2022-2023 LCI Research Fellows
LCI Awards $50,000 to Two North Carolina Research Fellows
RALEIGH, NC- Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022-2023 Lung Cancer Research Fellowship grants at East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Both recipients have demonstrated a measurable impact through their proposals and commitment to the lung cancer field. Each LCI fellow will receive a grant of $25,000 to continue their work and development.
“Supporting medical researchers at the beginning of their careers is critical to growing the next generation of lung cancer research scientists. The purpose of the LCI research fellowship program is to identify and support researchers earlier in their careers and to encourage their growth in the field of thoracic oncology,” said Neal Ready, MD, PhD, Chair of LCI’s Scientific Review Committee. “We are pleased to be able to support the work of these two exceptional researchers and their diverse projects.
We are also especially proud of all the volunteers who have continued to support the Lung Cancer Initiative throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and make these research grants possible.”
2022-2023 Lung Cancer Initiative Research Fellows
Shivani Sud, MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Project: “Circulating tumor cell kinetics during radiation therapy and post-treatment surveillance in non-small cell lung cancer” (Mentor: Ashley Weiner, MD, PhD)
“I am grateful to the Lung Cancer Initiative for their support of this innovative work on biomarkers in lung cancer and their investment in developing the next generation of researchers and innovators as we work to advance survivorship for patients with lung cancer.”
Sara R. Cowles, DO, East Carolina University
Project: “An Investigation of Inflammasome Markers in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors” (Mentor: Li Yang, MD)
“Receiving the LCI grant will provide me with a springboard to continue my research endeavors and contribute to the care of lung cancer patients by using data obtained by this study to mitigate the adverse effects of immunotherapy and improve clinical outcomes of those with lung cancer receiving immunotherapy.”
About Lung Cancer Initiative Research Fellows Program
The purpose of LCI’s Research Fellows program is to further the development of local lung cancer care and research programs across the state of North Carolina. To date, LCI has supported 34 fellows through this program. By funding research activities of fellows, LCI helps further their careers and encourage their continued involvement in the field of lung cancer. This fellowship is provided for students who wish to pursue a career in lung cancer research, diagnosis, treatment and/or care. LCI fellowships are granted for one year, and recipients receive a $25,000 per year stipend.
Annually in the US and in NC, lung cancer claims as many lives as breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. Yet, lung cancer research receives the least amount of federal funding. Since 2008, LCI has funded more than $2.8 million in lung cancer research through programs like the research fellowship grant, health disparities in lung cancer grant in partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, career development award, and innovation grant.
About Lung Cancer Initiative
As a leading non-profit supporting lung cancer research and education in North Carolina and beyond, Lung Cancer Initiative specializes in connecting patients, survivors, and loved ones with the medical and research community. The organization’s mission is to advance survivorship and provide support to those affected by lung cancer through research, education, and access programs. For more information and to learn about ways to get involved, please visit www.LungCancerInitiative.org
Contact:
For more information, contact Paige Humble, LCI Chief Executive Officer, at PHumble@LungCancerInitiativeNC.org or (919) 784-0410.