SBP June Discoveries

DISCOVERIES

June 2018

Dear colleagues and friends,

In this issue of Discoveries we are pleased to share exciting news about scientific momentum at SBP.

Four of our scientists have received prestigious fellowships that are awarded to early-career researchers of outstanding promise, marking them as the next generation of scientific leaders. I’m also happy to announce that two junior faculty members have been promoted to the rank of associate professor—a standing that represents intellectual leadership in their fields of research.

This month’s science highlights focus on advances in cancer biology and on a recent symposium that convened preeminent cancer researchers at SBP. Also featured are two patient-centric stories about the promise of medical research to significantly impact lives.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D.

President

Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair

SBP researchers awarded AHA Fellowships

There has never been a more exciting time to embark on a career in biomedical research. Fortunately, the American Heart Association (AHA) is supporting early-career scientists with passion, commitment and focus by providing fellowships that fund their pursuit of cardiovascular research.

Exceptional postdoc wins award

Congratulations to SBP postdoc Usue Etxaniz Irigoien, Ph.D.—the recipient of the 2018 Fishman Fund Fellowship. This prestigious award is a “super stipend” given to exceptional young scientists in recognition of their research accomplishments and in support of their career goals.

SBP faculty promotions

Duc Dong, Ph.D., (left) and Crystal Zhao, Ph.D., (right) have been promoted to associate professors. Dong studies tissue and organ regeneration for degenerative diseases and injuries, and Zhao is advancing neural stem cell research for brain disorders. The promotions were announced by Elena Pasquale, Ph.D., (center) director of Academic Affairs.

SCIENCE

Fixing “leaky” blood vessels to halt cancer

Sometimes blood vessels can become leaky, a condition known as vascular permeability. This can be a big problem, particularly in cancer, allowing tumor cells to get into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. Researchers in the lab of Masanobu Komatsu, Ph.D., made research advances toward keeping blood vessels from leaking and limit cancer from spreading.

Preeminent scientists present at SBP’s Cancer Metabolism Symposium

SBP’s 4th Cancer Metabolism Symposium attracted nearly 150 attendees—all eager to learn more about how the world’s top-tier cancer scientists are looking to target tumor metabolism. The event was co-organized by Jorge Moscat, Ph.D., and Maria Diaz-Meco, Ph.D.

“A Grand Canyon Aria” benefits SBP research

A father’s love never dies, even when his child has succumbed to a fatal childhood disease. Alex Syed paid tribute to his daughter, Aria, by running a marathon through the majestic Grand Canyon. He raised $4,300 to fund research by Hudson Freeze, Ph.D., who studies congenital disorders of glycosylation, the condition that took the life of Syed's daughter.

PHILANTHROPY

Catalyst Club

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