MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL, MN (Aug. 3, 2005) – Julie A. Ross, Ph.D., professor and internationally known childhood cancer epidemiologist, has been named associate director for population sciences at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, announces John Kersey, M.D., Cancer Center director.

In her new position, Ross also holds the Children's Cancer Research Fund Chair in Pediatric Cancer Research and is the director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. In both positions, she succeeds Les Robison, Ph.D., who has accepted another position outside of Minnesota.

A Twin Cities native, Ross graduated from St. Agnes High School in St. Paul and then from the University of Minnesota where she earned her bachelor of science degree, master's in public health, and doctorate in epidemiology. She is currently the principal investigator or a co-investigator on more than 12 research projects that focus on childhood cancers, and are sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, Children's Cancer Research Fund, and National Children's Cancer Foundation. She now also leads a team of epidemiologists at the University who research the causes and effects of all types of cancer and other pediatric diseases.

Ross's research work has resulted in her being named an outstanding investigator by several national research organizations. She has lectured at more than 50 national and international scientific meetings and she has published more than 100 articles and commentaries in scientific journals.

The Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Awarded more than $80 million in peer-reviewed grants during fiscal year 2003, the Cancer Center conducts cancer research that advances knowledge and enhances care. The center also engages community outreach and public education efforts addressing cancer. To learn more about cancer, visit the University of Minnesota Cancer Center Web site at www.cancer.umn.edu . For cancer questions, call the Cancer Center information line at 1-888-CANCER MN (1-888-226-2376) or 612-624-2620 in the metro area.

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Media Contact: Mary Lawson, Public Relations Director, University of Minnesota Cancer Center, 612-624-6165, 612-363-6971 (cell), mlawson@umn.edu.