Upcoming Programs and Events

Jianhua Hu, PhD Faculty Director of Overview of Cancer Biostatistics Shared Resource (CBSR) Title: Overview of Cancer Biostatistics Shared Resource (CBSR) Description: Jianhua Hu, PhD, Faculty Director of Cancer Biostatistics Shared Resource (CBSR) will provide an overview of CBSR. CBSR offers comprehensive statistical support throughout the research process, from study design to dissemination. This includes assistance with experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation and result reporting. CBSR provides guidance on the design and experimental methods and appropriate statistical analysis plans for research proposals and grants. CBSR also actively serves on the HICCC Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee by providing statistical guidance on the study design and data analysis plan. Brent Stockwell, PhD Faculty Director of Proteomics & Structural Biology Shared Resource (PSBSR) Title: Overview of Proteomics & Structural Biology Shared Resource (PSBSR) Description: Brent Stockwell, PhD, Faculty Director of Proteomics & Structural Biology Shared Resource (PSBSR) will share an overview of PSBSR. PSBSR offers comprehensive support for both discovery-based and targeted proteomic analyses. Utilizing state-of-the-art mass spectrometers and software, the facility enables qualitative and quantitative assessments, including protein identification and relative quantification. Additionally, PSBSR provides expertise in structural biology, post-translational modification analysis, facilitating a deeper understanding of protein functions and interactions. Structural studies of macromolecular complexes, including protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, protein-inhibitor complexes, are performed by structural biology division of PSBSR by crystallographic and Cryo-electron microscopic methods.  Zoom Meeting https://columbiacuimc.zoom.us/j/97847371419?pwd=hNTcbh48XWXbHY2BMFflr6wLYQonOo.1  Meeting ID: 978 4737 1419 Passcode: seminar

About the Event: This half-day symposium aims to: Raise awareness about clinical trials and emphasize the critical importance of broader participation. Educate attendees on how improving clinical research practices can positively transform the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. The event will feature guest speakers who are experts in the field, as well as engaging panel discussions representing different roles and departments. Together, they will share unique perspectives on advancing health care and ensuring access for all! Topics: Nurse Navigation Community Outreach & Engagement Patient Advocate Presentation Voices in Clinical Trials Panel And more!

Abdullah Ali, PhD Assistant Professor of Medical Sciences Department of Medicine Program: Precision Oncology and Systems Biology (POSB) Title: "Tumor macrophage hybrids: a novel source of tumor heterogeneity and metastasis" Description:  Metastatic cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, and circulating tumor macrophage hybrid (TMH) cells are increasingly implicated in metastatic spread. Despite this, understanding their tissue origins remains limited. To address this gap, we developed a computational framework for identifying TMHs within large single-cell and spatial transcriptomics datasets. Application of this framework to tumor biopsies from patients with colon, breast, and lung cancer revealed the presence of TMHs, elucidated their differential functions, and identified pathways potentially driving their invasive capabilities. These findings highlight TMHs as promising novel therapeutic targets for combating metastatic disease. Zoom Meeting https://columbiacuimc.zoom.us/j/97847371419?pwd=hNTcbh48XWXbHY2BMFflr6wLYQonOo.1  Meeting ID: 978 4737 1419 Passcode: seminar

Phoenix A Matthews, PhD, MS, BS, LCP Bobbie Berkowitz Professor of Nursing Department of Behavioral Sciences (Nursing) Program: Cancer Population Science (CPS) Safa ElKefi, PhD Project Manager Department of Nursing Scholarship & Research Title: Developing Virtual Reality-Based Tools for Lung Cancer Treatment Support: EveryBreathMatters Description:  As virtual reality (VR) technologies advance, they present unprecedented opportunities to enhance patients' support and empower their decision-making process, especially in cancer care settings. However, developing meaningful digital interventions requires both a deep understanding of patient needs and careful attention to the tool design and privacy risks. In this talk, Dr. ElKefi will first discuss how insights from mixed-methods research—combining surveys and interviews—can guide the development of VR modules to support treatment preparedness, informed decision-making, and emotional resilience. She will then explore how the integration of patient-centered design with emerging VR tools raises new challenges. Zoom Meeting https://columbiacuimc.zoom.us/j/97847371419?pwd=hNTcbh48XWXbHY2BMFflr6wLYQonOo.1  Meeting ID: 978 4737 1419 Passcode: seminar