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Researchers and Staff
Cancer Center Update
June 6, 2006
Cancer Center Update is sent to Cancer Center members and staff every Tuesday at 10 a.m. To submit an item for publication, send the information to Sandi Sherman by noon the Friday before publication.
In This Issue:
Professional Education and Seminars
Grant Information & Announcements
Minnesota Public Radio's Mid-Morning show to feature Dr. Doug Yee, the Masonic Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program leader today, June 6
Doug Yee, M.D., leader of the Masonic Cancer Center 's Breast Cancer Program, will be the guest on Minnesota Public Radio's Mid-Morning show, hosted by Kerri Miller, Tuesday, June 6, 9-10 a.m. The program is focusing on the advances in cancer research and treatment reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Atlanta . Listeners can call 651-227-6000 or 1-800-242-2828 with questions or comments. As soon as the program begins, listeners can also click on the "send a question" link and submit a short question online on the Mid-Morning Web site.
Pedestrian Detour for Mayo Auditorium Renovation
The Mayo Auditorium will be undergoing renovation for the next seven months. Post office boxes from the auditorium foyer have moved to the lobby.
New Members
Alicia S. Kunin-Baston Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience
Programs: Prevention and Etiology:Translational Research,
Area of scientific interest: Impact of childhood cancer/brain tumors and their treatments on the neurocognitive and emotional/behavioral functioning of the child, as well as the short and long-term impact of these illnesses on family members.
Area of clinical interest: Childhood cancer; pediatric brain tumor
Rachana K. Visaria, Ph.D.
Research Associate, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Programs: Breast Cancer Research Program
Area of scientific interest : Nanoparticle characterization for tumor specific
adjuvant delivery; adjuvant-based enhancement of thermal therapies (heat and
cold) for breast and prostate cancer and Leukemia; and multiscale tumor and
vascular thermal injury assessments including imaging modalities.
Chun Wang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Programs: Immunology, Translational Research
Area of scientific interest : Drug delivery, gene therapy, biomaterials engineering
Cancer Center welcomes new staff in Payroll and Human Resources
The Masonic Cancer Center is pleased to welcome KatieRose Thompson as the new Personnel Assistant. KatieRose is responsible for processing department payroll, managing vacation/sick leave, and providing clerical assistance with human resource functions. All time sheets and absence cards for Cancer Center staff should be submitted to her. Her office is in the Dinnaken Office Building , 925 Delaware St. S.E., Suite 310 . She can be reached by e-mail at thom2514@umn.edu, by telephone at 612-625-9469 or by fax at 612-625-1620.
Seeking Recognition Award Nominations
We are currently accepting nominations for the Masonic Cancer Center 's recognition award honoring outstanding contributors in Population Sciences. Cancer Prevention & Etiology, Carcinogenesis & Chemoprevention and Biostatistics staff, as well as other staff and faculty contributing to the Masonic Cancer Center in these areas, are eligible for this award. Nominees do not need to be Cancer Center employees.
Support Children's Cancer Research Fund by visiting the Water Park of America and save on admission
Anyone using a Water Park of America Coupon will save $2 on admission per guest to the park through September 1st. Each visitor using the coupon available online (pdf) will also help generate $0.50 for Children's Cancer Research Fund, benefiting childhood cancer research at the University of Minnesota , and WAMSO, benefiting the Minnesota Orchestra.
EVENTS
"Drive Cancer Out" Car Show Saturday, June 17
Are you a car buff? Join the Walter P. Chrysler Club on Saturday, June 17th, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in Roseville 's Central Park for their “Drive Cancer Out” car show, a fundraiser for the Masonic Cancer Center. Bring your Chrysler or Chrysler-built car and be a part of the show ($20 registration fee), or just stop by to check out the cars (free). Pack a picnic lunch and join car club members in voting for the best car at the show. Walter P. Chrysler Club members will offer rides in some of the cars. For more information contact Garry Yazell at 612-624-7169, yazel001@umn.edu. Flyers are also posted on each floor of the Masonic Cancer Research Building near the north elevators and in the atrium. Garry is an employee at the University's Research Animal Resources department and cares for the Masonic Cancer Center 's animals.
Fourth Annual International Conference on Transposon and Animal Biotechnology, June 22-23, 2006
The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Transposon Research will host the Fourth Annual International Conference on Transposition and Animal Biotechnology June 22-23, 2006 at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota 's Minneapolis campus. The goal of the conference is to serve as a key forum for information exchange and development of transposon tools for genetic applications from functional genomics to molecular medicine. Topics to be discussed include basic transposon biology, transposon applications in an array of model organisms from fish to mammals large and small, somatic cell usage from gene trapping to gene therapy, and novel approaches implementing nanotechnological tools for delivering and detecting transposon-based gene transfer.
The deadline to register for the conference is Friday, June 16. More information including registration details can be found at the Beckman Center's Web site.
Core Curriculum Seminar
Friday, June 9, 2006, 10 a.m., 450 CCRB
ASCO debriefing
A Postdoctoral Associate (class 9546) is sought to conduct research in mouse genetics involving the adaptation and use of a synthetic transposable element called Sleeping Beauty (SB). Utilizing the first efficient system for in vivo transposition in the somatic cells of the mouse, screens for cancer genes in solid tumors will be carried out. National foundation-supported projects to develop genetic systems for improving the SB transposon as a mutagen will also be explored. Position requires the use of and extensive array of novel transposon vectors, transgenic mice, and novel mouse strains. A Ph.D. in genetics, molecular biology or related field is required. Preferred qualifications include a background in transgenic mice, oncology research, or another model genetic organism. To apply, send CV and contact information for three references to: David A. Largaespada, Ph.D., c/o Human Resources, cchr@umn.edu.
Shilpa, a graduate student working in the field of cancer biology will graduate in July, 2006, from the College of Pharmacy , Idaho State University and is seeking a postdoctoral position. Research interest lies in the area of cellular and molecular biology of cancer. Research experience includes studying the effects of natural compounds (namely, isoflavones) on signaling, invasion, and gene expression in human glioblastoma cells; involvement with designing studies to investigate the blood-brain barrier permeability of isoflavones using an in vitro co-culture model; and some experience working with the with the nude mice tumor models. One first author manuscript has been published, one is ready to be submitted, and one is in preparation. As a senior graduate student in current laboratory, Shilpa has led and chaired weekly lab meetings. Teaching experience included sections of the cancer biology course and lecturing on the topic of microarrays for graduate students, resulting in improved skills in scientific communication and leadership. Contact Melissa Daufelt at cchr@umn.edu for Shilpa's complete cover letter and CV.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society presents "Breaking Through the Age Barrier: Getting the Best Cancer Treatment"
Thursday, June 15, 2006, 6 p.m., Four Points Sheraton, 1330 Industrial Blvd., Minneapolis
Linda Burns, M.D., fellowship director of the Hematology, Oncology and Fellowship (HOT) Division in the Department of Medicine and member of the Masonic Cancer Center 's Transplant Biology and Therapy Research Program, is the featured speaker at a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society patient program on cancer treatment in older adults. For more information visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Web site or call (763) 545-3309, ext. 110.Children's Cancer Research Fund 4th Annual Time to Fly Walk/Run June 24
Help win the race against childhood cancer by participating in the Time to Fly Walk/Run on Harriet Island . The fourth annual event benefiting Children's Cancer Research Fund features something for everyone: competitive runners, recreational runners and walkers, and kids of all ages. Events include a 5K walk, 10K and 5K runs, and 1K and 2K Kids' Fun Runs. Both the 10K and 5K events are certified courses. Proceeds support childhood cancer research at the University of Minnesota .
Visit the Children's Cancer Research Fund web site to learn more about the event and how you can help support Children's Cancer Research Fund as part of the new Team Challenge .