The AACR-Minorities in Cancer Research Jane Cooke Wright Lectureship was this year presented to a Fox Chase Cancer Center researcher and a leader in the Yale Head and Neck SPORE collaborative.
The award from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) was presented to Camille C. R. Ragin, PhD, MPH for: "For unprecedented contributions to defining and understanding the genetical, molecular and environmental factors that contribute to cancer onset and progression in underrepresented patient populations. Dr. Ragin’s elegant research has identified single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with altered expression of the DNA damage response gene, Polymerase β that affects chemotherapy and radiotherapy response in patients of African origin. In addition to these pioneering research accomplishments, she is celebrated for providing consistent mentorship to minority cancer researchers and for leading collaborative and global projects dedicated to cancer prevention."
Dr. Ragin is the Fox Chase Cancer Center lead of the Career Enhancement Program for the Yale Head and Neck SPORE, which is made up of Yale, Fox Chase, and University of North Carolina.
The AACR press release said the lectureship is intended to recognize an outstanding scientist who has made meritorious contributions to the field of cancer research and who has, through leadership or by example, furthered the advancement of minority investigators in cancer research.