Academic Affairs at Fox Chase Cancer Center

The holiday season is here—how are you showing gratitude to your “work family”? 🧡 At Fox Chase Cancer Center, our trainees came together for a memorable Trainee Friendsgiving celebration. The event featured a potluck, a trivia competition with prizes, and an activity where attendees shared kind messages with one another. There was a true feeling of appreciation and excitement throughout the event. Trainee Friendsgiving was organized by the Academic Affairs’ Social Committee, a group of junior scientists dedicated to creating community. A huge thank you to Amanda Purdy, Brianna Amato, Sarah Whealen, Carson Cohen, Coutant Kelly, Adria Hasan, Cosimo Lobello, David Rushmore, Rebecca Smith, and Aizhan Surumbayeva for making this all possible. We look forward to seeing what other exciting events the trainees will come together for in the future. Wishing everyone a happy holiday season! Want to join our trainee family? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eu8wF2qp #Friendsgiving #GivingThanks, #Postdocs, #ScientificTechnicians, #GraduateStudents, #WorkFamily, #HolidaySeason

Are you interested in evaluating behavioral interventions to improve the care and health outcomes of cancer survivors? Do you have research interests in sexual and reproductive health with the goal of improving the overall well-being of cancer patients? The Jennifer Barsky Reese Lab at Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program is looking for candidates who have: · A doctoral degree in Psychology from an APA-accredited program (those with a doctoral degree in related fields (e.g., PhD in Public Health) will be considered). · A background in health psychology or behavioral medicine is also preferred. · For Clinical Psychology PhD candidates, an accredited clinical internship is required, and for all candidates, dissertation must be successfully defended prior to start date. The Reese lab provides strong training, with particular emphasis on helping fellows gain skills for writing competitive grant applications, and the PI has a strong track record of supporting junior faculty to receive K awards. Learn more information about the position and how to apply by visiting the "Open Positions" tab here: https://lnkd.in/ekRDM9Hi #psycooncology #sexualhealth #cancersurvivorship #postdoc #researchtraining #cancerresearch #behavioralmedicine

Paying attention to your interests is key to long-term fulfillment. For Eden Reap, her fascination with science began at a young age. From playing with a toy microscope as a child to studying AP Biology as a high school student to being a college freshman trying to narrow her interests in science, Eden was eager to deepen her understanding of various scientific fields, explore STEM careers, and gain hands-on experience in the lab. At Fox Chase Cancer Center, Eden’s experience in Dr. Neil Johnson’s lab, guided by the mentorship of postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Wei-Ting Yueh offered her a nurturing environment to grow and experience both the challenges and triumphs of scientific research. Her project focused on identifying the most effective degron tags that could target BRCA1 for degradation in order to better understand the protein’s role in mediating cell signaling pathways and cellular processes that may contribute to disease development, especially since BRCA1 plays a major role in breast and ovarian cancer risk. Eden learned something new every day and had the opportunity to connect her own experiments with the ongoing work of her team. The Empower Fellowship helped strengthen Eden's ever-growing passion for science by exposing her to relevant and cutting-edge technical and professional skills she'll carry with her on her journey to graduate school and a career in the biotechnology industry. “I will forever be thankful for this experience as it has truly changed my life and challenged me both as a scientist and young professional.” Read more about Eden’s journey here: https://lnkd.in/giWJJAZN Imani Powell, #empowerfellowship, #scientificresearch, #womeninSTEM, #nextgeneration

How do you persevere after facing rejection? You push yourself to grow, learn from the experience, and try again. Jason Puza is a powerful example of this kind of resilience. After his application to the Empower Fellowship was rejected in 2023, Jason recognized that his interview skills needed improvement. Rather than letting the setback stop him, Jason participated in nearly a dozen interviews and actively sought feedback from mentors and peers. When the 2024 Empower Fellowship application opened, he applied again—and, after all his hard work and self-improvement, he was accepted. Currently a junior at the University of Delaware College of Arts and Sciences majoring in biology and minoring in medical humanities, Jason’s interest in biomedical research drew him to Fox Chase Cancer Center. Under the mentorship of principal investigator, Dr. Mitchell Fane and scientific technician and Empower alumnus, Jhon Steven Pasamonte, Jason’s passion for research flourished as he navigated the lab environment, using every opportunity to refine his skills and master complex protocols and techniques. As Jason’s 10-week research experience neared its end, he prepared to face the challenge and excitement of presenting his research findings at the Empower Symposium. Despite his fears of public speaking, he delivered a compelling presentation with confidence that left a lasting impression on the Fox Chase scientific community. This was a full-circle moment for Jason, as his personal growth in communication skills and confidence shined through his passion for biomedical research. To learn more about Jason’s inspiring journey, visit: https://lnkd.in/eB_inXFd Imani Powell, #empowerfellowship, #scientificresearch #nextgeneration #perseverance #professionalgrowth

If you have even a small interest in something, take a chance- you might just shine. Natalie Phillips had always considered biomedical research as a potential career but felt a sense of doubt when it came to her abilities. After much hesitation, she decided to apply for the Empower Fellowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center to explore whether research was the right fit for her. Currently a sophomore at University of Delaware Arts and Sciences majoring in medical diagnostics with minors in neuroscience and biology, Natalie never shied away from trying new things. She explored her interests through various clubs and volunteer opportunities. Her openness allowed her to receive invaluable mentorship from principal investigator, Dr. David Wiest and research mentor Dr. Yingying Geng, who made her feel welcome at Fox Chase and in the lab. She quickly found her place in the research environment. Natalie’s story is very relatable to many students. She had several common uncertainties regarding her career path but was able to turn her summer research experience into a story of personal and professional growth. Natalie realized she can achieve anything she sets her mind to, including a future in biomedical research. As she puts it, “If I could repeat this entire process again, I would not change a thing.” To hear more about Natalie’s inspiring story, visit: https://lnkd.in/et_pRtJj Imani Powell, #empowerfellowship, #womeninSTEM, #scientificresearch, #nextgeneration

Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back; use it as a catalyst for growth and making a difference. For 2024 Empower Fellow, Alexis Nsafoah, who is pursing a degree in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Delaware College of Arts and Sciences, self-doubt initially hindered her, but she ultimately embraced the research path after realizing traditional clinical healthcare wasn’t the right fit. Alexis found inspiration from her project on the epidemiology of lung cancer, specifically focusing on health disparities among African American patients, understanding that her work could take part in transforming lung cancer treatment. She developed a meaningful connection with her mentor and principal investigator, Dr. Khadijah A. Mitchell, PhD, MS, who inspired her to reflect deeply on Biology, her career, and what truly fuels her passions. By the end of the fellowship, Alexis realized that the experiences she had at Fox Chase Cancer Center would stay with her forever, and she had grown in ways she never could have imagined. From Alexis’s own words, “…challenges are what I live for, and I love the feeling I get on the other side.” To read more about Alexis’s journey, visit: https://lnkd.in/eB_eW7Ff Imani Powell, #empowerfellowship, #womeninSTEM, #scientificresearch, #nextgeneration

On October 28, Fox Chase Cancer Center unveiled a new Mobile Screening Unit (MSU) with expanded capabilities for cancer screenings and outreach, made possible through the generous support of West Pharmaceutical Services. Bigger than a SEPTA bus, the MSU will increase access to early screening, research, and care for underserved communities across the region. With 3-D mammography, phlebotomy, and mobile vaccine distribution, the MSU aims to bring lifesaving services to those who need them most: https://bit.ly/3NOyKmx

How do you celebrate the beginning of Autumn with your work family? 🍁🍎 Our trainees at Fox Chase Cancer Center had a wonderful experience at Fox Chase Farm’s Applefest embracing the season together by painting pumpkins, melting candles, petting farm animals, and enjoying the plentiful sunshine! ☀️ Check out some of the highlights. Are you interested in joining our Fox Chase family? Check out our training programs here: https://lnkd.in/eu8wF2qp #FallSeason #TraineeEngagement #Postdocs #GraduateStudents #ScientificTechnicians #ScienceFun #WorkFamily

Communication goes beyond your words; it’s a reflection of who you are. At the Leading through Communication event at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Shelly O'Donovan and Donna J. Spina PCC Business Leadership Career ICF Coach empowered trainees and WIB-Philadelphia Metro members to rethink how they present themselves at work every day. They shared actionable insights on navigating the workplace, showing up as effective leaders, managing career transitions, and creating confidence. Shelly dived into the powerful techniques of both non-verbal and verbal communication with emphasis on how body language can play a crucial role in shaping influence and confidence. Donna’s session encouraged everyone to discover their unique value proposition, reminding us that leveraging our personal strengths can drive significant career success. Special thank you to West Pharmaceutical Services for sponsoring this impactful event and to the WIB-Philadelphia Metro team- Amanda Purdy, Melissa McDonnell, and Jillian Hughes, ECBA- for making it all possible. Our training program values opportunities like these, offering unique ways to better understand your passions, define your career, and build a strong professional network. Stay tuned for information on more events you can be a part of. #WomenInBio #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalPresence #CareerAdvancement #WomeninScience

Sometimes you have to take a chance and see what happens. It might lead to a rewarding path. Kaya Melo-Rubio, AA stepped out of her comfort zone and discovered a passion for biology. With encouragement from her university professor, she took a leap in research through the Empower Fellowship. As a junior majoring in Biology at the University of Delaware College of Arts and Sciences, Kaya embraced growth by facing challenges head-on. Despite her fears, Kaya tackled unfamiliar scientific techniques for the first time, such as generating a 3D model of the extracellular matrix of pancreatic cancer cells at Fox Chase Cancer Center. With immense gratitude for the mentorship provided by principal investigator, Dr. Edna (Eti) Cukierman, and postdoctoral associate, Dr. Aleksandr D., Kaya gained professional skills and was nurtured in overcoming the challenges of scientific research. Kaya’s journey proves that stepping into the unknown and following your passions can lead to incredible personal growth and self-discovery. She is excited to see how this experience will shape her future in biology. To hear more from Kaya’s story, visit: https://lnkd.in/gxC3NTje Imani Powell, #empowerfellowship, #womeninSTEM, #scientificresearch, #nextgeneration