2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages) Page 1 of 12 Mentor Research area(s) Internship category Internship description Hassan Arshad, MD Dept. of Head and Neck Surgery www.roswellpark.org/ hassan-arshad Surgical Oncology Clinical Research Clinical outcomes for Head and Neck Cancer treatment 1. retrospective clinical research on Head and Neck Cancer patients, using either national database data or Roswell patient data. The goal will be to publish the research in a peer-reviewed journal. 2. exposure to clinical Head and Neck Surgery (clinic and operating room) Andrei Bakin, PhD Dept. of Cancer Genetics www.roswellpark.edu/ andrei-bakin Cancer genetics Cancer molecular and cellular biology Scientific Research Novel Mediators of Cancer progression and Metastasis in Tumor Microenvironment Tumor microenvironment facilitates cancer recurrence and metastasis, and can reduce the efficacy of anti-cancer therapy. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) play important roles in disease progression and treatment. We identified novel factors that can control tumor interaction with immune cells and TAFs. This project will assess their functional significance in preclinical animal models using novel CRISPR/Cas technology and the levels in human cancers. Lynda Beaupin, MD Dept. of Pediatrics www.roswellpark.org/ lynda-kwon-beaupin Cancer Survivorship Clinical Research Enhancing the Well-being of Pediatric Cancer Survivors Over the past three years, we have partnered with the YMCA of Buffalo-Niagara to offer Livestrong at the YMCA, a 12-week evidence-based program to enhance the well-being of cancer survivors. Over 8 sessions have been given. The goal of the research internship is to help analyze the data of the participants who have completed the program. We will look at participant demographics, changes in fitness scores, and compare their Functional and Quality of Life assessments before and after participation.
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2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
Page 1 of 12
Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Hassan Arshad, MD Dept. of Head and Neck Surgery www.roswellpark.org/ hassan-arshad
Surgical Oncology Clinical Research
Clinical outcomes for Head and Neck Cancer treatment 1. retrospective clinical research on Head and Neck Cancer patients, using either national database data or Roswell patient data. The goal will be to publish the research in a peer-reviewed journal. 2. exposure to clinical Head and Neck Surgery (clinic and operating room)
Andrei Bakin, PhD Dept. of Cancer Genetics www.roswellpark.edu/ andrei-bakin
Cancer genetics Cancer molecular and cellular biology
Scientific Research
Novel Mediators of Cancer progression and Metastasis in Tumor Microenvironment Tumor microenvironment facilitates cancer recurrence and metastasis, and can reduce the efficacy of anti-cancer therapy. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) play important roles in disease progression and treatment. We identified novel factors that can control tumor interaction with immune cells and TAFs. This project will assess their functional significance in preclinical animal models using novel CRISPR/Cas technology and the levels in human cancers.
Lynda Beaupin, MD Dept. of Pediatrics www.roswellpark.org/ lynda-kwon-beaupin
Cancer Survivorship
Clinical Research
Enhancing the Well-being of Pediatric Cancer Survivors Over the past three years, we have partnered with the YMCA of Buffalo-Niagara to offer Livestrong at the YMCA, a 12-week evidence-based program to enhance the well-being of cancer survivors. Over 8 sessions have been given. The goal of the research internship is to help analyze the data of the participants who have completed the program. We will look at participant demographics, changes in fitness scores, and compare their Functional and Quality of Life assessments before and after participation.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
Page 2 of 12
Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Dhyan Chandra, PhD Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics www.roswellpark.edu/ dhyan-chandra
Cancer genetics Cancer molecular and cellular biology Cancer pharmacology and therapeutics Radiation Oncology
Scientific Research
Role of Mitochondria in Cancer Prevention and Therapy The main focus of our research is to understand the molecular basis of therapy resistance in multiple cancer types including in prostate, breast, and colon cancers. To accomplish our goals, we are investigating two different, but complementary projects. The first project delineates how mitochondria-mediated cell death signaling is defective in cancer cells and cancer stem cells. The second project defines the role of heat-shock proteins in cancer cell survival and death. We are also characterizing the role of mitochondria in health disparities among prostate and breast cancer patients. Our research suggests that protein complexes are important regulators of cancer cell death and survival. We use multiple biochemical, genetic, cellular, and molecular approaches to identify and characterize protein complexes in subcellular compartments including in the mitochondrion. Detailed understanding of protein complexes will lay a foundation for targeting cell death and survival machinery for cancer therapy. Our model system includes both laboratory cell culture and mouse model of cancer to examine cellular signaling in response to anticancer agents as well as phytochemicals. Our ultimate goal is to target mitochondria and cell death for prevention and therapy of multiple types of cancer.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
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Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Gokul Das, PhD Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics www.roswellpark.edu/ gokul-das
Cancer bioinformatics Cancer genetics Cancer molecular and cellular biology Cancer pharmacology and therapeutics
Scientific Research Clinical Research
Mechanisms by which Hormone Receptors and Tumor Suppressors Impact Cancer The research in Das lab focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer, especially breast ,lung, and ovarian cancers. For example, we are analyzing the role of hormone receptors (such as the estrogen receptor) and tumor suppressors (such as the p53 protein) in cancer onset and progression using cell culture and mouse genetic models. Summer projects will involve modern cellular and molecular biological techniques. Analyzing Hormone Receptor and Tumor Suppressor Signaling in Patient Cancer Tissues The research Das lab focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of breast, lung, and ovarian cancers. Based on a discovery made in our laboratory, a prospective clinical trial in breast cancer patients is ongoing at present. Summer projects will involve cellular and molecular biological investigation of hormone receptor and tumor suppressor signaling in patient tissues and analyzing the clinical data in a vibrant and friendly laboratory environment.
John Ebos, PhD Dept. of Medicine www.roswellpark.edu/ john-ebos
Cancer bioinformatics Cancer biostatistics Cancer molecular and cellular biology Cancer pharmacology and therapeutics Tumor immunology & immunotherapy Medical Oncology
Scientific Research
Resistance and metastasis following tumor microenvironment inhibition Use of clinically relevant models of spontaneous metastatic disease resistant to antiangiogenic (VEGF pathway) and immunecheckpoint (PD-1 pathway) inhibitors.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
Page 4 of 12
Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Andrew Fabiano, MD Dept. of Neuro Oncology www.roswellpark.org/ andrew-fabiano
Neurosurgery Clinical Research
Neurosurgery Clinical Internship The purpose of this internship is to provide a PA/NP student with clinical exposure to inpatient and outpatient medicine. The student will work with a team of attending physicians, neursourgical residents, and nurse practicioners to provde care to neurosurgical patients at RPCI. Exposure will include ambulatory clinic, inpatient rounds, radiosurgical procedures, and operative procedures.
Irwin Gelman, PhD Dept. of Cancer Genetics www.roswellpark.edu/ irwin-gelman
Cancer molecular and cellular biology
Scientific Research
The role of nuclear SSeCKS/AKAP12 in PKC and Src signaling control The intern will help analyze the cells and growth conditions that foster the nuclear location and signaling of the SSeCKS/AKAP12 kinase scaffolding protein. This will involve cell culture, transfection, protein staining, fluorescence microscopy and signaling analysis (e.g.- immunoblots).
Yurij Ionov, PhD Dept. of Cancer Genetics www.roswellpark.edu/ yurij-ionov
Cancer experimental diagnostics Cancer genetics
Scientific Research
Role ofnatural IgM antibodies in cancer immune surveillance To develop multivalent scFv antibody phage display to analyze IgM antibody genes involved in cancer immune surveillance. To test in mouse model the efficiency of recombinant antitumor antibodies to prevent cancer
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
Page 5 of 12
Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Danuta Kozbor, PhD Dept. of Immunology www.roswellpark.edu/ danuta-kozbor
Tumor immunology & immunotherapy
Scientific Research
Targeting metastatic ovarian cancer with viro-immunotherapy The overall goal of our research is to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms of antitumor activities of immuno-oncolytic viral vectors against metastatic tumors. We design novel approaches to enhance the antitumor efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy by expressing therapeutic genes such as a CXCR4 antagonist, augmenting spread of the virus within tumors, and combining agents with both cytotoxic and immunogenic effects on tumor cells to reprogram the tumor microenvironment and augment the level and persistence of spontaneously-induced antitumor immunity. These studies, if successful, have the potential to be translated into the clinic though collaboration with our clinical investigators and help in exploring the mechanistic underpinnings of tumor-immune system interactions.
Shashikant Lele, MD Dept. of Gynecology www.roswellpark.org/ shashikant-lele
Gynecology Clinical Research
Gynecologic Oncology Gynecologic Oncology
Xiang Ling, PhD Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics www.roswellpark.edu/ xiang-ling
Cancer molecular and cellular biology Cancer pharmacology and therapeutics
Scientific Research
Anticancer drug evaluation and mechanism study Our current research focuses on: the molecular mechanisms of action of FL118, the DMPK profile and potential side effects induced by FL118 treatment. In addition, survivin isoforms perform different functions in distinct subcellular compartments. Type of work involved: cell culture, cell viability assay, western blot, qPCR and animal experiment.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
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Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
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Asoke K. Mal, PhD Dept. of Cell Stress Biology www.roswellpark.edu/ asoke-mal
Cancer molecular and cellular biology Cancer pharmacology and therapeutics Pediatrics
Scientific Research
Deciphering the molecular mecanism regulating PAX3-FOXO1 fusion oncoprotein function in childhood muscle cancer alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma The chromosomal translocation encoding PAX3-FOXO1 fusion transcription factor protein acts as oncogenic drivers for the develoment and prograssion of aggressive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) in childern and adolescents. Evidence accumulates that fusion-generated gain of PAX3-FOXO1 transcriptional activity aberrantly activates downstream target genes contributing for its oncogenic activity in aRMS. Our recent studies have discovered a functional impact of alteration of Akt signaling pathway in modulating PAX3-FOXO1 function in aRMS malignant behaviros.. Akt, a protein serine/threnine kinase presents in three isorms; Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3 and exhibit differential biological roles in modulating tumor properties associated with growth and progression.We plan to investigate the role of Akt isoforms in controlling PAX3-FOXO1-associated aRMS malignant phenotypes. Our effort on this study will be key to the novel understanding of the complexity Akt isoforms in the regulation of PAX3-FOXO1-associated aRMS malignant behavior, and importantly may provide new insight for the development of therapeutic approachs for this disease.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
Page 7 of 12
Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Hans Minderman, PhD Dept. of Flow and Image Cytometry www.roswellpark.edu/ hans-minderman
Cancer experimental diagnostics Cancer molecular and cellular biology Cancer pharmacology and therapeutics Tumor immunology & immunotherapy Medical Oncology
Scientific Research
Effects of a somatostatin analog on the immune system Background: Somatuline is a somatostatin analog that is being clinically evaluated in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. Little is know about the effects of somatuline on the immune system. This project will involve characterization of the expression profile of somatostatin receptors on immune cells and determining the consequences of their expression on the immune response. Methods: cell culture, immunophenotyping, flow cytometry and imagestream cytometry. Highly translational study close to the relatively new clinical application of this drug.
Michael Nemeth, PhD Dept. of Immunology www.roswellpark.edu/ michael-nemeth
Tumor immunology & immunotherapy Hematology
Scientific Research
Determining mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance The overall goal of this project is to elucidate aspects of the mechanisms that underlay the development of resistance to chemotherapy agents in myeloid leukemia. This project will involve the use of mouse leukemia models to test hypotheses on how leukemia stem cells evade and develop resistance to the chemotherapy agent decitabine.
Chumy Nwogu, MD, PhD Dept. of Surgical Oncology www.roswellpark.org/ chukwumere-nwogu
Surgical Oncology Clinical Research
Role of Robotics in Thoracic Surgery Goals - Review of Clinical Data for Abstract and Manuscript Preparation Project - Review of Thoracic Surgery Robotic Experience Type of Work - EMR review, observership in the clinic, wards and operating room.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
Page 8 of 12
Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Toru Ouchi, PhD Dept. of Cancer Genetics www.roswellpark.edu/ toru-ouchi
Cancer genetics Cancer molecular and cellular biology
Scientific Research
Study Mechanism of Human Carcinogenesis Goal: (1) Detail the molecular pathways involved in cancer development (2) Investigate the mechanism of cancer metastasis Types of Work: (1) Biochemistry and cell culture-based studies, including DNA/RNA/Protein analysis, q-PCR/RT-PCR, immunoblot, immunocytochemistry. (2) Computer based studies for systems biology. (3) Animal model of human carcinogenesis. We will provide one (or, two) projects during the period on internship, which could be achieved in the fixed term. Progress should be discussed on the daily basis.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
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Santosh Patnaik, MD, PhD Dept. of Surgical Oncology www.roswellpark.edu/ santosh-patnaik
Cancer bioinformatics Cancer biostatistics Cancer experimental diagnostics Cancer genetics Cancer molecular and cellular biology Cancer molecular epidemiology Cancer pharmacology and therapeutics Cancer prevention and epidemiology Clinical genetics Tumor immunology & immunotherapy Medical Oncology Radiation Oncology Surgical Oncology
Scientific Research
Experimental and computational examination of genes in cancer and immunology We are interested in genetics (gene mutations, gene expression, etc.) and epigenetics (microRNAs, RNA editing, etc.) as it pertains to cancer and the human body's immunological response to it. This is a very broad area, and allows for a visiting student to contribute their ideas to develop an exciting yet feasible project to carry out during their stay. The work will involve one or more of the following: (1) Cell biology: cell culture, genetic engineering of cells, etc. (2) Molecular biology: various DNA, RNA and protein assays, including their development, etc. (3) Animal biology: growing foreign tissue/cells in the mouse, analysis of DNA/RNA/proteins of mouse, etc. (4) Computation: large-scale data analysis, data visualization, bioinformatics, software programming, etc. As a mentor, my goal will be to help the visiting student attain the following: (1) Experience these aspects of scientific research -- the collation of facts from published knowledge and knowledgeable individuals; hypothesization; design, preparation for, and execution of experiments; data collection, analysis, and presentation; and the setting forth of future directions. (2) Learn some common biomedical research techniques. (3) Bring to completion during the student's stay an independent short project that the student helps with the design, execution and analysis of.
Brahm Segal, MD Dept. of Medicine www.roswellpark.edu/ brahm-segal
Tumor immunology & immunotherapy
Scientific Research
Innate Immune Responses in Ovarian Cancer The intern will work under the supervision of a senior scientist or PhD student to evaluate immune responses in patients with ovarian cancer. Work may also involve mouse models of ovarian cancer.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
Page 10 of 12
Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Mark Travers, PhD Dept. of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences www.roswellpark.edu/ mark-travers
Tobacco products and exposure science
Scientific Research
Examining exposure to tobacco smoke pollution and new and emerging tobacco products Air pollution is a leading cause of cancer, whether from the tip of a burning cigarette, the exhaust of a truck on the road, a coal-fired power plant, or biomass burned for cooking in developing countries. Reducing exposure to airborne carcinogens can be achieved through public policies and changing health behaviors. Accurate, easy to communicate, empirical data on exposures is necessary to justify the interventions and to evaluate their effectiveness. This internship will provide provide participants the opportunity to conduct original research into exposures to harmful pollutants in the environment around us, in particular exposure to tobacco smoke and emissions from new and emerging products such as waterpipe (hookah) and electronic cigarettes. This research is used to inform public policies to protect public health. Work can involve any combination of laboratory research, field data collection, and secondary data analysis.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
Page 11 of 12
Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
Internship description
Lei Wei, PhD Dept. of Bioinformatics/ Biostatistics www.roswellpark.edu/ lei-wei
Cancer bioinformatics Cancer genetics
Scientific Research
Identifying driver mutations by using next generation sequencing (NGS) Next generation sequencing (NGS) is providing an efficient system for characterizing cancer genomes. By comparing with the matched normal DNA, we can identify additionally acquired mutations, so called somatic mutations in cancers. Certain somatic mutations may directly contribute to tumorigenesis process by disrupting tumor suppressors or activating oncogenes. Identifying such driver mutations is an important step for understanding the mechanism of cancers and facilitating the development of personalized treatments. The current research will work on the somatic mutations found by NGS in various cancer types. The trainee will be expected to: 1) develop a good understanding of cancer NGS data; 2) by doing literature search and data-mining, identify novel mutations/mechanisms that may contribute to tumor initiation, progression and recurrence; 3) contribute to scientific publications.
Anna Woloszynska-Read, PhD Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics www.roswellpark.edu/ anna-woloszynska-read
Cancer genetics Cancer molecular and cellular biology Urology cancer epigenetics
Scientific Research
To be determined.
Saikrishna Yendamuri, MD Dept. of Thoracic Surgery www.roswellpark.org/ sai-yendamuri
Thoracic Surgery Clinical Research
Does post-operative pneumonia impact oncological outcomes? Goal: The goal of the project is to examine the association of postoperative pneumonia on overall survival and cancer specific survival in patients undergoing surgery for cancer. Work involved includes collating data from various institutional databases, retrospective chart review and writing an abstract for presentation at a national meeting.
2016 Internship Directory: Summer Research Experience Program in Oncology (12 pages)
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Mentor Research area(s) Internship category
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Yuesheng Zhang, MD, PhD Dept. of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences www.roswellpark.edu/ yuesheng-zhang
Cancer molecular and cellular biology Cancer pharmacology and therapeutics
Scientific Research
Targeting ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer Cell membrane-bound ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases, particularly ErbB1 and ErbB2, are major oncogenic drivers and cancer therapeutic targets. We have recently found that recombinant human prolidase targets both ErbB1 and ErbB2 and are doing research to better understand the antitumor activity of prolidase.
