Five faculty members honored in 2024 class of Rogel Scholars
By Paul Avedisian
We are thrilled to announce that five faculty members of the Center for RNA Biomedicine have been honored as Rogel Scholars by the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan. The Rogel Scholars awards program provides support for exceptional faculty dedicated to achieving impact through novel breakthroughs in cancer research – a select designation with research support funded as part of a $150 million commitment from Richard and Susan Rogel.
Honored in the 2024 Class of Rogel Scholars are:
- Ben Allen, Ph.D.
- Grace Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
- Justin Colacino, Ph.D.
- Analisa DiFeo, Ph.D
- Deepak Nagrath, Ph.D.
Their research will help advance our understanding of the origins and behaviors of cancer to achieve impact on cancer prevention, patient outcomes, and quality of life.
James Douglas Engel Collegiate Professor, Associate Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and Interim Director Academic Programs, Cellular Molecular Biological Graduate Studies, Medical School
Dr. Allen’s work focuses on understanding mechanisms of growth factor and morphogen signaling, in particular the regulation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling during vertebrate embryogenesis, to gain insights into treatment of a broad spectrum of developmental diseases and childhood and adult cancers.
Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology
Department of Internal Medicine Internal, Medical School
Dr. Chen’s research interest lies in understanding how the innate and adaptive immune systems interact with the gut microbiota to influence the development of inflammation and tumors in the colon.
Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, Associate Professor of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health and Associate Professor of Environment, Program in the Environment, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and School for Environment and Sustainability
Dr. Colacino’s research focuses on understanding environmental and dietary factors in the development of chronic diseases like cancer, and understanding the changes that occur at the epigenetic and transcriptional level.
Professor of Pathology and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School
Professor of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Medical School and Professor of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
Dr. DiFeo investigates epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) biology at the interface between the bench and the clinic in order to generate findings that can directly benefit ovarian cancer patients.
Read more about Dr. DiFeo’s work in the Department of Pathology article by Lynn McCain.
Dr. Nagrath studies how metabolism affects cancer by examining the interactions between cancer cells and neighboring tissues. He uses both experimental and mathematical tools to help understand these processes and find potential new cancer treatments based on metabolic weaknesses.
Scholar awards are provided for a three-year term that can potentially be renewed for an additional two-year term.
Congratulations Ben, Grace, Justin, Analisa and Deepak!
