Eleanore Hansen, MS | hans6999@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 2
Mentor: Irina Stepanov, PhD
Bio: Eleanore Hansen is a 4th year PhD student in Irina Stepanov's laboratory, where she researches the relationship between sugars in cigarette tobacco and the toxicity of cigarette smoke. In addition, Eleanore is a graduate assistant for MCC's Institute for Global Cancer Prevention Research (IGCPR) and enjoys representing IGCPR in MCC's community outreach and education events. Outside of these roles, Eleanore is the primary instructor for FSCN 1102: Food Safety, Risks, and Technology every spring in the Food Science Department, allowing her to share her fascination for toxicology, risk assessment, and regulation with her students.
Development of an Adverse Outcome Pathway for Tumor Promotion from Dual Use of ENDS and Smoking
Authors: Hansen EG, Alcheva A, Stepanov I
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Foster Jacobs | jaco1924@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 3
Mentor: Silvia Balbo, PhD
Harnessing the power of DNA adductomics to study DNA mutations
Authors: Jacobs FC, Virard F, Villalta PW, Kassie F, Zavadil J, Balbo S
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Olanrewaju Ajeigbe | ajeig003@umn.edu
*TOP 3 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 1
Mentor: Rajaram Gopalakrishnan, BDS, PhD; Erin Dickerson, PhD
Bio: I am a foreign-trained dental surgeon with broad research interests in oral and craniofacial pathology, who joined the Oral Biology PhD program at the School of Dentistry in September 2023. I am currently undergoing a research project that focuses on targeted drug delivery as a translational research project and treatment for oral squamous cell cancer. Besides research, I have a deep passion for music and art, and I actively participate in student leadership and community building projects.
Monocarboxylate transporter 1 drives early invasive oral cancer progression in premalignant lesions.
Authors: Ajeigbe OE, Anderson B, Shah A, Wong EJ, Maisuria R, Khammanivong A, Drewes LR, Mutreja I, Dickerson EB, Gopalakrishnan R
Andrew Skildum, PhD | askildum@d.umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 20
Bio: My lab in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Minnesota Medical School - Duluth campus studies pyruvate metabolism and how it may be manipulated to benefit patients with breast cancer.
Inhibition of PDK4 blocks proliferation and migration of triple negative breast cancer cells.
Authors: Hetchler B, Spets C, Enemuoh A, Hemp D, Baumhauer N,Mujteba S, Gerth M, Yanko E, Skildum AS
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Bhumika Rajoria, MS | bhumi003@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 17
Mentor: Douglas Yee, MD
IGF and Insulin system in regulating hallmarks of cancer
Authors: Bhumika Rajoria, Deepali Sachdev, Douglas Yee
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Brandon Schuldt | schu4722@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 19
Mentor: Daniel Harki, PhD
Targeting APOBEC3B with Second-Generation Small Molecule Fragment Ligands
Authors: Schuldt BS, Grillo MJ, Harki DA
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Brenna Walton, PhD | walto218@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 25
Mentor: Kaylee Schwertfeger, PhD
Bio: I received my bachelors degree from the University of St. Thomas in Biology then transitioned to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I received by PhD in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology. I am currently a postdoc in Dr. Kaylee Schwertfeger's lab working on Lyve-1+ macrophages in breast cancer.
The role of Lyve-1+ macrophages in breast cancer and ECM remodeling
Authors: Walton B, Schwertfeger K
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Brianna teDuits | brenn810@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 22
Mentor: Paolo Provenzano, PhD and David Wood, PhD
Bio: Brianna teDuits is a third-year PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering, co-advised by Dr. Paolo Provenzano and Dr. David Wood. Her research focuses on T cell mechanobiology and the development of engineered in vitro platforms for applications in solid tumor therapeutics.
Tunable viscoelasticity of hyaluronic acid polyacrylamide hydrogels via streptavidin biotin affinity
Authors: teDuits BR, Wood DK, Provenzano PP
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Chun-Ju Tsou, MS| tsou0006@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 23
Mentor: William Pomerantz, PhD
Bio: Chun-Ju is a fifth year chemistry graduate student currently working on the development of bromodomain inhibitors for neuroblastoma treatment.
Design of BPTF Bromodomain Inhibitors and Degraders As A Novel Approach For Anti-cancer Therapy
Authors: Tsou C, Das S, Babu K, Nithianantham S, Stachowski T, Alaidi O, Fischer M, Shelat A, Pomerantz WC
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Chinasa Ufondu | ufond002@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 24
Mentor: Julie Ostrander, PhD
Bio: Chinasa Ufondu is a 4th year PhD candidate in the Ostrander lab. Her research focuses on breast cancer. Specifically she aims to understand the crosstalk between E-cadherin loss and estrogen receptor in invasive lobular carcinoma. She enjoys public speaking, writing for fun and singing.
Drivers of estrogen-induced invasive lobular carcinoma.
Authors: Ufondu CA, Musick M, Sikora MJ, Ostrander JH
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Crystal Lee, MS | lee04343@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 11
Mentor: Thu Truong, PhD
Bio: Su-Jeong (Crystal) Lee is a Ph.D. student in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics at the University of Minnesota, conducting research in Truong's lab focused on therapy resistance in ER+ breast cancer. She is particularly intrigued by changes in transcriptional profiles and pathways of therapy-resistant ER+ breast cancer, with a special interest in cancer stem cells. Currently, Crystal is spearheading a project aimed at identifying clonal population dynamics to develop targeted strategies for overcoming resistance in ER+ breast cancer.
Understanding Therapy Resistant Clonal Populations in ER+ Breast Cancer
Authors: Su-Jeong L, Nuri AT, Julie HO, Thu HT
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Farzana Kabir, MS | skluz032@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 9
Mentor: Daniel A. Harki, PhD
Bio: Farzana Kabir is a Ph.D. candidate in the Harki lab who works on DNA cytidine-deaminase APOBEC3A (A3A) mutants with enhanced stability and A3A-targeting disulfide tethering fragments. As an undergraduate at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, she reported a potential glioblastoma biomarker using bioinformatics and later explored natural product isolation during her M.Pharm. Outside the lab, she enjoys co-leading Women in Medicinal Chemistry (WiMC) at UMN, painting, and reading books.
Computational Design and Experimental Characterization of APOBEC3A Mutants with Enhanced Stability
Authors: Kabir F, Shehata M, Morris C, Amaro RE, and Harki DA
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Jacque Lyman, MS | lyman076@umn.edu
*TOP 10 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 13
Mentor: Scott Dehm, PhD
Bio: I am a 4th year MCDB&G PhD candidate and graduate of the MS genetic counseling program. My research interests focus on identifying clinically relevant molecular biomarkers to inform prognosis in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Exploring Biomarkers in a Phase II Trial of Sacituzumab Govitecan in Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lyman J, Knutson TP, Li Y, Sperger J, Kyriakopolous C, Slovin S, Tagawa S, Yang R, Lang JM, Dehm SM
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Joel Pardo
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 15
Mentor: Douglas Yee, MD
Examining APOBEC3B in TCGA and ICGC Breast Cancer Datasets Reveals Altered Drug Metabolism Pathways
Authors: Pardo J, Temiz NA, Yee D
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Kelsey Holdaway, MS | skluz032@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 8
Mentor: Gunda Georg, PhD
Design and Development of Allosteric Covalent Inhibitors of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2
Authors: Holdaway KA, Faber EB, Wang N, Georg GI
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Kyla Hagen | hagen772#umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 7
Mentor: Thu Truong, PhD
Bio: Kyla Hagen has been working in the breast cancer field throughout and since completing her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at UMN. She is currently a research scientist in the Truong Lab working on a variety of projects pertaining to ER+ breast cancer while also pursuing a Master’s in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program at UMN.
Stapled Peptides for the ER/Coactivator Interaction in Breast Cancer
Authors: Hagen KM, Maloney R, Wang RE, Truong TH
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Megan Ludwig, PhD | mllugwig@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 12
Mentor: Justin Drake, PhD
Proteomic profiling of extracellular vesicles distinguishes prostate cancer molecular subtypes
Authors: Ludwig ML, Arafa AT, Vinoo S, Day A, Bergom HE, Sychev Z, Horrmann A, Dehm SM, Antonarakis ES, Hwang J, Drake JM
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Morgan Madill, MD | madil019@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 14
Mentor: Martina Bazzaro, PhD
Tumor Stroma Proportion Outperforms KELIM as marker for Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Madill M, Starr TK, Winterhoff B, Tessier K, Erickson BK, Nelson AC, Lou E, and Bazzaro M
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Natasha Roman Ortiz, MS| roman449@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 18
Mentor: Julie Ostrander, PhD
Bio: My name is Natasha Roman Ortiz and I am a PhD student from Puerto Rico in the Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (MPaT) Program. I have a strong passion for exploring novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer to help improve patient outcomes.
Selective targeting of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer stem-like cells with oncolytic virus
Authors: Roman Ortiz NI, Boytim E, Hilgendorf S, Hwang J, Davydova J, Danthi P, Ostrander JH
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Nora Ahmed, PhD, MD, MS| ahmedn@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 4
Mentor: Joseph Metzger, PhD
Bio: Our work is focused on cancer cachexia induced cardiac myopathy trying to alleviate morbidity associated with these conditions by generating human base model for mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
Atrogin1-Calcineurin axis modulation in a Novel hiPSC-CM Model of Cancer-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nora Hosny, Houda Cohen, Mohamed Elafany, Jeff Schreifels, John Bauer, Brian Thompson, Julia Liu, and Joseph M. Metzger
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Olivia Kuckhahn | kanna131@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 10
Mentor: Kaylee Schwertfeger, PhD
Bio: Olivia is a 3rd-year Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics PhD candidate in the Schwertfeger lab. Her thesis work centers on defining and leveraging anti-tumor functions of tumor-associated macrophages in triple-negative breast cancer. Her specific research interests include the tumor microenvironment, macrophage-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, and antibody engineering to alter macrophage phenotypes.
STAT5 loss in tumor-associated macrophages promotes breast cancer progression through ECM modulation
Authors: Kuckhahn OK, Bapat AS, Schwertfeger KL
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Oliver Stockert | stock757@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 21
Mentor: Carol Lange, PhD
Bio: Oliver Stockert has a B.A. in Biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College and is currently a second-year PhD student in the Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Program. Oliver’s thesis work is in the lab of Carol Lange, PhD, and focuses on steroid-receptor-driven oncogenic gene regulation, cell signaling, and cellular behavior in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Steroid receptor-driven cell signaling and migration in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell models
Authors: Stockert OM, Lange CA
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Richard Ede | ede00002@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 5
Mentor: William Pomerantz, PhD
Development of a Covalent Inhibitor for PCAF as a Possible Treatment for HIV and Brain Cancer
Authors: Richard RE, William CP
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Sai Harshita Posani, PhD | posan005@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 16
Mentor: Carol Lange, PhD
Mineralocorticoid receptor mediated advanced phenotypes in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Sai Harshita Posani, and Carol Lange
Aji Opakunle, PhD | opaku003@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 32
Mentor: Stephanie Huang, PhD
Bio: Ajibola Opakunle is a 4th-year PhD student in Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, in Dr. Stephanie Huang's lab. His research focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving sex differences in multiple myeloma.
Deciphering the Genetic Mechanism of Sex Differences in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Opakunle PhD, Huang PhD, Shan PharmD, Stranger PhD, Huang PhD
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Elizabeth Schmidt, PhD, MSCR
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 35
DNA Repair Defects in Xeroderma Pigmentosum Result in Senescence and Premature Aging
Authors: Schmidt EL, Usina VN, Peters S, Gullickson GP, Boull C, Maguiness S, Niedernhofer LJ
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Garrett Draper | drape079@umn.edu
*TOP 10 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 30
Mentor: David Largaespada, PhD
A novel murine model of NF1-atypical neurofibroma reveals sensitivities to MDM2i and low dose MTX
Authors: Draper GM, Panken DJ, DeTuncq S, Larsson AT, Hudson W, Seeman Z, Largaespada DA
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Julia Miller | mil00565@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 31
Mentor: Kelly Makielski, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Bio: In May 2024 I graduated from Kansas State University with my bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences and Industry. I recently joined Makielski Lab and am excited to gain more experience within the world of research!
Increased height and body weight are associated with younger age at death in dogs with osteosarcoma
Authors: Miller JB, Magstadt JM, Wojtysiak MM, DuVal K, Labé CH, Cook AM, Khammanivong A, Winter A, Feiock C, Reid K, Lewellen MJ, Spector LG, Weigel BJ, Modiano JF, Makielski KM
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Kyle Richards, MS | richa868@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 33
Mentor: David Largaespada, PhD
Bio: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry from St. John's University and a Master of Science degree in biology from Ball State University. I currently am a 4th year PhD candidate in the lab of Dr. David Largaespada where I study antigen presentation in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
The Immunopeptidome of Nerve Sheath Tumors Reveal Antigens with Immunogenic Potential
Authors: Richards K, Coleman S, Liebau J, Hruska M, Jubenville T, Popescu F, Wang L, Wagner R, Mehta S, Jagtap P, Griffin TJ, Largaespada DA
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Margarita Romanenko, PhD | roman470@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 34
Mentor: Julia Davydova, MD, PhD
Preclinical Models for Oncolytic Adenoviruses: Evaluating Replication and Blood Cell Interactions
Authors: Romanenko M, Inoko K, Robert S, Graham M, Carney JP, Davydova J
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Masato Yamamoto, PhD, MD | yamam016@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 36
Pre-Clinical Study, IND, and Trial Design for EUS-Based Injection of Oncolytic Adenovirus for PDAC
Authors: Jacobsen K, Sato-Dahlman M, Greeno E, Amateau S, Jensen E, Davydova J, Yamamoto M
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Shivani Chaudhary, MD, MS | chaud327@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 26
Mentor: Dr. Jinfang Ning, PhD
iPSC-derived NK Cell therapy eradicates patient-derived GBM stem cells
Authors: Ning J*, Davis Z*, Zeb Q, Cichocki F, Wang H, Tuininga K, Bjordahl R, Lee T, Chuadhary SR, Miller J* and Chen C*.
*equal contribution
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Zhongming Chen, PhD, MS | chen4579@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 28
Mentor: Branden Moriarity, Paolo Provenzano
Enhancing cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells by stabilization of immunological synapses
Authors: Chen Z, Skeate JG, Moriarity B, Provenzano P
Adam Burrack, PhD | alburrac@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 38
Mentor: Ingunn Stromnes, PhD
Bio: Completed PhD in transplant recognition at University of Colorado - Anschutz medical campus. Post-doc in autoimmunity in laboratory of Brian Fife, PhD, at University of Minnesota. 7+ years working with Dr. Stromnes developing models and reagents to study T cell-mediated immunity against pancreatic cancer.
IL-15 complex improves immune checkpoint blockade therapy in pancreatic cancer via CD8 T cells
Authors: Adam L. Burrack, Zoe C. Schmiechen, Ebony A. Miller, Brandon Larsen, Maddie Ellefson, Alexander K. Tsai, Kristina S. Burrack, Ingunn M. Stromnes
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Alexander Tsai, PhD, MD| tsaix061@umn.edu
*TOP 3 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 47
Mentor: Ingunn Stromnes, PhD
TGF-beta Tilts the T Cell Memory to Effector Scale in Adoptive Cell Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Tsai AK, Rollins MR, Schmiechen ZC, Ellefson MA, Burrack AL, Cruz-Hinojoza E, Hickok GH, Larsen BM, Provenzano PP, Greenberg PD, Stromnes IM
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Cara-lin Lonetree, MS | lonet005@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 44
Mentor: Ingunn Stromnes, PhD
Cytokine fusion proteins improve adoptive cell therapy outcomes in mouse model of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lonetree C, Burrack AL, Hickok GH, Larsen B, Schmiechen ZC, Ellefson M, Tsai AK, Stromnes IM
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Grant Hickok | hicko091@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 41
Mentor: Ingunn Stromnes, PhD
Bio: I am a 3rd graduate student in the MICaB program studying in the lab of Dr. Ingunn Stromnes. My research concerns the role of T cell receptor binding strength in the licensing, trafficking, and differentiation of CD8+ T cells during the anti-tumor immune response to pancreatic cancer.
T Cell Receptor Avidity Dictates CD8+ T cell function in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Hickok GH, Schmiechen ZC, Krueger J, Butler J, Burrack AL, Tsai AK, Larsen B, Cruz-Hinojoza E, You Y, Webber B, Stromnes IM
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Kate Dixon, PhD | dixon097@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 39
Mentor: Bruce Walcheck, PhD
Bio: I'm a postdoc in Bruce Walcheck's lab. I am interested in NK cell biology and their utility in improving cancer immunotherapy.
Targeted ADAM17 Blocker directed to CD16 (TAB16) augments NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity.
Authors: Kate Dixon, Rob Hullsiek, Sam Wang, Ryan Friess, Anders Matson, Jianming Wu, Geoffrey Hart, Martin Felices, Jeffrey S. Miller, Bruce Walcheck
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Khadar Abdi, MS
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 37
Mentor: Brandon Burbach, PhD
Bio: Khadar Abdi is from Minneapolis,MN and obtained a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Vermont in 2017. Over the past four years as a research technician in the Shimizu lab, Khadar has focused on investigating ways to improve the activation of CD8+ T cells for use in anti-tumor immunotherapy. In his free time, Khadar enjoys supporting the University of Minnesota as an emergency medical technician.
CD8+ T cells require recent TCR engagement and inflammatory cytokine for optimal TRM formation
Authors: Abdi K, Shimizu Y, Burbach B
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Lynn Heltemes Harris, PhD| harr0905@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 40
Mentor: Michael Farrar, PhD
Bio: I am a senior research scientist interested in understanding the relationship between B cell development and leukemia.
The Role of Truncated SOS1 in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Heltemes-Harris LM, Hubbard GK, Shukla D, Maiers T, Munro SA, Knudson TP, La Rue R, Farrar MA
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Melissa Khaw | khwx007@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 43
Mentor: Martin Felices, PhD and Jeffrey Miller, MD
Bio: Melissa Khaw is a fourth-year graduate student in the Comparative Molecular Biosciences PhD program at the University of Minnesota. She is currently working on developing novel NK cell biologics for cancer immunotherapy. She is co-mentored by Dr. Martin Felices and Dr. Jeffrey Miller.
Overcoming CD16 receptor shedding using a killer engager complex to enhance NK cell immunotherapy
Authors: Khaw M, Soignier Y, Bendzick L, van Breukelen M, Weis A, Walker J, Eungard E, Baldys A, Ni Z, Shetty M, Matson A, Kennedy P, Walcheck B, Miller JS, Felices M
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Rih-Sheng Huang, MS | huan2380@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 42
Bio: I am a synthetic biology enthusiast and currently working on the genetic reprogramming of natural killer (NK) cells.
Multidimensional optimization enables highly efficient precision genome engineering in NK cells
Authors: Huang RS, Miller JS, Felices M
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Shubhendu Mishra, MD, MS | mish0117@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 45
Mentor: Lindsey Sloan, MD, PhD
Bio: Dr. Shubhendu Mishra is a third-year radiation oncology resident at the University of Minnesota, actively researching the systemic impact of radiation therapy on cancer patients under the mentorship of Dr. Lindsey Sloan. Raised in Plymouth, MN, he earned his B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota, graduating summa cum laude. He then joined Teach for America, working as a special educator, and subsequently received his M.D. from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL before returning home to pursue a career in radiation oncology.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Changes in Meningiomas after Radiotherapy
Authors: Mishra S, Kroymann T, Pandey S, Golden L, Sando N, Song CW, Lawrence J, Puri S, Kleinberg LR, Yuan J, Neil E, Venteicher A, Moore JA, Terezakis SA, Sloan L
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Terran Stenger | steng110@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 46
Mentor: Jeff Miller, MD; Martin Felices, PhD
Bio: Terran is a PhD Candidate in Immunology and Cancer Biology (MICaB), researching NK cell-based immunotherapies for ovarian cancer. His work focuses on overcoming immune evasion with an aim to bridge basic biologic findings and clinical application.
Cytotoxic Potential of Ascites-Derived NK Cells in Ovarian Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy
Authors: Stenger TD, Wesley E, Hinderlie P, Ni Z, Kennedy PR, Bendzick LE, Geller MA, Miller JS, Felices M
Aleta Steevens, PhD, MPH | asteeven@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 52
Mentor: Dr. Melissa Geller, MD
Bio: Dr Steevens is a basic scientist turned regulatory and public health professional and currently works as a part of the Developmental Therapeutics Early Phase clinical trial initiative. She is interested in the translation of new therapeutics for advanced cancer and pursues this by facilitating efficient study start-up and navigating the IRB approval process. Dr. Steevens is involved in promoting health equity through direct research and roles on the Minnesota Cancer Alliance's Cancer Plan 2030 Steering Committee and Cancer Health Equity Network.
Attitude Check - Minnesotans view towards cancer prevention does not predict screening uptake
Authors: Steevens, AR, Geller, MA
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Emma Kelly | kell3139@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 51
Mentor: Rachel I. Vogel, PhD
Bio: Emma Kelly is a graduate of Dartmouth College and is currently a second year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She has been actively involved at the regional, national, and international levels in oncology research since 2016 and is currently conducting research in the Vogel Lab in the Gynecologic Oncology Department of University of Minnesota. She’s the Co-President of the Hematology/Oncology Interest Group, the Networking, Mentorship, and Outreach Chair of the Women in Medicine Group, and a volunteer at the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
Sun protection behavior beliefs among adults living in rural Minnesota
Authors: Kelly E, Jewett P, Solomon M, Brown K, Flanagan D, Kunkel K, Schossow M, Radosevich Z, Mason P, Ahmed R, Nagler R, Henning-Smith C, Martinson BC, Lazovich D, Yzer M, Vogel RI
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Ian Ahlberg | ahlbe049@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 48
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky, BSc, MSc, PhD
Bio: Ian Ahlberg is a senior at the University of Minnesota studying biochemistry with a minor in pharmacology. He is interested in immunology research regarding metabolic disease and aging.
Immunoprotective Effects of Metformin Against Delayed Doxorubicin-Induced Immune Perturbation
Authors: Ahlberg IA, Daniel MR, George B, Grant MKO, Dahlquist KJV, Camell CD, Zordoky BN
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Lindsay Welton, MD | welto031@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 53
Mentor: Elliot Arsoniadis, MD, PhD
Bio: I am a 5th year general surgery resident interested. I am in my research years working with the division of colorectal surgery. I'm earning my master of arts in medical gerontology and I'm an aspiring colorectal surgeon.
SAVETHEBOTTOMS!!! An LGBTQ+ Community Event-Based Anal Cancer Screening Unit
Authors: Welton L, Kohn J, Vera K, Wang Q, Melton-Meaux G, Teoh D, Welton M, Arsoniadis E
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Matthew Dietz | dietz177@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 50
Mentor: Christopher Staley, PhD
Bio: Matthew Dietz is a 4th year PhD student in the Staley lab. His research focuses on how communication within the gut microbiome impacts colorectal cancer and the role bacteria play in tumor progression and metastasis.
Disruption of Bacterial Quorum Sensing Impacts the Metastatic Rate of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dietz M, Gates T, Sikdar R, Subramanian S, Elias M, Staley C
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Trang Dang, PhD | dang0188@umn.edu
*TOP 10 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 49
Mentor: David Stenehjem, PharmD, BCOP; Helen Parsons, PhD, MPH
Bio: Trang is a PhD candidate in Social and Administrative Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. With a background in Quantitative Economics, she specializes in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), focusing on real-world evidence in oncology, immunotherapy outcomes, and health disparities in lung cancer. She is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to inform value demonstration for patients.
Real-World Outcomes and Treatment Patterns of Black and White Patients with Metastatic Lung Cancer
Authors: Dang TQ, Schommer JC, Carlson AM, Helgeson ES, Parsons HM, Stenehjem DD
Joseph Skeate, PhD | skea0006@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 54
Mentor: Branden Moriarity, PhD
Bio: Joseph Skeate is a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics. He received his Bachelors degree in Biochemistry here at the University of Minnesota and obtained his PhD in Medical Biology from the USC Keck School of Medicine in 2020. His work being presented at this symposium was carried out during his postdoctoral training in genome engineering under the mentorship of Drs Branden Moriarity & Beau Webber and is focused on using next generation genome engineering tools to create highly effective cellular therapies for the treatment of cancers.
Base Editor Iterative Nicking for Synchronous Engineered Reprogramming of T cells
Authors: Skeate JG, Slipek NJ, Lahr WS, Kar B, Wick BJ, Krueger JB, Stelljes EM, Gilkey AK, Thenge PP, Lonetree C, Kluesner MG, Webber BR, Moriarity BS
Aleksandra Alcheva, PhD | alche003@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 1
Mentor: Irina Stepanov, PhD
Cigarette Characteristics Associated with Relighting Behaviors
Authors: Alcheva A, Yershova, K, Heckman CJ, Kennedy M, Young WJ, Wackowski OA, Mitarotondo A, Gundersen D, Steinberg MB, Hatsukami DK, Stepanov I
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Erik Moran, MS | moran598@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 6
Mentor: Natalia Tretyakova, PhD
Bio: My name is Erik Moran and I am a fifth year chemistry PhD student working in the Treyakova group. My research is focused on the dynamic interaction of internal and external chemical exposure and disease progression as summarized by the exposome. In addition to laboratory research, I enjoy playing racquetball, cycling and gardening.
The Exposome Posits a Cause for Cancer: Assessing Hemoglobin Adductome in Smokers by Targeted LC/MS
Authors: Moran E, Monatukwa Y, O’Donnell A, Rahim A, Rajczewski A, Gann J, Hurben A,
Boysen G and Tretyakova N
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Itorobong Uwatt, MS | uwatt001@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 7
Mentor: Irina Stepanov, PhD
Bio: Itorobong Uwatt is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, and also works as a Research Assistant in the Stepanov Research Lab, Masonic Cancer Center. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Her research focuses on evaluating toxic and carcinogenic components in tobacco products and secondhand smoke emissions/ air pollution exposures by particle size distributions.
Particle size distribution of toxicants from cigarette secondhand smoke emissions
Authors: Uwatt IE, Eilts S, Hogan C and Stepanov I
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Madjda Bellamri, PhD | bellamri@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 2
Mentor: Robert Turesky, PhD
Discovery of Novel Aristolochic Acid DNA Adducts: Implications for Renal and Bladder Cancer Risk
Authors: Medjda Bellamri, Scott J. Walmsley, Lihua Yao, Robert J. Turesky
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Olivia Hood, MS | hoodx070@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 4
Mentor: Dr. Frank Ondrey, MD, PhD
Analyzing Slug Expression and Immune Cell Profiling in HNSCC vs Normal Tissue Using CIBERSORT
Authors: Olivia A. Hood, MS, Beverly Wuertz, B.S., Frank G. Ondrey, M.D., Ph.D.
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Ryan Friess | fries208@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 3
Mentor: Natalia Tretyakova, PhD
Bio: I received my bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota, where I worked on the development of NK cell therapies for cancer. I then entered the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, where I focus on the development of small molecule inhibitors for the epigenetic eraser enzyme TET, specifically for cancer and immunotherapy treatments.
TET Inhibitors: Use of a Prodrug Strategy to Improve Cell Permeation and Biological Activity
Authors: Friess RR, Karow TL, McPherson J, Tretyakova NY
Bailey Anderson, MSc | and04307@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 8
Mentor: Erin Dickerson, PhD
Bio: With a clinical education in audiology, I earned my bachelor's from the University of Minnesota before obtaining my master's at University College London, where I transitioned into biomedical research during my thesis. After further researching the epigenetics of auditory dysfunction and delving into vascular epigenetics, my research interests now lie in uncovering drug resistance mechanisms in various cancers, with a particular interest in epigenetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
MCT1 regulates the progression of early invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Anderson BM, Shah A, Wong EJ, Ajeigbe O, Mutreja I, Khammanivong A, Gopalakrishnan R, Dickerson EB
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Connor Slette | slett214@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 20
Mentor: Julie Ostrander, PhD
Bio: Connor Slette is a 4th year student in the College of Biological Sciences, on pace to gradate with a B.S. in Biochemistry. Passionate about improving access to cancer treatments after witnessing his grandmother's struggles to find excellent treatment in rural Minnesota, he was eager to learn more about the disease in the Ostrander Lab.
Quantifying Protein-Protein Interactions in ER+ Breast Cancer through the NanoBit Assay
Authors: Slette CWM, Ostrander JH
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Elizabeth Rono | ronox004@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 16
Mentor: David Wood, PhD
Bio: I am a researcher in Dr. Wood’s lab in the Biomedical Engineering department specializing in microtissue fabrication. My work focuses on optimizing our microtissue platform and applying it to collaborative projects. Currently, I am studying MPNST utilizing microtissues and bulk gels to enhance research on this sarcoma.
Ex vivo microtissues from PDX to predict in vivo drug response of MPNST
Authors: Larsson AT, Bhatia H, Calizo A, Pollard K, Zhang X, Conniff E, Tibbitts JF, Rono E, Cummins K, Osum SH, Williams KB, Crampton AL, Jubenville T, Schefer D, Yang K, Lyu Y, Pino JC, Bade J, Gross JM, Lisok A, Dehner CA, Chrisinger JSA, He K, Gosline SJC, Pratilas CA, Largaespada DA, Wood DK, Hirbe AC
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Ellis Raduenz | eraduenz@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 15
Mentor: Dr. Kaylee Schwertfeger, PhD
Bio: Ellis Raduenz is a Twin Cities native and double Gopher. She is currently pursuing her medical degree as part of the University of Minnesota’s Class of 2027.
STAT5 in Macrophages and Breast Cancer: Investigating Effector T Cell Distribution and Function
Authors: Raduenz ES, Kuckhahn OK, Schwertfeger KL
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Emilio Tarcitano, PhD | etarcita@umn.edu
*TOP 10 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 21
Mentor: David Wood, PhD and Paolo Provenzano, PhD
Bio: Dr. Emilio Tarcitano is a Researcher specializing in Cancer Dormancy. He holds a bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences from Mogi das Cruzes University (Brazil), a master's in Biotechnology from Federal University of Sao Paulo (Brazil), and a PhD in Oncology from A.C. Camargo Cancer Center (Brazil). He completed his postdoctoral training in Cancer Biology at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel) and has over 10 years of experience studying noncoding RNAs, now focusing on the molecular mechanisms of tumor dormancy.
Beyond Antibody Production: Bone Marrow Plasma Cells as Hidden Architects of Cancer Dormancy
Authors: Tarcitano E, Jensen J, Rono E, Chiu M, Schwertfeger K, Provenzano P, Wood D
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Emily Gammon Hawkins | hawki811@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 12
Mentor: Emil Lou, MD PhD
Bio: I joined the Lou lab in late 2024 after working for several years in industry following my graduation from Clemson University in 2021. My background is primarily in genomic research with applications ranging from developmental biology to CAR-T production. I am now part of a research team at the University of Minnesota studying solid state malignancies with a specialized focus on Tunneling Nanotubes (TNTs).
SARS-CoV-2 Drives Inflammation of Intestinal Epithelium in Immunocompromised Cancer Patients
Authors: Emily Gammon Hawkins, Christine Luo, Katherine Ladner, Allison Makovec, Phillip Wong, Jeremy Chacon, Eamon Toye, Ella Boytim, Anthony Patregnani, Emily John, Sanyukta Padmanabhan, Akshat Sarkari, Alison Wong, Julia Stuart, Andrew C Nelson, Brian Betts, Eliseo Eugenin, Justin Hwang1, Emil Lou
-------------------------------
Estanislao Peixoto, PhD | epeixoto@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 14
Mentor: Sergio Gradilone, PhD
Bio: Dr. Peixoto earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, with a concentration in Liver Diseases and Molecular Biology. He is currently a Researcher 5 fellow at the University of Minnesota. His work focuses on understanding how primary cilia influence nuclear processes and transduce signals under conditions of health and disease.
Cholangiocytes’ Primary Cilia Regulates DNA Damage Response and Repair
Authors: Estanislao Peixoto, Kishor Pant, Seth Richard, Sergio A. Gradilone
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Jennifer Tuokkola | tuokk002@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 24
Mentor: Kaylee Schwertfeger, PhD
FGFR signaling modulates cholesterol storage to promote breast cancer progression
Authors: Tuokkola JE, Reese LE, Schwertfeger KL
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José Valentín López | valen489@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 25
Mentor: Scott Dehm, PhD
Bio: I am a sixth year M.D./Ph.D. student in the lab of Dr. Dehm at the University of Minnesota, where we study the role of the androgen receptor (AR) and alterations in AR signaling in prostate cancer development and progression. Before joining the University of Minnesota, I received a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. My research interests focus on prostate cancer progression to a castration-resistant state and identifying new therapeutic targets in the advanced form of the disease.
Elucidating the Role of Exogenous Lipids in Ferroptosis in Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Valentín López JC, Dehm SM
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Kiel Tietz, PhD | tietz025@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 23
Mentor: Scott Dehm, PhD
Bio: I am a postdoctoral researcher that is studying novel hormone independent mechanisms to treat prostate cancer.
Targeting CPSF1 Regulated mRNA Polyadenylation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tietz KT, McCluskey BM, Miller CR, Yingming L, Munro SA, Dehm SM
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Luna Zhang, MS | zhan8062@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 27
Mentor: David Wood, PhD
Bio: A fourth-year PhD candidate in the Biomedical Engineering Department, specializing in the development of in vitro models to investigate cancer metastasis and the role of macrophages in cancer progression.
Modeling tumor-macrophage interactions using a collagen-based tumor spheroid model
Authors: Luna Z, Sanab A, Hannah MS, Kathryn LS, David KW
-------------------------------
Maggie Chiu | chiu0083@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 11
Mentor: Paolo P. Provenzano, PhD
Bio: I am a PhD graduate co-advised by Drs. Provenzano and Wood in the Department of Biomedical Engineering here at the University of Minnesota. I received my Bachelors' Degree in Bioengineering at the University of California, Riverside, and started doing research as an undergraduate student with computational biological pathways and tissue engineering. I strive to connect my tissue engineering experience with cancer biology, and my engineering expertise to design innovative methods for in vitro systems of studying cancer.
Developing 3D In Vitro Systems of Cancer Dormancy
Authors: Chiu M, Tarcitano E, Schwertfeger KL, Wood DK, Provenzano PP
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Ritu Shah, MS | shah0807@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 19
Mentor: David Wood, PhD
High Throughput Drug Screening Platform for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Shah RC, Larsson AT, Seeman Z, Williams KB, Largaespada DA, Wood DK
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Rojina Sapkota, MS | sapko041@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 17
Mentor: Emil Lou,M.D., Ph.D, FACP
RNA-seq Analysis to Uncover Drivers of Cancer Cells forming TNTs for Intercellular Communication
Authors: Sapkota R, Abrahante J, Sarkari A, Chacon J, Padmanabhan S, Starr TK, Wong P, Ladner K, Vogel RI, Hawkins EG, Marcus AI, Subramanian S, Steer CJ, Lou E
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Sachi Tengse, MS | tengs006@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 22
Mentor: Justin Drake, PhD
Bio: Sachi is a 2nd year PhD student in the Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics graduate program. She received her B.Tech in Biotechnology from Manipal Institute of Technology in 2021 and MS in MPaT in 2024. She is currently studying the role of RET kinase and ASCL1 in neuroendocrine prostate cancer and small cell lung cancer in Dr. Justin Drake's laboratory.
ASCL1-mediated Transcriptional Regulation of RET kinase in Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tengse SB, Bae SY, VanDeusen HR, Dinh QC, Bergom HE, Day A, Boytim E, Baca SC, Xie Y, Long HW, Lee JK, Ellis L, Hwang JH, Drake JM
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Summer Gerhardt | gerha081@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 13
Mentor: Deepali Sachdev, PhD
IGF1R & ER synergize to drive growth of ER* positive CDK4/6 inhibitor resistant breast cancer
Authors: Gerhardt SL, Baar CS, Johnson IR, Sachdev D
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Suraj Bhattarai, PhD | bhattars@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 9
Mentor: James Robinson, PhD
Bio: I am a Postdoctoral Associate at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, specializing in cancer epigenetics and pediatric brain tumors. My research focuses on understanding how EZHIP drives diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) and ependymomas, integrating molecular biology, computational analysis, and in vivo modeling. With a strong background in epigenomics and next-generation sequencing, I am committed to uncovering mechanisms of tumor initiation and maintenance to advance therapeutic strategies for these aggressive cancers.
EZHIP Disrupts Stem Cell and Mitotic Gene Regulation, Driving Tumorigenesis in a Mouse Model of DMG
Authors: Bhattarai S, Hakkim L, Grigore F, Day C, Langfald A, Hinchcliffe E, Robinson J
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Susan Schmidt, PhD | schm5475@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 18
Mentor: Carol Lange, PhD
Bio: Completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Wyoming, with B.S. degrees in Molecular Biology and Microbiology, as well as a minor in Mandarin. Past projects/research encompass many topics; soil microbial green house gas emissions from bark beetle tree mortality, engineered expression of recombinant glycoproteins in insect cell models, structural studies of GalNAcTs through crystallography, and membrane bound protein expression and purification. As a member of the Lange lab, her thesis research explores the actions of nuclear hormone receptors in breast cancer.
Progesterone Receptor-B Specific Transcriptional Reprogramming via ER/PR Complexes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Schmidt SI, Gillis N, Lange CA
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Tao Cheng, MD | tcheng@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 10
Mentor: Eric Rahrmann,PhD
Bio: I started working in biomedical research in 2019. In August 2024, I joined Dr. Eric Rahrmann's laboratory to study cancer metastasis. I am currently focusing on studying the role of NALCN in breast cancer metastasis.
Study on the role of NALCN in breast cancer metastasis.
Authors: Tao Cheng, Sk. Kayum Alam, Sabrina Terranova, Eric Rahrmann.
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Tingyuan Yang, MS | yang6906@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 26
Mentor: Ameeta Kelekar, PhD
Targeting Noxa, a novel regulator of metabolism and apoptosis in human CD8T cells, for immunotherapy
Authors: Yang T, Sharma H, Niemeyer E, Skeate J and Kelekar A
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Zhijun Guo, MS | guox0035@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 49
Mentor: David Potter, MD, PhD
C5F 2 -hexyl-(cuban-1-yl-methyl)-biguanide (C5F 2 -HCB) overcomes an immune excluded tumor microenvironment (TME) and suppresses tumor growth in the ovarian dependent ER+HER2- SSM2 ucd mammary carcinoma allograft model
Authors: Zhijun Guo, Jianxun Lei, Joshua McCarra, Qing Cao, Michael J. Przybilla, Brenda Koniar, Beverly Norris, Robert J. Schumacher, Swaathi Jayaraman, John R. Hawse, Antonino B D'Assoro, Ilia G. Denisov, Stephen G. Sliger, Kathryn L. Schwertfeger, Michael A. Farrar, Dipak Panigrahy, Bruce D. Hammock, Elizabeth A. Ambrose, Gunda I. Georg, Matthew Goetz, and David A. Potter
Ali Arafa, MD | aarafa@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 28
Mentor: Emmanuel Antonarakis, Justin Drake
Integrated CTC- and EV-based detection of PSMA protein and efficacy of 177 Lu-PSMA-617
Authors: Ali Arafa, Megan Ludwig, Anne Eaton, Lily Kollitz, Ella Boytim, Onur Tuncer, Stuart H Bloom, Gautam Gopalji Jha,
Ian J. Okazaki, Charles J. Ryan, Nicholas Zorko, Yingchun Zhao, Zuzan Cayci, Scott M. Dehm, Jiarong Hong, Peter
Villalta, Justin Hwang, Justin Drake, Emmanuel S. Antonarakis;
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Ashley Schulte | ajgraef@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 33
Mentor: Jaime Modiano VMD, PhD
Active interception to reduce cancer incidence in companion dogs with elevated cancer risk.
Authors: Schulte AJ, Dicovitsky R, DePauw TA, Winter AL, Stuebner KL, Chehadeh A, Pracht S, Borgatti A, Khammanivong A, Lewellen M, Burt LE, Vallera DA, Henson MS, Dickerson EB, Ober C, Anderson KL, Nell E, Sarver AL, Cutter GR, Modiano JF
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Bryce Wick | wickx181@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 37
Mentor: Branden Moriarity, PhD
Bio: I am a graduate student in the MCDB&G program. I work on genetically engineering T cells for cancer immunotherapy using CRISPR and base editors.
Installing Dominant-Negative Mutations With Base Editors in Fas and TGFβR2 to Improve CAR T Cells
Authors: Wick BJ, Kluesner MG, Slipek NJ, Skeate JG, Moriarity BS, Webber BR
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Lilin Wang | wan02008@umn.edu
*TOP 10 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 36
Mentor: R. Stephanie Huang, PhD
CAF-influenced drug response in non-small cell lung cancer revealed by in situ single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Zhang W, Wang L, Lee AM, Gruener RF, Mondal AA, Jena SI, Huang RS
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Madilyn Stahl | stahl154@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 35
Mentor: David Largaespada, PhD
Bio: Madilyn is a PhD candidate in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology & Genetics and is concurrently earning a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. She conducts research in David Largaespada’s lab, where she studies malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) with a focus on epigenetic regulation and therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Differential effects of decitabine and azacitidine on PRC2-deficient MPNSTs
Authors: Stahl MR, Stehn CM, Seeman ZJ, Faulk C, Largaespada DA
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Sacha Robert, PhD | srobert@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 32
Mentor: Julia Davydova, MD, PhD
Bio: Dr. Sacha Robert is a research scientist specializing in oncolytic virotherapy, cellular biology, and molecular immunology. Currently a Researcher 5 at the University of Minnesota, his work focuses on oncolytic adenovirus therapy for breast cancer, leveraging both preclinical models and advanced molecular techniques to study viral-driven tumor elimination and immune modulation. With expertise spanning molecular virology, stem cell biology, and cancer immunotherapy, Dr. Robert has contributed to numerous publications and collaborative research projects aimed at improving cancer treatment strategies.
Oncolytic Adenovirus Therapy Modulates Immune Response in an Immunocompetent Breast Cancer Model.
Authors: Robert S, Roman-Ortiz NI, Inoko K, Romanenko M, Mathis M, Lyadov D, Ostrander J, Davydova J.
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Rick Jansen, PhD, MS | jans0132@gmail.com
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 31
Bulk RNA-seq and cell type variation comparing pancreatic cancer samples within the same individual
Authors: Jansen RJ, Munro SA, Antwi SO, Rabe KG, Sicotte H.
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William Arndt | arndt255@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 29
Mentor: Louis Mansky, PhD
High-resolution analysis of the human T-cell leukemia virus capsid protein
Authors: Arndt WG, Ramezani A, Talledge N, Yu G, Yang H, Chen B, Perilla JR, Zhang W, Mansky LM
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Ya-Chu Chang, PhD | chan1285@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 30
Mentor: Ya-Chu Chang, PhD
Bio: Dr. Chang earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, where she studied genome maintenance pathways in the Bielinsky Laboratory. As a T32 postdoctoral fellow in the Targets of Cancer Training Program, she joined the Nguyen Laboratory to investigate therapeutic strategies that exploit genomic instability in hematologic malignancies. Her research aims to identify novel vulnerabilities in cancer cells to improve targeted therapies.
Targeting CDK12/13 dependency in Myelodysplastic syndrome-associated spliceosome mutant cells.
Authors: Chang YC and Nguyen HD
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Yuting Shan, PharmD | shan0312@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 34
Mentor: R. Stephanie Huang, PhD
Bio: I hold a PharmD degree and now I am a PhD candidate working on cancer Pharmacogenomics in the department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology under College of Pharmacy.
Predicting cancer treatment toxicities via bulk and single-cell transcriptome of normal tissues
Authors: Shan Y, Wang W, Huang Y, Lee D, Jones C, St Jacque S, Hach L, Huang RS
Enoc Granados Centeno | grana069@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 40
Mentor: Michael Farrar, PhD
Bio: I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology (MICaB) graduate program. I am studying how leukemia subverts host immunity to shield itself from immunosurveillance. My research interests include cancer immunology, immunotherapies and the tumor microenvironment.
CD4 T cell dysfunction and leukemic quiescence aid immune evasion in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Granados Centeno E, Venkatesh H, Boorsma Bergerud K, Tracy SI, Farrar MA
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J.T. Greene, PhD | gree0819@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 41
Mentor: Tanya Freedman, PhD
Bio: I am a career cancer researcher and tumor immunologist interested in myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. In my early career I worked with immunotherapeutics and leukemia. During my postdoc I have studied solid tumor immunology using a breast cancer model.
Lyn Kinase Regulates Myeloid-Cell Responses to Mammary Tumors
Authors: Greene JT, Brian BF, Bapat AS, Nunez MG, Freedman TS
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Paarth Dodhiawala | dodhi001@umn.edu
*TOP 10 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 38
Mentor: Jeffrey Miller, MD and Paolo Provenzano, PhD
Bio: I am 4th year MD/PhD student, 2nd year graduate student, studying NK cell therapeutics in pancreatic cancer. I employ a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging the expertise of both my co-mentors (Miller and Provenzano labs) to investigate novel combination approaches with targeted therapy and NK engager molecules to enhance NK cells infiltration and NK cells mediated tumor killing using cutting edge in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer.
Targeting the KRAS oncoprotein sensitizes pancreatic cancer to NK cell therapy
Authors: Paarth B. Dodhiawala, Bin Zhang, Chris Zahm, Brianna teDuits, Andrew Baldys, Frank Cichocki, Paolo Provenzano, Jeffrey Miller
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Zi-Ting Feng | feng0273@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number, Number 39
Mentor: Samira Azarin, PhD
Biomaterial-based thermal ablation for ovarian cancer
Authors: Feng Z, Abdi K, Shao Q, Bischof JC, Azarin SM
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Zoe Schmiechen | schm5267@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 42
Mentor: Ingunn Stromnes, PhD
Bio: I am a 6th year graduate student in the MICaB program in the lab of Dr. Ingunn Stromnes.
Targeting Regulatory T cells controls metastatic PDA by modulation of CD4 T helper cells
Authors: Schmiechen ZC, Burrack AL, Cruz E, Butler J, Tsai AK, Hickok GH, Ellefson MA, Miller EA, Larsen BM, Lonetree CL, Stromnes IM
Eduardo Osegueda, MPH | osegu008@umn.edu
*TOP 3 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 45
Mentor: David Haynes, PhD
Bio: Eduardo is a third-year doctoral student interested in dissemination and implementation (D&I) science and its application across the cancer continuum. As a program associate with XanthosHealth, his work focuses on community engagement with ConnectedNest's CBO partners. Eduardo is also interested in HPV-related cancer control and has worked on studies aimed at improving HPV vaccine rates in Florida, and on disseminating the HPV self-sampling test.
Community Organizations’ Experiences using a digital referral platform to support cancer survivors.
Authors: Osegueda ER, Haynes D, Newcomer K, Karaca-Mandic P, Parsons H, Iwan A, Begnaud A, Cross D
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Mohamed Dabour, MS | dabou003@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 43
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky, PhD
Multi-Omics Approach to Delineate the Mechanisms of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Mohamed S. Dabour, Ibrahim Y. Abdelgawad, Bushra Sadaf, Mary R. Daniel, Marianne K.O. Grant, Anne H. Blaes, Pamala A. Jacobson, and Beshay N. Zordoky
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Jacob Lastovich | lasto012@d.umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 44
Mentor: Dorothy Katsukami
Bio: 3rd year medical student at UMN interested in psychiatry and addiction medicine as a future practice.
The Impact of VLN Cigarettes on Cannabis and Alcohol Use during a 12-Week Clinical Trial
Authors: Emily E. Hackworth, Jacob Lastovich, Dana Mowls Carroll, & Dorothy Hatsukami
Caitlin Lichtenfels, PhD
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 47
Drug Delivery using Farnesylated Chemically Self-Assembled Nanorings
Authors: Lichtenfels CB, Wang Y, Voisinet M, Hassing J, Distefano MD, Wagner CR
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Zhenya Ni, PhD | nixxx012@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 48
Mentor: Melissa Geller, MD
A Tri-specific Killer Engager targeting PD-L1 Enhances NK cell function against Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ni Z, Bendzick LA, Shetty M, Weis AJ, Soignier Y, Miller JS, Felices M, Geller MA
Ben Palatnik | palat020@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 1
Mentor: Frank Ondrey, M.D. Ph.D.
Bio: Ben Palatnik is an MS2 medical student interested in otolaryngology with a focus on head and neck cancer. His research interests focus on carcinogenesis, epidemiology, and screening efforts.
Longitudinal Analysis of Premalignant Oral Cavity Lesion Malignant Conversion
Authors: Palatnik B, Lindsey M, Wuertz B, Ondrey FG
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Ben Palatnik | palat020@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 2
Mentor: Naomi Fujioka, MD
Bio: Ben Palatnik is an MS2 medical student interested in otolaryngology with a focus on head and neck cancer. His research interests focus on carcinogenesis, epidemiology, and screening efforts.
A window into metastatic drivers: a case report, molecular analysis, and review of the literature
Authors: Palatnik B, Kazadi D, Jethwa A, Nelson A, Fujioka N
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Dylan McKeon, MS | mckeo093@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 3
Mentor: Silvia Balbo, PhD
Using Compound Discoverer to improve DNA adductomics strategies to characterize DNA damage
Authors: McKeon DW
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Sylvia Sidky | sidky004@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 4
Mentor: Naomi Fujioka, MD
Bio: Sylvia is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School, planning to specialize in internal medicine. She has a strong interest in medical oncology and hopes to pursue a subspecialty in the field. Her research focuses on lung cancer in never smokers, reflecting her commitment to advancing cancer care.
Acrolein-Induced DNA Adducts in People with Lung Cancer Who Have Never Smoked
Authors: Sidky SR, Carmella SG, Cheng G, Hecht SS, Fujioka N
Asumi Hoshino | hoshi020@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 10
Mentor: Martina Bazzaro, PhD
Role of UNC-45A-Mediated Microtubule Destabilization in Paclitaxel Resistance and Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Asumi Hoshino, Brian Castle, Mihir Shetty, David Odde, Martina Bazzaro.
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Baisali Bhattacharya, PhD, MS | bhatt511@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 8
Mentor: Justin Drake, PhD
Bio: Dr. Baisali Bhattacharya received her B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Calcutta, India. She completed her Ph.D. on targeted therapy for cancer patients in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev under the mentorship of Prof. Angel Porgador. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Associate in the laboratory of Prof. Justin Drake at the University of Minnesota.
Development of a Proteomic Assay to Measure RET Kinase on Circulating Tumor Cells in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bhattacharya B, Drake J
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Debasmita Paul, MS | paul1229@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 13
Mentor: Dr Carston R. Wagner, PhD
Development of α-TCR Nanobody CSANs for Targeted T-cell Solid Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Paul D, Rodriguez F, Dahlberg D, Kulkarni A, Rozumalski L
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Erdong Wei, MD | ewei@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 17
Mentor: Darko Bosnakovski, PhD
Bio: I specialize in cancer genomics, tumor microenvironment analysis, and targeted therapy development, focusing on therapy resistance and innovative treatments for aggressive cancers. My expertise in molecular biology, single-cell RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics contributes to advancing precision oncology.
Targeting P300/CBP reveals EWS::FLI1 senescence evasion and senolytic vulnerability in Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Wei E, Mitanoska A, O’Brien Q, Porter K, Molina M, Ahsan H, Jung U, Mills L, Kyba M, Bosnakovski D
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Freddys Rodriguez | rodr0608@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, nUMBER 15
Mentor: Rick Wagner, PhD
Evaluation of Valency on Anti-tumor Efficacy of Anti-TCR Based T-cell Engagers Against TNBCs
Authors: Rodriguez FF, Rozumalski L, Kulkarni A, Paul D, Gayen S, Voisinet M, Wagner CR
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Jocelyn Baquier | jbacquier@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 6
Mentor: Carol A. Lange, PhD
Spatial Transcriptomic Profiling of Ovarian Tissues in BRCA1/2 Mutation Patients
Authors: Baquier J, Gillis NE, Mauro LJ, and Lange CA
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Kishor Pant, PhD | kpant@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 12
Mentor: Dr Sergio A gradilone
DOCK1 as a Therapeutic Target for EGFR Resistance in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kishor Pant1, Kory Engelstad1, Estanislao Peixoto1, Ainhoa Lapitz2, Jesus M Banales2, Adrian P. Mansini3, Sergio A. Gradilone1,4
1-The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN.
2-Biodonostia Health Research Institute - Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain.
3-Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
4-Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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Meagan Wojtysiak | wojty007@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 18
Mentor: Kelly Makielski, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM)
Bio: Meagan graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2013 after receiving her BS in Biology, and she currently is a DVM Candidate at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school, Meagan received the opportunity to explore her interest in research and was invited into one of the Masonic Cancer Center's research labs. Meagan has fully immersed herself into veterinary cancer research, appreciating the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from the brilliant minds she continually finds herself surrounded by.
Size Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles: Implications for Early Detection of Canine Osteosarcoma
Authors: Wojtysiak MM, Magstadt J, Labé CH, Bolle R, Chehadeh A, Pracht S, Winter A, Reid K, Buettner M, Feiock C, Lewellen M, Cook AM, Duval K, Miller JB, Khammanivong A, Rendahl A, Weigel B, Spector L, Modiano JF, Gordon-Evans W, Makielski KM
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Priyanila Magesh, MS | mages052@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 11
Mentor: Paolo Provenzano, PhD
Bio: Priya received her B. Tech in Biotechnology from the National Institute of Technology Calicut, India. In the Provenzano Lab her research focuses on developing novel CAR T engineering strategies to enhance T lymphocyte dynamics and residency in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Priya is passionate about translating her research into clinically relevant therapies for poor prognosis cancers.
Immune Engineering Strategies to Enhance T Lymphocyte Dynamics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Magesh P, Provenzano PP
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Saasha Vinoo, MS | vinoo001@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 16
Mentor: Justin M Drake, PhD
Bio: I am a second-year master's student in the above-mentioned program at the University. I am working on a project to develop an mRNA-based activity gene signature for a receptor tyrosine kinase called RET for neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
Developing an mRNA based RET activity gene signature for Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
Authors: Vinoo S, Tengse SB, Bae SY, Dinh QC, VanDeusen HR, Hwang JH, Drake JM
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Sk. Kayum Alam, PhD | skalam@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 5
Mentor: Eric Rahrmann, PhD
NALCN regulates breast cancer metastasis via a novel interaction with primary cilia
Authors: Sk. Kayum Alam, Cynthia Dong, Sabrina Terranova, Sergio Gradiolone, and Eric P. Rahrmann
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Songyan Qi
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 14
Mentor: Scott Dehm, PhD
Evaluating the Roles of STAT5 in Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Songyan Qi, Scott Dehm.
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Soumajit Gayen, MS | gayen005@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 9
Mentor: Carston R. Wagner, PhD
Bio: I am a PhD Candidate in the Department of Chemistry. I am passionate about immunotherapy, cellular immunology, and protein engineering. In addition to academics, my typical day revolves around soccer, music, and cooking!
HINTabody: A Versatile Enzymatic Scaffold for Site-specific Pro-drug Activation and Delivery
Authors: Gayen S, Rodriguez FF, Dutta PK, Rozumalski L, Boris V, Kulkarni A, Sethiya JP, Magana B, Mikolchak N and Wagner CR*
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William Bassett | basse181@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone A, Number 7
Mentor: Darko Bosnakovski, DVM, PhD
Bio: William Bassett is an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota majoring in Biology. He is currently a student working in the Bosnakovski lab studying CIC::DUX4 Sarcoma.
Characterization of a Novel iPSC-Derived Model for CIC::DUX4 Sarcoma
Authors: Bassett WC, Vachanaram AR, Bosnakovski D
Amy Treeful, PhD, MS
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 36
Mentor: Jaime Modiano, VMD, PhD
Longitudinal scRNA-seq Identifies Distinct Types of B-cells In A Dog With B-Cell Lymphoma.
Authors: Treeful AE, Walker G, Macchietto M, Reid K, Seelig D, Demos-Davies K, Winter A, Buettner, Pracht S, Velia P, Yung C, Luethcke KR, Adams R, Dicovitsky R, Kuzmik A, Borgatti A, Henson M, Feiock C, Naik S, Modiano JF, Sarver A
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Chang-Jung Lee, MS | lee02894@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 24
Mentor: David Largaespada, PhD
Sleeping Beauty mutagenesis uncovers Bach2 in providing CD8+ T cell persistence under TME
Authors: Lee CJ, Larsson AT, Jubenville TA, Hudson WA
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Christopher Stehn | stehn007@umn,edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 33
Mentor: David Largaespada, PhD
Bio: I am currently a fourth year PhD student in the Largaespada lab identifying new therapeutic targets in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. I utilize a variety of methods, including cell surface proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomic methods such as CUT&RUN and Hi-C.
The PRC2-Dependent and -Independent Surface Proteome of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Stehn CM, Wang L, Lucas CJ, Makri S, Seeman Z, Pratilas C, Largaespada DA
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Colette Rogers, PhD
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 31
Mentor: Branden S. Moriarity, Ph.D. and Beau R. Webber, Ph.D.
In vivo gene therapies to prevent Fanconi anemia-associated cancer development
Authors: Rogers CB, Peterson JJ, Butterbaugh CJ, Payne NC, Carlson P, Wagner JE, Webber BR, Moriarity BS
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Daniel Lyadov | lyado008@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 26
Mentor: Julia Davydova, MD, PhD and Sacha Robert, PhD
Bio: Hello! My name is Daniel Lyadov. I am a current CBS undergraduate pursuing degrees in neuroscience and biochemistry. I aspire to work with upcoming biotechnological treatment methods and focus on patent law in the startup sector.
Developing Oncolytic Adenovirus-Based Treatment Strategies for Paclitaxel-Resistant Breast Cancer
Authors: Lyadov D, Robert S, Inoko K, Romanenko M, Roman-Ortiz NI, Mathis M, Ostrander J, Davydova J.
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Devin Schmeck | schme154@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 32
Mentor: Justin Hwang, PhD
Investigating SOX2 as a Potential Driver of Lethal Prostate Cancer and Therapy Resistance
Authors: Schmeck Devin, Phoenix John, Kregel Steven, Hwang Justin
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Elise Travis, MA | travi150@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 35
Mentor: Masato Yamamoto, MD, PhD
CDX2 promoter-controlled OAd suppresses tumor growth and liver metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Naohiko Nakamura , MD, PhD, Mizuho Sato-Dahlman, MD, PhD, Elise Travis, MA, Kari Jacobsen , Masato Yamamoto, MD, PhD
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Flavia Popescu, PhD | pope0014@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 30
Mentor: David Largaespada, PhD
Recurrent Non-Normally Processed Transcripts as a Source of Neoantigens for MPNST Immunoprevention
Authors: Popescu FE, Jubenville T, Coleman S, Richards K, Jagtap PD, Johnson J, Moertel CL, Griffin TJ, Largaespada DA
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Gloria Baxter | baxte258@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 19
Mentor: Louis Mansky, PhD
Comparative analysis of retroviral matrix-membrane interactions in virus assembly
Authors: Baxter GC, Angert I, Mueller JD, and Mansky LM
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Jaron Magstadt | jmagstad@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 27
Mentor: Kelly Makielski, DVM, MS
Bio: Jaron is a research tech and lab manager in Makielski Lab. He graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences in 2023 with a degree in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development and currently works on projects investigating exosome-based liquid biopsy in canine and human osteosarcoma. In his free time, he plays Dungeons and Dragons, cooks, and drinks a lot of coffee.
Comparison of methods for enriching extracellular vesicles from canine cancer cell lines
Authors: Magstadt JM, Labé CH, Miller JB, Wojtysiak MM, Anderson B, Cook AM, DuVal K, Makielski KM
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Kyle DuVal | duval116@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 20
Mentor: Kelly Makielski, DVM
Identification and characterization of apoptotic cell-derived exosomes from osteosarcoma cells
Authors: DuVal K, Magstadt JM, Cook AM, Miller JB, Makielski KM
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Pornlada Likasitwatanakul, MD | likas002@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 25
Mentor: Justin Hwang, PhD; Emmanuel Antonarakis, MD
Bio: I am a second-year internal medicine resident who loves molecular oncology. Originally from Thailand, I also enjoy cooking and outdoor sports.
HLA class I expression shapes the tumor immune microenvironment in prostate cancer
Authors: Likasitwatanakul P, Besonen C, Tsai AK, Sadeghipour N, Elliott A, Arafa A, Patnaik A, Narayan V, Sena L, Zorko N, Hwang J, Antonarakis ES
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Prateek Thenge, PhD | theng009@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 34
Mentor: Beau R. Webber
Bio: Prateek Thenge is a second-year Ph.D. student in the MPaT program, researching multiplex iPSC engineering to develop iNK and γδ T cell-based immunotherapies for osteosarcoma and DIPG. He was recently awarded the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation Fellowship for his work on a dual CAR γδ T cell approach. Passionate about translational cancer immunotherapy, he enjoys science communication, traveling, and stand-up comedy.
Optimized TcBuster Transposon Enables Stable Transgene Expression in iPSCs for Scalable Therapies
Authors: Preteek P. Thenge, Andrew T. Crane, Anthony Z. Trombetta, Brett Napiwocki, Lage von Dissen, Branden S. Moriarity, Beau R. Webber
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Radwa Elmorsy, MS, MBSCH | elmor044@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 21
Mentor: R. Stephanie Huang, PhD
Bio: I have a bachelor degree of medicine and surgery from the faculty of medicine Tanta University in Egypt. I obtained my Master's degree in pharmacology. Currently, I am a volunteer researcher in Dr. Haung's Lab. My ultimate goal is obtaining my PhD in pharmacology.
Parthenolide enhances the effectiveness of selinexor in treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
Authors: Radwa Elmorsy, Amy L. Paulson, Adam M. Lee, R. Stephanie Huang
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Robert Gruener, PhD | rgruener@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 23
Mentor: R. Stephanie Huang, PhD
Bio: Hi, I'm Robert Gruener, a Postdoctoral Fellow on MCC's TCTP T32 Training Grant. My research involves directly translating heterogeneity in cancer to drug vulnerabilities by utilizing drug response prediction tools. These tools are trained on large cell line screening datasets and allow us to search for patterns between cell line drug response and the heterogeneous transcriptomics of cell line, mouse, and patient data.
Proteomic-based drug sensitivity prediction algorithms: Generation, optimization, and assessment
Authors: Gruener RF, Wang W, Huang RS
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Shayla Fish | fish0697@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 22
Mentor: Hai Dang Nguyen, PhD
Bio: After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota, I am currently a research technician through the Pharmacology department and Masonic Cancer Clinic in the Genetic Mechanisms Program. I am a member of Dr. Hai Dang Nguyen's research lab, broadly studying alternative splicing and DNA damage response in cancers. As an aspiring physician scientist, I'm happy to be gaining research experience as I explore and prepare to apply to MD-PhD programs.
Developing a CRISPR-Cas13d System to Target Alternative Splicing in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Fish SR, Nguyen HD
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Shuyu Meng | meng0137@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone B, Number 28
Mentor: Louis Mansky, PhD
Identification of new determinants in the HTLV-1 MA domain important for particle assembly
Authors: Meng S, Angert I, Willkomm NA, Zhang W, Mueller JD, Hines S, Pham B, Saad JS, and Mansky LM
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Sierra Moore | moor2562@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 29
Mentor: Lauren Mills, PhD
Bio: I graduated from St Olaf College with a BA in Biology with an emphasis in Mathematical Biology. I'm currently in my second semester of the UMN Bioinformatics and Computational Biology MS program. I've been working in the Modiano Lab since September 2024 and really enjoy all the work I've been doing in the lab and with my program!
Investigating Immunotherapeutic Modulation in Canine Immune Cells for Osteosarcoma Treatment
Authors: Burt L, Modiano J, Mills L, Moore S
Eduardo Cruz, MS
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 37
Mentor: Ingunn Stromnes PhD
Bio: Eddie is a California native who came to UMN for their Masters in Biological Science degree. Following COVID and the encouragement of their supervisor in the Bruce Blazar lab, Eddie joined the MICaB PhD program where he is studying the role of CD4 T cells in immunotherapy-induced control of pancreatic cancer.
Immunotherapy efficacy is linked to CD4 T cell effector program and monocyte-derived MHC Class II
Authors: Cruz-Hinojoza E, Burrack A, Schmiechen Z, Dileepan T, Stromnes I
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Lexi Luo | luo00336@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 41
Mentor: Michael Farrar, PhD; David Brauer, MD, MSPH
Trends and Outcomes of Yttrium-90 Radioembolization for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases
Authors: Luo Q, Ozer-Williams B, Brauer DG, Ankeny JS, Marmor S, Jensen EH
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Minhan Jiang, PhD | jian0317@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 39
Mentor: Brandon Burbach, PhD
Combining Focal Ablation Therapy with Immunotherapy for Enhanced Primary and Systemic Cancer Control
Authors: Jiang M, Abdi K, Shao Q, Bischof JC, Shimizu Y, Burbach BJ
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Robert Hullsiek | hulls015@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 38
Mentor: Bruce Walcheck, PhD
Simultaneous ADAM17 inhibition and CD16A stimulation augments memory-like NK cell proliferation
Authors: Hullsiek RH, Matson AW, Dixon KJ, Wang SP, Walcheck BK
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William Kanagy, PhD | kanag018@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 40
Mentor: Tanya Freedman
Bio: I completed my PhD at the University of New Mexico with a focus on using advanced many biophysical and microscopy methods studying immune receptor signaling dynamics. Upon joining Dr. Tanya Freedman's laboratory as a postdoc I have expanded my expertise to assess ITAM-coupled immune receptor signaling in the context of myeloid cell killing of cancer cells.
Clustering of ITAM-coupled receptors mediates signaling thresholds for myeloid-cells
Authors: William K. Kanagy, Tanya S. Freedman
Bethel Ozed-Williams, MD, MPH | ozedw001@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 51
Mentor: David Brauer, MD/MPHI
Age-based left digit bias in the treatment of biliary tract cancers
Authors: Ozed-Williams BC, Luo Q, Ankeny J, Hui J, Jensen EH, Marmor S, Brauer D
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Bethel Ozed-Williams, MD, MPH | ozedw001@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 52
Mentor: David Brauer, MD/MPHI
Health Care Utilization and Disparities in Stage IVColorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ozed-Williams BC, Luo Q, Marmor S, Jensen EH, Brauer D
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Julia Frebault, MD | freba004@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 45
Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Older Patients with Locally Advanced Colon Cancer: an NCDB Analysis
Authors: Frebault J, Troester A, Horsey M, Mott SL, Marmor S, Gupta A, Hassan I, Kandagatla P, Goffredo P
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Lexi Luo | luo00336@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 42
Mentor: Schelomo Marmor, PhD
Age-Based Left-digit bias in the Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Luo Q, Ozer-Williams B, Brauer DG, Trottier, B, Tuttle TM, Hui JYC, Jensen EH, Ankeny JS, LaRocca CJ, Marmor S
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Mary Raphel Daniel, PharmD | dani0947@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 44
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky, PhD
The Role of the Cardio-Splenic Axis in Doxorubicin-Induced Hypertension-Associated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Daniel MR, George B, Grant MKO, Dahlquist KJ, Camell C, Zordoky BN.
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Megan Gray | gray0565@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 46
Mentor: Linda Koehler, PT, CLT-LANA, PhD
Bio: We are 2nd year Doctor of Physical Therapy students from the University of
Minnesota advised by Dr. Linda Koehler on breast cancer related lymphedema research.
Intraday Changes in Body Water Measures in Individuals at Risk for Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema
Authors: Emma Larsen, Nikki Nguyen, Caleb Anton, Megan Gray, Victoria Million
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Riley Allison
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 49
Mentor: Linda Koehler, PT, PhD, CLT-LANA
Bio: We are 2nd year Doctor of Physical Therapy students at the University of Minnesota involved in breast cancer-related lymphedema research.
HOME VS CLINIC BIOIMPEDANCE MEASURES IN THOSE AT RISK FOR BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA (BCRL)
Authors: Allison RL, Carpenter AE, Schoenbauer LD, Van Dusseldorp BA, Vargas PR
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Samuel Greenwald, MD | greens@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 47
Mentor: Helen Parsons, PhD, MPH
Bio: Sam is a health services researcher focused on issues of equity and access and in cancer care. He completed his master's at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, where he now works in the department of Health Policy and Management.
Barriers to Accessing Cannabis Among Patients Recently Diagnosed with Cancer
Authors: Samuel J. Greenwald, MS; Muna Hassan, MPH; Roxanne M. Clark, MPH; Dylan Zylla, MD; Anne H. Blaes, MD, MS; Arjun Gupta, MD; Jeanette Y. Ziegenfuss, PhD; Helen M. Parsons, MPH, PhD
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Somia Ismail, MD, MS | susmail@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 48
Mentor: Beshay Zordoky, PhD
Heart- Spleen-Tumor: The Unexplored Connections in Cardio-Oncology
Authors: Ismail SG, Daniel MR, Grant MK, Zordoky BN
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Susannah Bartlow, PhD | bartl422@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone C, Number 43
Bio: Susannah has built new projects and programs from the ground up in higher education, social services, and community organizing. Her professional experience includes community-centered program development, education, and facilitating system change through coalitions.
Community Advocates Shaping Cancer Research
Authors: Susannah Bartlow, PhD; Michiah Van Syckel, BS
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Yiran Song, PhD | song0760@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 50
Mentor: Mingquan Lin, PhD
MeCaMIL: Causal Multiple Instance Learning for Medical Whole Slide Image Diagnosis
Authors: Song YR
Madeline Lee, PhD | leex7410@umn.edu
*TOP 10 ABSTRACT*
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 54
Mentor: Frank Cichocki, PhD; Jeff Miller, MD
Bio: Maddie is a first-year postdoc in the Miller and Cichocki labs working on improving the ability of CAR NK cells to combat both solid and liquid tumors. She got her PhD in immunology last year from Stanford University, where she worked on characterizing the NK cell response in COVID-19.
Co-Activating Tandem (CAT) CARs improve CAR NK cell functionality
Authors: Lee MJ, Baldys A, Zhang B, Tuininga K, Lenvik T, Fischer C, Davis Z, Miller J, Cichocki F
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Simone Intriago Tito | intri003@umn.edu
Poster Location: Zone D, Number 53
Mentor: Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD
Bio: Simone Intriago Tito is a laboratory assistant working at the University of Minnesota. She earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and Biology from Bemidji State University. She is currently part of Dr. Jakub Tolar's laboratory, where she investigates the molecular basis of epidermolysis bullosa and evaluates the readability of health-related online materials.
Evaluating the Readability of Patient Facing Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Educational Materials
Authors: Simone M. Intriago Tito, Chloe Strege, William Miller, Courtney Popp, Cindy Eide, Jakub Tolar