At Essence Festival this year, the Truth Initiative hosted a Breath of Freedom Panel, featuring CAB member, Tene Franklin. To learn more about Breath of Freedom, click the link here: Truth Initiative webpage. Pictured left to right: Dr. Calandra Whitted, Dr. Leah Alexander, Dr. Kendric Dartis, Mrs. Tene Franklin) Dr. Calandra Whitted has been appointed to
The Vanderbilt Education Research and Training in Cancer and Leadership (VERTICAL) Fellowship is a two-year, full-time postbaccalaureate program designed for individuals passionate about pursuing advanced degrees in cancer research or medicine. Running from August 2026 to August 2028 in Nashville, TN, the program offers mentored cancer research, education, professional development, community engagement, and a competitive
Meaghan Lewis, a 4.0 Biology graduate from Tennessee State University, has spent the past four years (2020–2024) as a student researcher in the MVTCP Partnership under the mentorship of Dr. Margaret Whalen. During this time, she co-authored two publications in the Journal of Applied Toxicology and Archives of Toxicology, presented research findings to peers and
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 8 AM to 3 PM at Meharry Medical College’s Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education. This milestone event celebrates 25 years of collaboration and innovation within our cancer partnership, bringing together researchers, trainees, clinicians, and community members for a day of learning and connection. Attendees
Dr. Guoliang Li’s research is uncovering how prostate cancer grows and resists treatment. Their work shows that co-targeting KDM5B and SKP2 may offer a new therapeutic path for treatment-resistant cases. In partnership with the MVTCP, Dr. Li is also studying SMARCA1 to restore treatment sensitivity and slow disease progression. The project aims to determine whether
Earlier this summer, the Research and Education Core (REC) visited the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. This program offers a “home away from home” for cancer patients & their caregivers while in treatment. Under the leadership of Dr. Dahlman, Dr. Whalen & Dr. Adunyah, the REC trainees spent time with patients, serving a meal. We
Thank you for attending the 24th Annual MVTCP Symposium – “Illuminating Pathways & Empowering Cancer Solutions.” The day was filled with inspirational speakers, student presentations, and networking amongst MVTCP members. We are grateful for your attendance in our annual symposium. We want to take a moment to recognize our keynote, institutional, and mission moment speakers:
We are excited to announce the 24th Annual 2025 MVTCP Symposium! The Symposium will also include a poster competition–open to students, residents, post-doctoral, and trainees. This premier event will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 8AM-3PM at the Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education at Meharry Medical College. Symposium Registration Link: https://redcap.vumc.org/surveys/?s=HFJKNDM8LTPK773A&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2025%20MVTCP%20Symposium&utm_campaign=202304%20October%20Newsletter Abstract
The U54 grant program proudly recognizes the efforts of its awardees advancing cancer research through collaborative projects. Full project leads, Dr. Guoliang Li and Dr. Cai Quiyin, are spearheading groundbreaking studies that align with the grant’s mission to address cancer disparities and promote novel therapeutic approaches. Additionally, Deborah Lannigan, as the pilot project awardee, is
The MVTCP is excited to announce the Medical Cancer Research Experience (MCRE) awardees for AY24-25! The goal of the MCRE is to support Vanderbilt medical students in their pursuit of cancer health disparities research. The program accepts five Vanderbilt medical students/year and provides $6K for research activities and travel to a conference to present their work.
