Ralph de Vere White Symposium spotlights young cancer researchers

(SACRAMENTO)

The future of cancer research was on full display at Aggie Square last week during the Ralph de Vere White Symposium for Early-Stage Investigators in Cancer.

The day-long event on April 23 was hosted by UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. The symposium highlighted cancer research by the younger generation: students from high school, as well as undergraduate and predoctoral scholars. They were joined by more seasoned postdoctoral scholars, research staff, residents and fellows who shared their latest findings.

"The Ralph de Vere White Symposium gives early-stage investigators invaluable opportunities to sharpen their ideas, build confidence and form meaningful connections," said cancer center Director Primo "Lucky" Lara Jr. "It also strengthens the pipeline of innovative, patient-centered cancer research for the future."

The annual event was renamed in 2024 in honor of Professor Emeritus Ralph de Vere White, former director of the cancer center. De Vere White was instrumental in obtaining the National Cancer Institute designation for UC Davis Health as a "comprehensive" cancer center.

Now retired, de Vere White demonstrates his continued dedication to early-stage investigators by attending the event and watching the verbal portion of poster presentations. He challenges the presenters with probing questions, visits the poster sessions and participates in the round table discussions.

Presenters

Janai Carr-Ascher and Miquell Miller, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center assistant directors for the Office of Education, Training and Workforce Development, preside over the cancer center symposium.

Welcome remarks were presented by Janai Carr-Ascher and Miquell Miller, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center assistant directors for the Office of Education, Training and Workforce Development.

The keynote address by Christopher Lucchesi, an assistant professor in the Department of Urologic Surgery, featured his personal story as a cancer survivor to illustrate how to sustain a commitment to research and patients.

New this year, the symposium included students in the Cancer Research Immersion Academy at Sheldon High School and their teacher Tabitha Lai. Fifteen students presented their own cancer research.

The academy is designed to attract more students to biomedical research by expanding their confidence, knowledge and skill in developing and communicating scientific research while exploring pathways to college.

"The cancer center approached us with this opportunity due to our biomedical career technology track, and we were excited to participate," Lai said.

Students competed in poster presentations with winners receiving $500 in cash.

Winning research

Early-stage investigators showcased their research to experienced investigators, learned of potential research and collaborative opportunities and networked. They also competed for a chance to win a prize for oral or poster presentations.

Presentations were judged on scientific innovation, significance and ultimate potential for clinical impact, as well as scientific communication skills. Winner received $500 in cash.

Director Primo "Lucky" Lara Jr. presents prize to undergraduate student Asneh Singh who, along with co-presenter Conner Suen, won for best oral presentation.

Oral presentation

Winner: Conner Suen and Asneh Singh, undergraduate students

Mentors: Christopher Lucchesi

Title: "A Functional-Digital Precision Oncology Platform Integrating AI Histology and 3D Bioprinted Tumoroids to Predict Therapeutic Response"

Director Primo "Lucky" Lara Jr. presents prize to project policy analyst Mira Miles who won for best poster presentation.

Poster presentation

Winner: Mira Miles, project policy analyst

Mentor: Shehnaz Hussain

Title: "Inflammation and Occupational Exposures in the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study (CAFF-CRS)"

Roundtables

Nine roundtable discussions focused on critical professional development topics ranging from building mentorship teams, to best practices in grant writing, to educational pathways. They were moderated by cancer center senior investigators, grant experts and students.

The annual symposium was organized by the Office of Education, Training and Workforce Development.