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Training & Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå

Cancer Research Training and Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Coordination (CRTEC)

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Comprehensive Cancer Center supports multidisciplinary education and training in the context of CU Cancer Center’s research and clinical mission through the development of novel programs, active participation in the training of mentees across a broad spectrum of educational stages including middle and high school students, undergraduates, post-baccalaureates, graduate students, medical students, residents, and fellows. We also provide career development activities for junior faculty (referred to as mentored members) and cancer-focused educational and training activities for cancer center members. 

We place a major emphasis on the integration of training and education activities with cutting-edge basic, population, and clinical cancer research undertakings. Furthermore, in close collaboration with the CU Cancer Center Community Engagement and Outreach Office, we put a unique focus on including and recruiting individuals who have experienced a lack of access in education and training activities.

Mission, Vision, & Goals

Mission

Serve and improve the care of cancer patients by fostering the careers of cancer care providers, new investigators, and aspiring young scientists in cancer research, population science, and clinical care.

Vision

Educating and training the next generation of innovative leaders in translational, basic, clinical, and population science-related cancer research will conquer cancer.

Our Goals

Training & Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Opportunities

Training & Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Latest News

Welcome PIKE-PREP and ASCENT Scholars!

June 17, 2025, marked a significant day at the CU Cancer Center on the Anschutz Medical Campus. The 2025–2026 PIKE-PREP (Preparation in Interdisciplinary Knowledge to Excel – Postbaccalaureate Research Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Program) cohort was officially welcomed into the program.

The scholars participated in a one-day orientation and training, where they met program directors Dr. Eduardo Davila and Dr. Carlos E. Catalano, CRTEC staff, mentors, and members of various research labs.

We look forward to their growth and are excited to see the impactful research that will emerge from their work in the labs.

Clockwise from the far right: Astrid Ardon-Lopez, Evie Nguyen, Migachelle Romano, Fahiima Abdullahi, Irene Liang, Erica Rodas Montejo, Taylor Geluck, Pedro Gamez, Sumra Chaudhry.

Visit our post-baccalaureate program sites:

ASCENT

PIKE-PREP

ASCENT Scholar Highlight: Migachelle B. Romano

Exploring the Link Between Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer Progression

Migachelle B. Romano, a post-baccalaureate research trainee in the ASCENT program at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Cancer Center, has received a $10,000 Creative Collisions Pilot Grant through the Tumor Host Interactions (THI) Program to investigate a critical aspect of pancreatic cancer. Her project, titled “Investigating how Obesity-Driven Inflammation Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression,” is co-led by Dr. Carlo Marchetti and Dr. Curtis Henry, with additional support from the American Cancer Society ASCENT Post-Baccalaureate Program.

The project focuses on understanding how obesity, particularly visceral fat, triggers immune dysfunction in pancreatic cancer. Specifically, the team is examining the role of a protein complex called NLRP3, which drives inflammation. Their goal is to determine whether NLRP3 activation under obese conditions contributes to cancer progression and impaired T-cell function—key challenges that limit effective treatment options.

Romano is proud to have generated compelling preliminary data demonstrating that signals from adipose tissue can increase pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. This finding not only supports the original hypothesis but also laid the groundwork for a second pilot grant proposal exploring how fat-derived signals might induce autophagy, a process that helps cancer cells survive. This progression marks a significant milestone in her growth as a developing scientist.

The broader impact of this work could be profound. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and patients with obesity often face worse outcomes and fewer treatment options. By uncovering how fat tissue influences tumor behavior, Romano’s research aims to inform more targeted therapies tailored to this high-risk population, ultimately improving survival rates and outcomes.

Beyond the science, Romano emphasizes the personal and equitable dimensions of her research. As a first-generation immigrant and aspiring physician-scientist, she is motivated to pursue work that addresses cancer disparities and improves care for underserved communities, blending scientific discovery with a commitment to equity.

Another Successful Session of C2R2 (Cancer Center Research Rangers)

The Cancer Center hosted 5th-grade students from the Summer Program. After lunch, students participated in hands-on stations that taught them about cells—where they even examined their own cheek cells—how to protect themselves from skin cancer, the effects of smoking on lung health, and a close-up look at brain health and development. Challenge Foundation counselors Fatima Garcia and Hernaldo Piñon assisted with the activities. CRTEC also thanks Dr. Kristin Schaller of the Verneris Lab for partnering to provide students with this engaging introduction to cancer science.

Learn About Cancer Day, Spring 2025

On April 18, 2025, we hosted 39 local high school students to help them learn more about cancer research and cancer-related careers. Following a presentation titled ‘Why We Hate Cancer’ by Richard Schulick, MD, students learned about different types of cancer, health disparities, and everyday prevention activities. Afterward, students toured multiple cancer-research laboratories as well as shared resource facilities, where they learned about innovative technology, cutting-edge research, and cancer-related careers. It was a day filled with educational opportunities for students to connect their understanding of science to the latest advancements in research happening right here at the CU Cancer Center.

Read more about the students’ experiences .

Bringing Science to Life: How Shanna Atzmiller is Transforming Classrooms Through the BEST Teacher Program

When Shanna Atzmiller first heard about the BEST (Biotechnology Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå and Specialized Training) Teacher Program from a former colleague, she was immediately intrigued. As a dedicated biomedical science and honors biology teacher, she saw a unique opportunity to enrich her students’ learning with real-world applications and cutting-edge resources. After some research, she knew the program could be a game-changer—and she was right.

“I was looking for more real-world applications for my biomedical science and honors biology students,” Shanna shared. “This program offers excellent resources to enhance the classroom experience and help students explore different career paths within the biological sciences.”

Since joining the program in 2024, Shanna has implemented a range of BEST-developed lessons, with remarkable results. One standout experience involved using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) materials to explore DNA testing. Her students didn’t just learn about the process—they worked through it, gaining a hands-on understanding of how biotechnology functions in the real world.

“Implementing the lessons has been a huge help in having the students understand how scientists work and analyze data to help society in a positive way,” she explained. “They’ve become more engaged because these lessons make relevant connections to the science happening around them every day.”

Beyond the lab bench, the BEST program has helped her students forge deeper connections to academic standards and learning targets. They’re now able to articulate the importance of biotechnology in modern science, interpret data with greater confidence, and even see themselves pursuing careers in biological sciences, something that wasn’t always on their radar before.

“I feel like some of my students have a new interest in pursuing a career in biological sciences,” Shanna said. “It’s opened up a world of future opportunities for them.”

From enhancing scientific literacy to sparking genuine enthusiasm for biology, the BEST lessons have proven to be powerful teaching tools. The real magic, however, lies in the way they make science feel relevant, personal, and inspiring.

“A highlight of using these lessons is seeing the excitement of the students as they work through the material and use the technology that comes with it,” she said. “They’re engaged, curious, and eager to learn more—even outside of class.”

Thanks to Shanna Atzmiller’s passion and the support of the BEST Teacher Program, students are no longer just studying science, they're living it. And in the process, they’re discovering a future full of possibilities.

LaCOTA Travel Award Recipients Present at Oncology National Conferences in Spring 2025

This spring, four CU-SOM medical students received an amazing opportunity to present their cancer research nationally via the LaCamera Oncology Travel Awards (LaCOTA), thanks to funds generously donated by the LaCamera family specifically to support oncology training of CU-SOM medical students.

LaCOTA awards provided funding support for these medical scientists in training to present their research and participate in professional development activities at oncology-focused national conferences.

The four students who received the award in Spring 2025 were Gabriella Annest, Mohamoud Ahmed, Caroline Walsh, and Huu Bao Huy Pham.

• Gabriella Annest, mentored by Dr. Sarah Tevis, gave an oral presentation of her project titled, “Evaluation of Visual Displays to Share Quality of Life Changes with Breast Cancer Patients” at the Academic Surgical Congress, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Mohamoud Ahmed, mentored by Dr. Stephanie Lakritz, gave a poster presentation of his project titled, “Patient satisfaction with geriatric and functional assessments and referral to frailty-related interventions among older adults presenting to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Urologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Clinic” at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, in San Francisco, California
• Caroline Walsh, mentored by Dr. Randy Miles, gave an oral presentation of her research titled, “Demographic and Socioeconomic Predictors of Mammography Screening Engagement at the County, State, and Regional Level in the US,” at the Association of Academic Radiology’s 73rd Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California.
• Huu Bao Huy Pham, mentored by Dr. Martin McCarter, gave an oral presentation of his research titled, “Impact of induction chemotherapy on dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer,” at the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Annual Meeting in Tampa, Floria.

Through the LaCOTA program, these medical students had the opportunity to present at prestigious national conferences and gain valuable oncology training experience. Please join us in congratulating these future oncology medical scientists.

ASCENT and PIKE-PREP Scholars Shine at 2024 ABRCMS

Scholars from the ASCENT and PIKE-PREP programs made their mark at the 2024 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) in Pittsburgh, PA. Nine scholars attended the conference to listen to scientific and career development symposia, network with peers, faculty and program directors and present their research projects.  These scholars demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and contributed to the strong presence of ASCENT and PIKE-PREP at the conference, underscoring the impact of these programs in fostering the next generation of STEM leaders.

PIKE-PREP Scholars Manna Morris and Astrid Ardón-Lopez, and ASCENT Scholars Pedro Gamez and Sumra Chaudhry, were recognized for their Outstanding Poster Presentations in their respective research categories. Their work captured the attention of conference attendees and earned them accolades for excellence in scientific presentation.

Here’s a look at their award-winning presentations:

• Astrid Ardon-Lopez (PIKE-PREP): Outstanding Postbaccalaureate Poster Presentation in Immunology for her presentation titled, “Sex-Specific Differences in Hepatic Steatosis and Macrophage Infiltration in Aged Galectin-3 Knockout Mice”.
• Manna Morris (PIKE-PREP): Outstanding Postbaccalaureate Poster Presentation in Cell and Developmental Biology for her presentation titled, “Effects of Innate Immune Activation on Myelin Development”.
• Sumra Chaudhry (ASCENT): Outstanding Postbaccalaureate Poster Presentation in Cancer Biology for her presentation titled, “Immune Profiling of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Primary and Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcomas”.
• Pedro Gamez (ASCENT): Outstanding Postbaccalaureate Poster Presentation in Microbiology for his presentation titled, “Developing a Model System to Advance Treatments for γ-Herpesvirus-Associated Lymphomas”.
  

Congratulations to Anne, Astrid, Hajjia, Irene, Jenna, Manna, Miga, Pedro, and Sumra for their dedication and contributions to the scientific community. We wish them all continued success in their future endeavors!

Back row, from left to right: Anne Williams, Jenna Bahn, Sumra Chaudhry, Pedro Gamez, Miga Romano Banks, and Irene Liang. Front row, from left to right: Manna Morris, Astrid Ardon-Lopez, Adela Cota-Gomez (Senior Coordinator of PIKE-PREP and ASCENT), and Hajjia Mohammed Gipson.

From left to right: Astrid Ardon-Lopez, Manna Morris, Sumra Chaudhry, and Pedro Gamez

High School Biotechnology Research Mentoring Program

During the October 22nd, 2024, Cancer Center Symposium, Jared Williams was presented with an Outstanding Mentoring Award in recognition of his dedication to mentoring the next generation of research scientists through the High School Biotechnology Research Mentoring Program. Jared is a second-year Cancer Biology PhD student in the Kabos Lab. He studies the utility of using cell free DNA to characterize the gene expression and treatment response of cancers in vitro and in vivo. He is also working on a project examining the mechanisms behind premature aging in childhood cancer survivors.

Jared went above and beyond in his mentoring, not only sharing his time with the students but also creating videos to help them learn cell culture techniques and attending their presentations. He has been such a fabulous mentor that he was recruited by the students to return for a second year. We imagine he will have a hard time stepping away from this program and students at Rock Canyon High School as he has become an essential member of the program.

If you are interested in becoming an HS-BreM future scientist mentor, please contact us at CRTEC@cuanschutz.edu.

(l-r) Elsa Swanson, Bently Glauser, Jared Williams, Hansika Lakkireddy

Cancer Innovation Pilot Grant Awardees for 2024

The Cancer Innovation Pilot Grants provide research funding to support the career development of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral trainees and early-career faculty. These grants are evaluated via a competitive peer-review process in the NIH style.

This year we had a record number of applications and of very high quality. Please join us in congratulating the 2024-2025 Cancer Innovation Pilot Grant Awardees (pictured below).

Learn more about the Innovation Pilot Grant Program