2025-2026 LCI Research Fellows
LCI Awards $100,000 in Fellowship Grants to Four Researchers
North Carolina – Lung Cancer Initiative (LCI) is pleased to announce the recipients of four 2025-2026 Lung Cancer Research Fellowship grants at Duke University School of Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. All recipients have demonstrated commitment to the lung cancer field, and their research proposals will impact lung cancer research, and medical care. Each LCI fellow will receive a grant of $25,000 to continue their work and development.
“Now is such a critical time for us to support young researchers and their work. Often LCI’s Research Fellows grant is the first funding that a researcher may receive in their career. We hope that this support allows them to continue to grow in their careers to ultimately become leaders that will drive progress in lung cancer research and care,” said Neal Ready, MD, PhD, Duke Cancer Institute and LCI Chief Scientific Officer.
This year, LCI is celebrating 10 years of impact through the Research Fellows Program. Since 2015, LCI has provided $1.2 million to 49 fellows, with ninety-seven percent of fellows remaining in the field of lung cancer during their careers.
From three leading institutions across NC, this year’s fellows and their studies are highlighted below. Fellows will highlight their projects at LCI’s Annual Update and Awards Celebration in March 2026.
2025-26 Lung Cancer Initiative Research Fellows
Laura Alder, MD, Duke University School of Medicine
Project: “CNS Progression After Targeted Therapy and Effect of Radiation in NSCLC”
Mentor: Jeffrey Clarke, MD
This study aims to better understand how the timing and use of radiation impact outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases receiving targeted therapies. By analyzing real-world data across diverse genomic subtypes and care settings, the project will evaluate patterns of central nervous system (CNS) progression, treatment sequences, and disparities in care. The findings will help define optimal, equitable treatment approaches in the era of brain-penetrant targeted therapies.
“This project will aid in identifying barriers to optimal care in academic versus community sites with the goal to enhance health equity and reduce disparities in lung cancer care,” Dr. Alder said.
Darien B. Davda, MD, FACP, Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Project: “Catching the cache: Examining lung screening eligibility and cancer risk factors amongst incidentally detected and diagnosed lung cancers.”
Mentor: Brent Heideman, MD
This study aims to assess how often patients with incidentally detected lung nodules would have qualified for screening under USPSTF guidelines, identifying potential missed cases. Researchers will compare lung cancer outcomes and social determinants of health across eligible and ineligible groups, and evaluate whether the PLCOm2012 risk calculator more effectively identifies high-risk individuals than current guidelines.
“This project aims to critically assess current USPSTF recommendations for lung cancer screening and build a foundation for earlier and more effective detection and treatment. This [study] would provide a framework to adjust screening recommendations and address underlying patterns in patient demographics and exposures that are not currently accounted for,” said Dr. Davda.
Abner A. Murray, MD, PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Project: “PREDICT-MPE: Profiling Responses and Dysfunction in Immune Cells to Correlate with Therapy in Malignant Pleural Effusions.”
Mentor: Benjamin Vincent, MD
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication in advanced lung cancer, but its effects on the immune system are not well understood. This project examines how CD8 T cells function in pleural fluid, why they become ineffective, and whether their activity can be restored. By linking immune changes to treatment response and building a diverse patient registry, the study aims to identify biomarkers that guide more effective, equitable care for patients with MPE.
“MPE is associated with worse survival, fewer treatment options, and impaired quality of life, yet it remains poorly understood at the mechanistic level. Because MPE is a site of ongoing tumor–immune interaction, it also represents a unique opportunity to study immune responses to cancer in real time,” said Dr. Murray.
Jenny A. O’Brien, MD, PhD, Duke University School of Medicine
Project: “CAR-T cells targeting citrullinated vimentin in cancer and tumor-promoting cells in NSCLC”
Mentor: Scott Antonia, MD, PhD
CAR-T cell therapy harnesses the immune system to fight cancer and has shown success in certain cancers, but not yet in lung cancer. We have identified a new target, called citrullinated vimentin, that we believe will allow CAR-T cell therapy to work in lung cancer without causing harm to normal organs in the body. We hope to prove this in pre-clinical studies and then develop a clinical trial to test their effectiveness in patients with lung cancer.
“This fellowship project is helping me develop skills in translational research, specifically in the development of cell therapies for lung cancer. I am interested in a career as an academic clinical investigator in thoracic oncology with a focus on cellular therapies and immuno-oncology, moving discoveries from inception in laboratories to clinical testing,” said Dr. O’Brien.
About Lung Cancer Initiative’s Research Program
Since 2008, LCI has funded more than $3.8 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 the Vicky Amidon Innovation in Lung Cancer Research Award.
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. By funding research activities of fellows, LCI helps further their careers and encourages 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.
About Lung Cancer Initiative
As a leading non-profit supporting lung cancer research and education, 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@LungCancerInitiative.org or (919) 784-0410.