prostate cancer with the aim of developing novel therapy that will be used as preventative and/or curative therapy."
	Cimona V. Hinton, Ph.D., Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA. Abstract #4280. CXCR4-chemokine receptor and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) heterodimerization suggests a mechanism for breast metastasis regulation. "My goal is to establish a research program in signals that mediate organ specific metastasis from the breast. I am committed to providing an environment to expose minority students to the biomedical sciences, and train them to be leaders in cancer research."
	Ali B. Ishaque, Ph.D., University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD. Abstract #4117. Genotoxic effect of individual and mixture of atrazine, arsenic, cadmium and nitrate, at maximum contaminant level on breast cell lines. "My goal is to develop an independent research program in cancer at UMES campus."
	Stan Ivey, Ph.D., Delaware State University, Dover, DE. Abstract #903. Glycopeptide antibodies used to characterize human P-glycoprotein differential glycosylation in mulitdrug resistant uterine sarcoma cells, MES-SA/Dx5. "My goal is to determine if the aberrant glycosylations of overexpressed P-glycoprotein can be a target for shutting down multidrug resistance due to P-glycoprotein."
	Yasmine M. Kanaan, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, DC. Abstract #675. Cytotoxic effects of a novel dicloronaphthoquinone analogue on human breast cancer cell lines. "My goal is to dedicate to be a dedicated and effective teacher and cancer researcher who will continue to vigorously support Howard University's mission of helping to train and prepare students for future leadership positions, particularly those of under-represented groups."
	Ward G. Kirlin, Ph.D., Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Abstract#2965. Potential chemoprevention by Withania somnifera extracts through altered expression of carcinogen metabolizing enzymes. "My goal is to contribute to understanding the role of phytomchemicals in cancer prevention and redox regulation of enzyme expression and to continue research training of graduate, undergraduate ,and medical students from MSI while continue continuing to develop a competitive research program."
	Nameer B. Kirma, Ph.D., UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX. Abstract # 4300. The transforming growth factor beta and macrophage colony-stimulating factor pathways intersect in endometrial cancer. "My goal is to engage in academic research and study the role of hormones and growth factors in breast and gynecological cancers and the protective aspects of nutrition against these malignancies."
	Merlin R. Langley, Ph.D., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL. "My long-range career objective is to develop a culturally sensitive and effective model of health promotion related to African American men, and to examine psychosocial factors related to survivorship for minority men in general and African American men."
	Dana R. Marshall, Ph.D., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN. Abstract #986. Analysis of preliminary questionnaire from the Breast Cancer in African Women Study. "My goal is to develop a strong program identifying factors predictive of risk or outcome for cancers that disparately affect underserved populations and to assure the representation of these individuals in cutting-edge systems biology research."
	Michelle M. Martínez-Montemayor, Ph.D., Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR. Abstract #2878. Whole mushroom Reishi extract reduces inflammatory breast cancer progression via E-cadherin inhibition. "My career objectives in cancer and biomedical research include developing a successful genomics research program at Universidad Central del Caribe-School of Medicine, increasing the participation and training of minority students in cutting-edge cancer and health disparity research by implementing and developing novel technology."
	John K. Mensah, Ph.D., Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN. "My goal is to secure extramural funding to support current research projects; to fund release time from teaching and to develop my research program into one that is highly recognized by my peers as outstanding and excellent."
	Carol Wood Moore, Ph.D., City University of New York, New York, NY. "My goal is to determine protective mechanisms against genomic instability and the development of cancer, and to use genomics approaches in this goal and in determining modes of action of radiomimetic anticancer agents."
	Lisandra Negron-Vega, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón, PR. "My long-term goal is to continue as a professor and to establish myself as an independent investigator within my research interest."
	Valerie Odero-Marah, Ph.D., Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA. Abstract #4124. Dual role of Snail transcription factor in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer cells "My goal is to receive tenure within the next three years and be well established in the field of snail transcription factor signaling in prostate cancer. I would also like to receive my first R01 within the next two years."
	Babatunde O. Oyajobi, M.B.B.Ch., Ph.D., UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX. "My long-term career objectives are to establish a strong and vibrant extramurally-funded program in cancer research that is nationally and internationally recognized, and to mentor underrepresented high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to acquire research skills."
	Anita K. Patlolla, Ph.D., Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. Abstract #787. Multiwalled carbon nanotube-induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and apoptosis in normal human dermal fibroblast cells. "My goals are future studies on the assessment of toxicity and tissue distribution of carbon nanotubes in animal models and also to study nanomedicinal application of carbon nanotubes in treatment of cancer."
	Marianela Pérez-Torres, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR. "I want to further explore the consequences of neuregulin-mediated regulation of EGPR in breast cancer and explore if such regulation exists in other types of cancer. My long-term career goal is to become a competitive, successful, and extramurally-funded cancer-researcher."
	Quincy A. Quick, Ph.D., Grambling State University, Grambling, LA. "My long-term career goal is to maintain a productive independent research program via continued publication and grantsmanship, and to collaborate on research projects that have a translational research component."
	Kinfe K. Redda, Ph.D., Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL. Abstract #657. Synthesis of anti-cancer agents. "I am fully engaged in the design, synthesis and pharmacological activity evaluations of several heterocyclic compounds (N-aminocarbonyl tetrahydropyridines and flavonoids) for development of anticancer and anti-HIV against. My long-term career objective is to synthesize safe, less expensive and effective products that could be used for the treatment of HIV and breast cancer."
	Maureen Sanderson, M.P.H., Ph.D., Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN. Abstract #70. Urinary isoflavone concentrations and breast cancer among Mexican-American women. "My long-range career objective is to mentor junior faculty in cancer epidemiology as a means of achieving my long-range research goal of building a cancer-related public health research culture at Meharry Medical College."
	Carlos A. Torres-Ramos, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR. Abstract #4114. Genetic interaction between the Saccharomyces cerevisiae OGG1 and APN1 genes for the repair of H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial DNA damage. "My long-range career objectives and research goals are to develop an academic career teaching medical and graduate students and to establish a strong independent research program in cancer health disparities."
	Kassim Traore, Ph.D., Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC. Abstract #1203. Up-regulation of TLR1, TLR2 and TLR4 expression in innate immune cells induced by TPA: Role in the potentiation of inflammatory and oxidative stress responses to LPS and LTA. "My goal is to develop a well-established cancer research lab at Elizabeth City State University, and help undergraduate students develop an interest in career research."
	Ratna K. Vadlamudi, Ph.D., UT Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX. Abstract #2387. Therapeutic potential of blocking ER non-genomic actions on ER-positive metastasis. "My goals are to establish a strong research program for studying the role of coregulators in cancer progression using breast, endometrial and ovarian models, to recruit and train postdoctoral / graduate students in the area of hormonal dependent cancers and also to participate in graduate student teaching, to establish synergistic research collaborations in the area of coregulators and cancer progression within UTHSCSA and also outside of the UTHSCSA."
	Kevin P. Williams, Ph.D., North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC. Abstract #2833. Dysregulation of the hedgehog pathway in inflammatory breast carcinoma. "My goals are to establish within the next three to four years a competitive research lab at NCCU focusing on IBC, publications and future applications for extramural funding, and to foster collaborative networks with basic researchers and physician-scientists in academia and in industry."