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CANCER BIOLOGY GRADUATE PROGRAM University of Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus 12801 E. 17th Ave., MS 8104
Aurora, CO 80045
http:/www.ucdenver.edu/cancerbiology email: [email protected]
Program Director Mary Reyland, Ph.D.
Program Administrator Jamie Kean
[email protected] 303 724-3905
Steering Committee: Mary Reyland, Ph.D. (Craniofacial Biology) – Program Director
Jim Lambert, Ph.D. (Pathology) – Student Advisor Lynn Heasley, Ph.D. (Craniofacial Biology) – Recruitment
Jennifer Richer, Ph.D. (Pathology) – Curriculum Robert Sclafani, Ph.D. (Biochemistry) - Cancer Center
Disclaimer for Student Handbook
This handbook, which includes parts of the Graduate School Rules and the Cancer Biology Graduate Program Guidelines, does not constitute a contract with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center Graduate School, either expressed or implied. The Cancer Biology Graduate Program reserves the right at any time to change, delete, or add to any of the provisions at its sole discretion. Furthermore, the provisions of this document are designed by the Program to serve as firm guidelines rather than absolute rules, and exceptions may be made on the basis of extenuating circumstances.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Important Dates 4 Contacts 5 General Academic Information 6 Program Specific Information 7 Graduate School Standards 16 Obligations and Record Keeping 17
Appendices 1. Electives 18 2. Table of Cancer Biology Students 19 3. Cancer Biology Graduate Program Faculty and Research Interests 20 4. Preparation of the Written Portion of the Comprehensive Exam
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Revised February 2011 GRADUATE SCHOOL 2010-2011
Basic Sciences Programs
SUMMER SEMESTER 2010 Registration for Summer 2010 Basic Sciences begins for continuing students May 17 Last day to submit Application for Graduation for August 2010 MS grads June 1 Summer Semester begins June 7 Diploma cards due for December graduates August 6 Last day to drop/add June 11 Independence Day Holiday (July 4th falls on Sunday) July 5 Last day to take final exams/thesis defense for August MS & PhD graduates July 30 Last day to submit thesis August 6 Final Examination Week August 16-20 Summer Semester ends August 20 Final grades due (noon) August 25 August degree award date August 20 FALL SEMESTER 2010 Registration for Fall 2010 for Basic Sciences continuing students August 9 Fall Semester begins August 30 Rotation 1: August 30 - November 19 Labor Day Holiday September 6 Last day to drop/add September 10 Last day to submit Application for Graduation for December 2010 MS grads October 1 Last day to take final exams/thesis for December MS & PhD graduates November 17 Rotation 2: (Break: November 25-26 & December 20-January 3) November 22-February 25 Last day to submit thesis November 24 Thanksgiving Break November 25-26 Diploma cards due for May 2011 graduates December 3 Final Exam Week December 13-17 Fall Semester ends December 17 Degree award date December 17 Final grades due (noon) December 22 SPRING SEMESTER 2011 Registration begins for Spring 2011 December 6 Spring Semester begins January 24 Last day to drop/add February 4 Diploma cards due for August graduates February 4 Presidents’ Day (classes not in session) February 21 Rotation 3: (Spring Break: March 14-18) February 28 – May 20 Last day to submit Application for Graduation for May 2011 MS grads March 1 Spring Break (Basic Science PhDs and GENC) March 14-18 Spring Break (BIOS, CLSC, EPID, HSVR, and NURS students only) March 21-25 Last day for PhD thesis defense in order to participate in spring commencement April 1 Last day to take final exams/thesis defense for May MS & PhD grads April 29 Last day to submit thesis May 6 Final Exam Week May 16-20 Spring Semester ends May 20 Final grades due (noon) May 25 Graduate School Convocation May 27 Annual Commencement May 27
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CONTACTS Dean’s Office Barry Shur, Ph.D., Dean 303-724-2911 Milinda Walker, Administrative Assistant 303-724-2911 Graduate Student Affairs Office Fran Osterberg, M.S., Assistant Dean 303-724-2915 Teresa Bauer-Sogi, Assistant/Main Phone Line for Information 303-724-2915 OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Admissions and Records (Diana Warren)
303-724-8056 Police 303-724-4444
Bookstore 303-724-2665 Fire 303-724-4444 Bursar’s Office 303-724-8032 Emergency 911 Classroom Scheduling 303-724-8114 Non-emergency 303-724-4444 Audio-Visual Assistance 303-724-8129 Diversity Office 303-724-8003 E-mail Coordinator (Mary Mauck)
303-724-2129
E-mail Help Desk 303-724-2171 Police Escort to Car 303-724-4444 Financial Aid 303-556-2886 Health Services/Insurance (LaVerne Loechel)
303-724-7674
ID Cards 303-724-0399
Health Sciences Library 303-724-2152 Ombuds Office 303-724-2950 Parking Office 303-724-0049 Student Assistance Office 303-724-7684 Student Psychiatric Health Services/Counseling
303-724-4953
Emergency Dept. 303-848-9111 Information Systems 303-724-4357 Env. Health & Safety 303-724-0345
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GENERAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The Graduate Program in Cancer Biology is part of the Graduate School of the University of Colorado, which is an equal opportunity institution. The Graduate School is under the leadership of Barry Shur, Ph.D., Dean. The Graduate School at the Anschutz Medical Campus (UC-AMC) publishes the Graduate Student Handbook, which includes general information and rules concerning graduate students as well as specific information on Honor Code and Grievance Procedures (http://ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/Graduate-School/program-resources/Forms/Graduate%20Student%20Handbook.pdf). The information in the Graduate Student Handbook applies to students in all programs, and it should be used as the primary source for information regarding rules, regulations, procedures and policies. The purpose of the Cancer Biology (CANB) student handbook is to relay additional information specific to the Program.
Student Support At present, students accepted in the Ph.D. program are provided full tuition, health and dental insurance, and a stipend of $26,000 per year for living expenses (for the academic year 2011-2012). Continued support is contingent upon satisfactory academic and research performance by the student. When a student enters a thesis lab, the thesis mentor assumes complete responsibility for the student’s stipend, tuition, fees, and associated research costs. In-state Residency Status New students must immediately obtain documentation to support the petition for State Residency. This is a very important priority for first year students. After the first full year, funding will be available (assuming satisfactory academic progress) only if the student qualifies as an in-state resident.* The documents that must be obtained include local checking account, driver’s license or State ID, and voter’s registration, as well as proof of Colorado domicile. Further information will be provided during the Graduate School Orientation. *International students cannot gain residency and will remain at an out-of-state tuition rate; they are NOT personally responsible for the tuition differential. Checking Account It is important to establish a checking account as soon as possible. The University issues all pay checks, including student stipends, as automatic deposits. Students should be sure they have a voided check or savings account deposit slip available when filling out payroll forms. Students are also required to produce a Social Security card for payroll purposes.
UC-AMC Identification Card Everyone on campus must carry a UC/AMC picture ID. This ID serves many purposes including enabling students to access the library, obtain parking, gain access to buildings after hours, and attend special University functions.
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Insurance Each fall semester students complete the forms for insurance plan selection. Contact the Student Insurance Coordinator at 303-724-7674 with questions. These forms must be completed whether or not you plan to participate in a student Health Insurance plan. E-mail Access Graduate students will have an account in the electronic mail and internet access system by contacting the Student E-mail Coordinator, Mary Mauck, ([email protected]). You will need to know both your nine-digit Student Identification Number and your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to obtain an account. If you do not know your PIN, you may obtain it at the UC-AMC Registrar’s Office in Admissions & Records by going there in person with a picture ID.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC INFORMATION GOALS OF PROGRAM The goal of the Cancer Biology (CANB) Program is to attract outstanding students with the highest potential and to stimulate in them the independent and creative scientific thinking necessary to develop future leaders in the multifaceted field of cancer research. While the primary focus of the Cancer Biology Graduate Program is basic science and translational research, students will also be exposed to many aspects of clinical science as they relate to the study of cancer, including cancer therapeutics, epidemiology and prevention. After the initial period of coursework, students choose their specialty fields from a diverse list of mentors and topics. The Program draws on faculty from many different departments within the medical campus and offers a wide range of research opportunities. Students proceed with research in their specialty areas until the generation and defense of a thesis leads to the award of a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. STUDENT ADVISING During the first and second years, CANB students will meet with the Program Director (Dr. Mary Reyland) and the Student Advisor (Dr. Jim Lambert) to discuss the student’s progress in the Program and to address any issues that may arise. The CANB graduate students will also meet as a group with Dr. Lambert at least twice a year to discuss issues relevant to the program. The students will be expected and encouraged to seek advice from the Student Advisor and/or other Cancer Biology faculty members prior to lab rotations, the comprehensive examination, and at other times when the student requires faculty consultation.
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COURSE OF STUDY
A. Cancer Biology Graduate Training Program Curriculum YEAR ONE: 1st semester
Core Course IDPT 7611, IDPT 7612, IDPT 7613, IDPT 7614, IDPT 7615 10 credits Ethics in Research PHCL 7605 1 credit Research in Cancer Biology CANB 7650 section one 1 credit Research in Cancer Biology CANB 7650 section two 1 credit Research Seminars and Cancer Biology Journal Club
2nd semester
Cancer Biology CANB 7600 3 credits Cancer Biology CANB 7610 1 credit Electives from approved list (Appendix 1) variable Research in Cancer Biology CANB 7650 section three 1 credit Research Seminars and Cancer Biology Journal Club
At least 3 credits of electives are required (for approved electives see Appendix 1); more can be taken if desired. Elective requirement should be completed before your 4th semester.
Summer semester: You do not need to sign up for research credit in the summer following your first year. However, in all subsequent years you do need to sign up for one hour of research credit in the summer semester to remain a full-time student.
YEAR TWO: 1st semester
Hypothesis Development and Experimental Design CANB 7680 2 credits Electives (as desired) Research in Cancer Biology CANB 7650 up to 3 credits Research Seminars and Cancer Biology Journal Club 2nd semester Research in Cancer Biology CANB 7650 up to 5 credits Electives (as desired) Research Seminars and Cancer Biology Journal Club Summer semester: Research in Cancer Biology CANB 7650 1 credit
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Revised February 2011 YEAR THREE: 1st semester Complete Comprehensive Proposal and Exam Doctoral Thesis CANB 8990 up to 5 credits Electives (as desired) Research Seminars and Cancer Biology Journal Club 2nd semester Doctoral Thesis CANB 8990 up to 5 credits Electives (as desired) Research Seminars and Cancer Biology Journal Club Summer semester: Doctoral Thesis CANB 8990 1 credit YEAR FOUR AND BEYOND: 1st semester Doctoral Thesis CANB 8990 up to 5 credits Electives (as desired) Research Seminars and Cancer Biology Journal Club 2nd semester Doctoral Thesis CANB 8990 up to 5 credits Electives (as desired) Research Seminars and Cancer Biology Journal Club Summer semester: Doctoral Thesis CANB 8990 1 credit
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In addition to formal coursework, attendance at the following is also mandatory: Cancer Biology Seminars: You are expected to attend at minimum one cancer related seminar per week. This will typically be in the Pathology Grand Rounds Series or the Cancer Center seminar series. In addition, there are several seminar series that often have cancer-related seminars; seminar titles are typically posted or can be found in the Cancer Center online newsletter. Seminar series of potential interest include but are not limited to: Cancer Center Symposium Tuesdays at noon Cells, Cancer and Development seminar series Wednesdays at noon Molecular Biology Program seminar series Thursdays at noon Pathology Grand Rounds Fridays at noon Hormone Related Malignancies/Endocrinology Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Cancer Biology Journal Club: Directed by Dr. Bob Evans. Meets weekly at a time to be decided by participants. B. Laboratory Rotations. Students must perform three rotations before the start of their second year. Rotations serve several important purposes. First, they enable the student to explore and compare several areas of cancer biology research and aid in the choice of a mentor and project for thesis work. Second, rotation seminars provide training in the craft and art of public presentation; which is essential for future success. Third, rotations allow program faculty to evaluate the motivation, technical skills, and intellectual preparedness of students to undertake independent research. Students start their first rotation in the fall semester, spending three months in each of three laboratories. Students should discuss their research interests with the student advisor, Dr. Jim Lambert, prior to the start of each rotation. Potential faculty mentors should be contacted several weeks or more before the start of the rotation. Optionally, students may, by special arrangement, start a rotation during the summer before formal entry into the Program. MSTP students take two rotations, one each, during the summers of the first and second year of Medical School. Rotation Expectations: For professionals in training it is not appropriate to require a minimum number of hours for rotation work. Strong self-motivation is an absolutely essential characteristic for an independent scientist, and we expect our students to demonstrate this quality throughout their training. In this regard, students should expect to frequently be in the lab beyond the normal working hours, i.e. at evening, on weekends, and possibly over vacation days during the term. A major part of the mentor’s rotational assessment (as well as his/her willingness to accept a student) will be based on the degree and quality of lab effort. At the same time, it is critical for students to keep up with their coursework and to pass examinations. Students should always discuss time off and/or vacation days with their lab mentor in advance, both in their lab rotations and once they enter a thesis lab. A short written evaluation of the student’s rotation will be provided by the mentor and discussed with the student. Rotation grades are assigned by the rotation mentor following the rotation seminar.
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Revised February 2011 Rotation Seminar: At the end of the rotation the student will present a seminar. This seminar is an essential component of the research rotation and should be prepared with the help of the research mentor. Rotation seminars are 10-12 minutes in length with up to 5 additional minutes for questions.
C. Preliminary Exam. The University of Colorado Graduate School requires two exams of students, a Preliminary Exam and a Comprehensive Exam. Cancer Biology students, like most basic science graduate students, take a similar Preliminary Exam in June at the end of their first year coursework. The format of this exam will be determined by the steering committee and may be changed at any time on the recommendation of the steering committee. The exam is not designed to test rote memory but instead to determine whether students can integrate their knowledge so that they can formulate scientific questions and understand how to test them. Exact details will be given at the time of the exam. Continuation in the program depends the student achieving a passing score. Under exceptional circumstances, a student who fails the preliminary exam may petition the Cancer Biology Steering Committee and may be allowed to retake all or part of the exam the subsequent year. The decision of the Steering Committee will be final.
For the 2011-2012 academic year the exam will consist of a short written proposal followed by a comprehensive oral exam. An exam committee of five CANB faculty members will evaluate each student. To strive to achieve uniformity and fairness for both the written and oral examination, all students will be tested within a day or two.
For the written component the students will be given 3 seminal papers and will choose one on which to write a 3 page proposal that will include the following: Background, critical summary of the major findings and the significance of the findings, a future hypothesis that you propose (what still needs to be determined?), and specific aims and experiments to test your hypotheses. The student will have two weeks to complete the written portion of the exam and will submit the written document one week before the oral exam component.
For the oral exam In the oral exam students will be expected to expand upon their written document and be able to critically analyze the manuscript and defend their new hypothesis, specific aims and experiments. In addition, the oral exam questions will extend beyond the written document to test for overall comprehension of material learned in the Core Course and the Cancer Biology sequence 7600 and 7610.
D. Transfer to Thesis Lab. An important aim of the rotations is to enable the student to find a thesis mentor. Within one month of the completion of the three rotations for regular graduate students or two rotations for MSTPs, the student should come to a mutual agreement with a faculty member to act as thesis mentor. The choice of a thesis advisor must be formally approved by the Student Advisor and the Program Director. Official transfer to the thesis lab takes place on July 1. Under exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Student Advisor and Program Director, a student may be allowed to perform an additional rotation for the express purpose of enhancing the mentor selection process. Although the Program will assist the mentor selection process, it is ultimately the student’s obligation to identify a thesis lab by the beginning of the second academic year. Failure to identify a suitable lab by this time will result in dismissal from the Program.
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Revised February 2011 E. Comprehensive Exam. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam admits the students to Candidacy for the Ph.D. degree in Cancer Biology. This exam can be taken as early as the spring semester of the second year, but usually in the fall semester of the third year. The exam must be completed by the end of the fall semester of the students third year. It is highly recommended that the student carefully read the Graduate Student Handbook on Comprehensive Examination policies and deadlines and pick up a packet of instructions and forms from the Graduate School well ahead of the planned examination. Applications must be completed no later than two weeks before the scheduled exam. Forms are available from the Graduate School and must be approved by the Program Director and returned to the Graduate School Office. The date of the Comprehensive examination and the composition of the committee must be registered with the Graduate School. Note: A student must be registered at the time he/she takes the Comprehensive Examination and must have completed, or be registered for, a minimum of 30 units of course work. Exam Format: The Comprehensive Exam consists of a written and oral component. Students will write a 10 page (excluding references) hypothesis-driven proposal in the format of an NIH predoctoral fellowship. CANB 7680, (Hypothesis Development and Experimental Design), which students are required to take in the fall or their second year, is designed to help prepare students for writing and defending this exam proposal. The proposal should be related to the student’s thesis research. The written proposal must be distributed to the Comprehensive Exam Committee at least two weeks prior to the oral examination. Each student will be individually administered an oral exam on their proposal. The Comprehensive Exam Committee will be chosen by the student in consolation with the Student Advisor and the Director of the CANB Program. The committee should consist of four members from within the CANB training faculty and one member from outside the program. Upon passing the exam the student is advanced to candidacy and is expected to assemble a thesis committee. See Appendix 4: “Format for Preparation of the Written Portion of the Comprehensive Exam Cancer Biology Graduate Program” for specific details and time line. Oral Exam: The examination will consist of a 20 minute presentation by the student followed by questions from the Comprehensive Exam Committee. In the oral examination, the student must adequately demonstrate the scientific knowledge and ability to defend their written proposal and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Cancer Biology. In addition they must satisfy the overall requirements for the examination as set forth by the UC AMC Graduate Student Handbook. As stated in the graduate student handbook, the comprehensive examination “will test your mastery of a broad field of knowledge, not merely the formal coursework completed.” You can anticipate both specific questions on the written and oral proposal and general knowledge questions in the broad area of Cancer Biology.
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Revised February 2011 Possible Results of Comprehensive Exam Pass (no conditions) Conditional Pass (conditions must be detailed) Fail (the student must leave the graduate program) After passing the Comprehensive Exam, the student becomes a candidate for the Ph.D. The following years are devoted to research on their thesis project. F. Odds and Ends: Continuous registration is required with the exception of the first summer. A student must have completed or be registered for 30 hours of course work to take the comprehensive exam. If, by the end of the spring semester of the first year, a student has passed 30 credits of course work fulfilling programmatic requirements, then he/she may sign up for CANB 8990 (Doctoral Thesis) that summer and in the fall of the third year. Note that CANB 8990 does not count as coursework toward those 30 hours. Students should register for five or more credits in the fall and spring semester and usually one credit for summer semester. It is the student’s responsibility to register for classes in a timely manner – all late fees and finance charges will be the responsibility of the student. Another thirty (30) hours of Doctoral Thesis (CANB 8990) are required before defending the thesis so begin signing up for CANB 8990 instead of CANB 7650 as soon as you have completed your coursework requirements. Do not sign up for more than 5 credits fall and spring or one in the summer unless required by your coursework. G. Thesis Research: Students will generate an original body of research that constitutes a significant contribution to the field of cancer biology. The student and faculty member together plan a thesis project; however, the thesis research is the responsibility of each student, who must be able to conceive, carry out and write up (as the thesis) a significant body of work in a logical manner. Doctoral level work requires a close collaboration with a faculty mentor; it is the responsibility of the student to establish and maintain that relationship. Program faculty are always available for consultation and advice; however, it is the responsibility of the student to seek them out. It is worth repeating that strong self-motivation is an absolutely essential characteristic for a successful scientist. Students should expect to frequently be in the lab beyond the normal working hours, i.e. at evening, on weekends, and possibly over vacation days during the term. Students should always discuss time off and/or vacation days with their lab mentor in advance, both in their lab rotations and once they enter a thesis lab. Note: All notebooks, original data and reagents from rotational and thesis work are the property of the advisor and must be left with the advisor at the completion of the work.
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Revised February 2011 Thesis Committee: By February 1 of their 3rd year, students must establish a Thesis Committee and communicate this to the program Director and the Student Advisor. The specific composition of the committee should be determined in consultation with their thesis advisor and the director of the CANB Program. In most cases this committee will be identical or similar to the comprehensive exam committee. The purpose of the committee is to guide and evaluate the progress of the student during their thesis research. It cannot be emphasized enough, however, that each student is ultimately responsible for his/her own progress. The committee should be composed of four CANB faculty members and one faculty member from outside the program. A committee of three CANB faculty and two outside members is allowed with approval of the Program Director. The thesis advisor is not a voting member of this committee. The chair of the thesis committee must be a member of the Program; he/she serves as the advisor to the student and monitors their progress. Students are required to meet with their committee at least once each year; however, it is recommended that the committee meet every six months. A brief written summary of progress made on the stated aims should be given to the committee at least one week prior to the committee meeting. The meeting should begin with a 20-30 minute talk. A brief written summary of the outcome of each meeting should be submitted to the Program Director by the committee chair. H. Update Talks: Students will give an annual report on the progress of their thesis research to the Cancer Biology Faculty and Students in the form of a 30-minute seminar once every academic year beginning in their 3rd year. This may be coordinated with the thesis committee meeting. I. Thesis Completion: Upon completion of a body of original research that constitutes a significant contribution of new knowledge to the field of cancer biology, students will write a Ph.D. thesis containing this information and defend this document at an oral examination scheduled by the UC AMC Graduate School. The student must meet with the thesis committee and receive formal approval to begin writing the thesis. Check with the Graduate School for current deadlines, thesis format requirements, and required paperwork prior to writing the thesis and scheduling the defense. Guidelines: The rules of the University of Colorado Graduate School concerning a Ph.D. thesis are as follows: “All doctoral students are required to submit a thesis (or dissertation) to the Graduate School as partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The form and scope of this thesis is determined by the student, the thesis advisor, the advisory committee, and the Program. The thesis should be based upon original investigation and showing mature scholarship and critical judgment as well as familiarity with tools and methods of research. It must be essentially approved by the examining committee before the final examination can be taken.” The Cancer Biology Program amplifies the definition of the thesis as follows: The successful thesis presents a problem-orientated, original and substantive investigation. The methodology and results contained in the thesis must be conclusive and of high quality. The standards are to be those maintained by quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals. It is the expectation of the program that the student have a minimum of one first author publication submitted prior to the thesis defense.
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Revised February 2011 Preparation of the Thesis: The Assistant Dean of the Graduate School (currently, Fran Osterberg) holds seminars twice a year on the proper formatting of the thesis. Written Ph.D. thesis approval from the chair of the thesis committee is required prior to scheduling of the thesis with the Graduate School. The Thesis Approval Form may be obtained from the program administrator. Furthermore, the thesis advisor must find the thesis acceptable prior to submission to the rest of the committee. Thesis Defense: The thesis defense is the final examination of the thesis and related topics. It includes an oral presentation of the salient points of the research, its conclusions and its integration with the rest of the field. Arrangements for the thesis defense must be made in the Graduate School office at least two weeks in advance. A copy of the thesis must be given to the thesis committee at least two weeks before the defense. The student must be registered at the time of the thesis defense. Degrees are conferred in May and December; the examination must be taken at least three weeks prior to the date on which the degree is to be conferred. The oral presentation will take the form of a seminar and is open to the entire community. The thesis defense will occur immediately following the seminar and will take the form of questioning by the thesis committee on details of the written document, as well as their general knowledge of their field of research and cancer biology. The final decision regarding the result of the thesis defense is made by the thesis committee. The student must receive affirmative votes from the majority of the committee to pass. The examination may be attempted only once. Disqualification of the thesis examination results in dismissal from the Graduate Program without a degree. Thesis Revisions: All corrections to the written thesis must be completed within a month from the date of the thesis defense and the signed written document submitted to the Graduate School at that time. Exceptions require written approval by the majority of the thesis committee members and the thesis advisor. The student is also responsible for providing a bound copy of the thesis to the Thesis Advisor, the members of the thesis committee, the Program and the Graduate School.
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Revised February 2011 GRADUATE SCHOOL STANDARDS A. Credits: The Graduate School requires at least 30 semester hours in coursework (rotations and Research CANB 7650 count as course hours) and 30 semester hours of thesis research for the Ph.D. (CANB 8990). All work undertaken as a graduate student must be in compliance with the academic Code of Honor (see Appendix A of UC-AMC Graduate Student Handbook). B. Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA: All students must maintain an average of “B” or better in their coursework. Students are expected to earn a “B” or better in all required courses. Only in exceptional circumstances a “B minus” in a required course may be acceptable, as determined by petition to the Steering Committee. C. Preliminary Exam: In order to continue in the program, a student must pass the Preliminary Exam at the end of the first year. D. Remedial and Disciplinary Actions: Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on Academic Probation by the Graduate School. They have two semesters in which to raise their GPA to 3.0 or above for removal from Academic Probation. The University of Colorado System Rules require that after a student is put on academic probation, he/she must maintain a 3.0 in all subsequent semesters. Failing to meet either condition will lead to immediate dismissal from the Graduate School. A “B minus” or below in any required course is considered unsatisfactory academic progress, and more than one “B minus” or below is grounds for dismissal from the Program. A graduate student who receives an unsatisfactory grade in a course (a B minus or below) may be required to repeat that course once or successfully complete an alternative assignment upon the recommendation of the Steering Committee. All grades received will appear on the student’s transcript. E. Change in Thesis Lab: If a student leaves a thesis lab (but is still considered by the Cancer Biology Steering Committee to be in good academic standing) the student has the current semester (but no more than 90 days) to relocate to another thesis lab and determine a new thesis advisor. In the event that a new thesis laboratory cannot be identified, the student will be dismissed from the Program. F. Time Limit of Ph.D. Studies: Students have eight years from the time they enter Graduate School to complete all requirements for the degree. Continuation after six years requires the approval of the student’s thesis committee and the CANB Steering Committee. G. Leave of Absence: It is the policy of the CANB program to grant leave of absences only under exceptional circumstances. A formal letter must be submitted to the Program Director and Student Advisor explaining the issues. Before the leave is taken, it must be approved by the Program Director and the graduate school. After a student joins a thesis lab, the PI must also approve the leave of absence. As per the rules of the Graduate School, only 15 days is guaranteed to be paid leave, after that time period it is under the discretion of the program and the PI.
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Revised February 2011 OBLIGATIONS AND RECORD KEEPING A. Attendance: All graduate students are required to attend post-rotational seminars and Thesis Defense Seminars of the other students in the program. All students are also required to attend, at minimum, one cancer-related seminar per week and to participate in the Cancer Biology Journal Club. B. Student’s Files: A file for each student will be kept by the Program Administrator. All relevant records should be given to the Program Administrator for the files, including published abstracts and papers, notifications of awards and honors, and copies of forms filed with the Graduate School. These files should reflect the total record of the student during his/her entire graduate career. The records can be examined by the student at any time. C. Participation in Recruitment Functions: During February/March each year, prospective student applicants visit our program for interviews. It is in the Program’s best interest to attract and retain the best of these prospective students. To do this we need the help of current students and Cancer Biology faculty. When asked, please be willing to spend some time with prospective students during dinners or other functions. Our Cancer Biology Program can only flourish with your help. D. Vacation and Holidays: Graduate students shall receive all University holidays and no more than 14 calendar days (counting all days Monday through Sunday) of vacation per annum, with no year-to-year accrual. Students shall continue to receive stipends during vacations and holidays. In the graduate school at UC-AMC, the times between academic terms and the summers are considered active parts of the training period and are not necessarily free times. However, students taking courses are expected to attend all classes and take all exams as scheduled. They should not take vacations when classes or exams are scheduled. For advanced students, vacation time should be arranged with the dissertation advisor. E. Sick Leave and Other Leave: Graduate students may continue to receive stipends for up to 15 calendar days (counting all days Monday through Sunday) of sick leave per annum, with no year-to-year accrual. Under exceptional circumstances, additional sick days may be granted following a written request and approval by the student’s program director. Sick leave may be used for the medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth.
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Revised February 2011 APPENDIX 1
Electives
Electives are selected based on the student’s interests and upon consultation with his/her first-year or thesis advisor. Other electives may be approved with permission of program director.
Approved electives: Histophysiology CANB 7620 3 credits Stem Cells and Development CSDV 7605 4 credits Survey of Human Genetics HMGP 7600 3 credits Tissue Biology and Disease Mechanisms IDPT 7646 3 credits Overview of Immunology (fall) IMMU 7630 2 credits Molecular Virology and Pathogenesis MICB 7701 3 credits Receptors and Cell Signaling PHCL 7606 3 credits Cancer: Experimental and Medical Aspects PHSC 7530 2 credits Pharmacology of Anti Cancer Agents (fall) PHSC 7561 2 credits Human Physiology PHSL 6001 4 credits Reproductive Endocrinology and Metabolism RPSC 7801 3 credits Reproductive Development RPSC 7802 1 credits
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APPENDIX 2
Current Cancer Biology Graduate Program Students (September 2010)
Student Start Year
Thesis Advisor Prelims Comps Graduation Date
Christian Young 2002 Anderson 6/04 5/06 7/09 Jenean O'Brien 2005 Schedin 6/06 4/07 5/2009 Erica Nolte 2005 Anderson 6/06 4/07 12/09 (MS) Ori Maller 2006 Schedin 6/07 5/08 Ramon Whitson 2006 Lucia 6/07 5/08 Panduka Samarawardana
2006 Shroyer 6/07 5/08 5/09 (MS)
Jenny Parvani 2006 Jones 6/07 1/09 transferred Katherine Ware 2007 Heasley 6/08 11/09 Jennifer Symonds 2007 Reyland 6/08 11/09 Erin Howe 2007 Richer 6/08 10/09 Kevin Bauerle 2007
(MSTP) Haugen 6/07 5/08 5/2010
Marianne Marshall 2007 Heasley 6/08 10/10 5/2010 (MS) Trista Hinz 2008 Heasley 6/09 11/10 Deryck Middleton 2008 Nemenoff 6/09 12/10 Holly Martinson 2008 Schedin 6/09 12/10 Katie Singleton 2008 Heasley 6/09 12/10 Emily Kleczko 2009 Heasley 6/10 Erin McKinsey 2009 Jedlicka 6/10 Trisha Sippel 2009 Waziri 6/10 Teresa Joyal 2010 Qiuchen Guo 2010 Jonathon Parker 2010 Waziri 6/10 Layne Dylla 2010 Jedlicka 6/10
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APPENDIX 3
Cancer Biology Graduate Program Faculty and Research Interests Graduate Faculty Primary Appointment Steve Anderson, Ph.D. Pathology David Bentley, Ph.D. Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics Andrew P. Bradford, Ph.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology John Cohen, Ph.D. James DeGregori, Ph.D. Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics Robert Doebele, M.D., Ph.D. (Associate) Medical Oncology Heide Ford, Ph.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology Douglas K. Graham, MD, Ph.D. Pediatrics Arthur Gutierrez-Hartman, MD Medicine -Endocrinology Haihua Gu, Ph.D. Pathology Bryan R. Haugen, MD Medicine -Endocrinology Chen J. Hu, Ph.D. Craniofacial Biology Lynn E. Heasley, Ph.D. Craniofacial Biology Kathryn B. Horwitz, Ph.D. Medicine -Endocrinology Twila Jackson, Ph.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology Paul Jedlicka, M.D., Ph.D. Pathology Amy Keating, M.D. Pediatrics James R. Lambert, Ph.D. Pathology Chuan-Yuan Li, Ph.D. Radiation Oncology Bolin Liu, M.D. Pathology Robert Low, MD, Ph.D. Pathology M. Scott Lucia, MD Pathology Stephen Malkoski, M.D., Ph.D. (Associate) Pulmonary Medicine Raphael A. Nemenoff, Ph.D. Medicine- Renal Steven K. Nordeen, Ph.D. Pathology Manjo Pillai, M.D. (Associate) Medical Oncology Chris Porter, M.D. Pediatrics Yosef Refaeli, Ph.D. Dermatology Mary E. Reyland, Ph.D. Craniofacial Biology Jennifer Richer, Ph.D. Pathology Dennis Roop, Ph.D. Dermatology Carol Sartorius, Ph.D. Medicine-Endocrinology Pepper Schedin, Ph.D. Medical Oncology Robert A. Sclafani, Ph.D. Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics Jill Slansky, Ph.D. Immunology Dan Theodorscu, M.D., Ph.D. Ann D. Thor, MD Pathology Andrew Thorburn, Ph.D. Pharmacology Xiao-Jing Wang, M.D. Ph.D. Pathology Allen Waziri, MD., Ph.D. Neurosurgery Robert Winn, M.D. Medicine Qinghong Zhang, Ph.D., Dermatology
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Steve Anderson, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology – Breast Cancer. We are interested in the role of Akt in mammary gland development and tumorigenesis. In addition to suppressing apoptosis, Akt may be important in regulating glucose transport, and the physiology of mammary epithelial cells during lactation. Akt accelerates tumor formation ErbB2/Neu oncogene in transgenic mouse models, and may be important in altering the physiology of these cells.
David Bentley, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Cancer and messenger RNA expression – Cancer can be described as a disease of abnormal gene expression. Our laboratory studies how messenger RNA production is integrated at the levels of transcription, maturation by capping, splicing, and cleavage/polyadenylation and packaging for export to the cytoplasm. We apply molecular biology methods to study these events in expression of oncogenes using normal and transformed cells.
Andrew P. Bradford, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology –Gynecological Cancers. Our laboratory is studying the role of selective protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the modulation of cell growth and death in endometrial cancer. Using endometrial cancer cell lines and specific adenoviral constructs, our results indicate that PKCα promotes proliferation and survival of endometrial cancer cells, whereas PKCα is pro-apoptotic. Further study of PKCs in the endometrium may identify novel diagnostic/ prognostic indicators and provide new potential targets for therapeutic intervention. We are also investigating the role of growth factor signaling and Ets transcription factors in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids or leiomyomata. James DeGregori, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics –Leukemia and Lymphoma. Studies to better understand the conditions that foster the initiation of leukemias and lymphomas are currently a major thrust of the lab. In particular, we are investigating how conditions of stress (particularly those that impair DNA replication) promote the competitive expansion of cells expressing particular oncogenes, and the mechanism whereby these oncogenes can improve cell cycle progression and survival under conditions of stress. In addition, our studies of E2F transcription factors range from the organismal level, such as the development of disease in E2F knock-out mice, to the molecular level, such as our mechanistic studies of E2F control of transcription. Heide Ford, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Breast Cancer. Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that play a crucial role in development. During development, many changes take place that parallel those seen in cancers, including alterations in cell proliferation and differentiation, in cell death, neovascularization, cell motility, and in invasion of surrounding tissue. My laboratory is interested in how homeobox genes can be "hijacked" by cancer cells to promote the processes of proliferation, migration, and invasion out of context and contribute to tumor initiation and progression.
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Douglas K. Graham, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics – Leukemia and Lymphoma. My laboratory studies how abnormal activation of the Mer and Axl receptor tyrosine kinases leads to abnormal anti-apoptotic and proliferative signaling in cancer cells. Using xenograft and transgenic mouse models, we are investigating in vivo the cooperative role of the Mer and Axl tyrosine kinases in oncogenesis. The animal models are also being used to test specific Mer and Axl inhibitors as a novel means of biologically targeted cancer therapy.
Haihua Gu, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Pathology – Breast cancer. The progression of breast cancer to its malignant state involves the close interaction between the hyperproliferative mammary epithelial cells and its surrounding stromal cells. The Gab family of scaffolding adapters mainly play positive role in transmitting extracellular stimuli to downstream cell signaling cascades, including Ras and PI3K, important for the growth, survival, migration, and functions of various cell types. Using a combination of gene knock-out mouse models, ex-vivo cell culture systems, and molecular and biochemical analyses, a major goal of the lab is to understand how Gab2, one member of the Gab family, and its associated tyrosine phosphatase, Shp-2, regulate the growth and behavior of both the mammary tumor cells and tumor stromal cells, thereby contributing to the initiation and progression of breast cancer.
Arthur Gutierrez-Hartmann, M.D., Professor of Medicine and of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics – Breast, Pituitary, GI cancer – The main focus of the Gutierrez-Hartmann laboratory is to determine the role specific POU-homeodomain and ETS transcription factors in mediating the ontogeny, maintenance and tumorigenesis of epithelial cells in the pituitary, mammary and GI systems. The epithelial-specific ETS transcription factor, Ese-1, is particularly relevant to breast cancer, since the Ese-1 chromosomal locus is amplified in 50% of early breast cancers and Ese-1 mRNA is over-expressed in human breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Our most exciting recent discovery is that Ese-1 transforms human mammary epithelial cells via a novel cytoplasmic mechanism and a unique 40-amino acid motif. We use biochemical, molecular, transgenic and pre-clinical approaches to elucidate mechanism and to identify cancer markers. Bryan R. Haugen, M.D., Professor of Medicine – Thyroid Cancer. Dr. Haugen is studying novel therapeutic pathways in advanced thyroid cancer using in vitro and in vivo models as well as human clinical trials. Pathways under study include nuclear hormone receptor signaling (PPAR, RXR, and VDR), MAPK signaling (RET-Ras-BRAF-MEK, NFkB) and the role of beta-catenin in cancer progression. His laboratory is using pharmacologic (novel pathway inhibitors and agonists) as well as genetic (overexpression of specific targets, gene silencing) to dissect signaling pathways in advanced thyroid cancer.
Lynn E. Heasley, Ph.D., Professor of Craniofacial Biology – Lung Cancer and Head and Neck Cancer – My laboratory is interested in signal transduction pathways that negatively and positively control cellular transformation. The primary focus is on the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), which appear to function either as tumor suppressors or pro-transforming signals in a context-dependent manner. Another project in the lab is elucidation of autocrine growth factor signaling pathways in cancer cells. Our recent studies have unveiled a dominant role for FGF and FGF receptors in both lung cancer and head and neck cancer cell lines.
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Kathryn B. Horwitz, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Medicine – Breast Cancer. Our laboratory focuses on the actions of women’s hormones, estradiol and progesterone, and their role in breast cancer. Active areas of investigation range from the molecular basis of transcriptional regulation by progesterone receptors and expression profiling of genes regulated by estrogens and progesterone, to novel mouse tumor models we have created to study the role of hormones in cancer growth and metastases. The models are used to address questions regarding hormonal regulation of the expansion of breast cancer progenitor cells; the influence of activated stroma on aggressiveness of adenocarcinomas; and hormonal regulation of the extent and organ localization of metastases. Finally, findings from these studies are applied to translational analysis of human tumor samples.
Cheng J. Hu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Craniofacial Biology – Kidney, head and neck and other solid tumors. One common phenomenon of the solid tumors is hypoxic microenvironment. Transcription factors, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α are active only under hypoxic conditions and promote tumor growth and progression by activating tumor angiogenesis, anaerobic metabolism, and metastasis. We are interested in the individual role of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in cancer progression and the transcriptional co-factors that regulate HIF transcriptional activity.
Twila Jackson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology – The goal of my research is to determine the impact and mechanisms of extranuclear estrogen / estrogen receptor signaling on endometrial cancer cell growth. We are testing three main hypotheses: 1.) nonclassical estrogen / estrogen receptor signaling promotes cyclin D1 nuclear localization, thereby stimulating the cell cycle, 2.) the estrogen receptor forms membrane complexes with known signaling molecules to activate signal transduction modules, and 3.) extranuclear estrogen receptor action regulates the growth inhibitory functions of the PTEN tumor suppressor. We utilize molecular and biochemical techniques, as well as innovative new technologies to address these questions.
Paul Jedlicka, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology – Colon cancer, pediatric cancers. Dr. Jedlicka’s research interest is the biology of the Ets transcription factor family. Currently, the laboratory has two areas of focus: 1) Ets functions in intestinal morphogenesis, homeostasis and disease, including cancer; 2) biology of EWS/Ets oncogenic fusions in Ewing Sarcoma.
James R. Lambert, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor of Pathology – Prostate Cancer. Chronic inflammation has been implicated as a critical promoter of prostate carcinogenesis. Our recent data has identified prostate derived factor (PDF), a member of the TGF-� superfamily, as a potent inhibitor of inflammation and a potential tumor suppressor. Work in our laboratory addresses the hypothesis that PDF suppresses prostate cancer development and progression by inhibiting inflammation in the prostate. Chuan-Yuan Li, Ph.D., Professor of Radiation Oncology – The main focus of the Li lab is to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the tumor microenvironment and its response to current treatment modalities such as radiation and chemotherapy. We use tools such as transgenic mice and molecular imaging to conduct our study and hope our studies will yield improved targeted cancer therapeutics.
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Bolin Liu, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology – Breast Cancer. Our primary research interests are in two areas, the ErbB receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family members-mediated signal transduction in breast cancer and caspase-8-initiated apoptosis in human cancer cells. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of RTK signaling in mammary/breast tumorigenesis and the caspase cascade during programmed cell death, we hope to identify novel molecular targets and to develop small molecules with therapeutic potential for cancer patients. M. Scott Lucia, M.D., Associate Professor of Pathology – Prostate Cancer. Dr. Lucia’s research revolves around prostatic diseases, particularly prostate cancer. The scope of research ranges from analysis of tissue and serum biomarkers in clinical trials to computer imaging/ morphometrics of prostatic disease to molecular signaling pathways. Ongoing projects include the development of new biomarkers of aggressive prostate cancer for diagnostic and prognostic clinical application. Raphael A. Nemenoff, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine –Lung Cancer – The focus of my lab is in examining the molecular events mediating initiation and progression of lung cancer. Specifically, we are studying two interacting pathways that contribute to this process: production of eicosanoids, which are bioactive signaling lipids, and nuclear receptors of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor family. Our studies examine these pathways in lung cancer cell lines, co-culture of cancer cells with stromal cells, and in mouse models. Steven K. Nordeen, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology – Prostate and Breast Cancer. Research in our laboratory is highly collaborative, focusing on the role of the sex steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone in hormone-dependent cancers of the breast and prostate. Investigations into the molecular details of the mechanisms of regulation of gene expression by the hormone-activated steroid receptors reveal potential new targets and strategies for cancer therapy. We are dissecting the fine balance between growth, differentiation, and apoptosis mediated by the signaling mechanisms of steroids in both cell culture and tumor models. Chris Porter, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Cancer/Blood Disorders – The major goals of the research project are to validate gene targets which, when inhibited, sensitize leukemia cells to chemotherapy. Experiments to determine the relative sensitivity to chemotherapy will be done in leukemia cells grown in the lab. Students will a) grow leukemia cells b) knock-down specific genes using interfering RNA c) treat cells with chemotherapy d) determine the relative sensitivity of the cells to the chemotherapy, and e) analyze, organize and present the results. Yosef Refaeli, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Dermatology – Leukemia and Lymphoma – The lab focuses on two broad areas directly related to hematological malignancies. First, we are interested in the contribution of antigen receptor signaling to the genesis and maintenance of lymphoid malignancies and in turn we also study the regulation of normal immune function by oncogenes. Second, we are interested in understanding the role of MYC in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, homeostasis and transformation into leukemic stem cells.
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Mary E. Reyland, Ph.D., Professor of Craniofacial Biology – Head and Neck Cancer – My laboratory is interested in how specific members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family function to modulate apoptosis. Using salivary epithelial cells either in culture, or derived from genetically modified mice that have specific defects in protein kinase C directed signal transduction, our goal is to identify nuclear phosphorylation targets of PKCδ and to understand the mechanism by which PKCδ regulates the apoptotic pathway. Studies are also underway to understand the molecular mechanisms by which PKCδ is activated during apoptosis and to identify “downstream” pathways through which protein kinase C regulates apoptotic-specific gene expression. Jennifer Richer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology. – Breast and Endometrial Cancer – Via molecular profiling of breast cancers from a clinical trial before and after hormone therapy, we have identified proteins associated with response or intrinsic resistance to hormone therapy. For instance, we have identified the “lipogenic phenotype” and active androgen receptors as key characteristics of breast tumors with de novo resistance to endocrine therapy, despite positive estrogen receptor status. Endometrial cancer studies in the lab focus on a transcription factor, ZEB1, which while hormonally controlled in the normal endometrium and myometrium, becomes aberrantly expressed in aggressive endometrial cancers causing epithelial to mesenchymal transition leading to increased invasiveness.
Carol Sartorius, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Endocrinology/Metabolism/Diabetes – My laboratory focuses on the role of ovarian steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone and their cognate receptors in breast cancer. The most common types of breast cancer are the more differentiated luminal cancers (~70% of all cases), which are estrogen receptor (ER) and usually progesterone receptor (PR) positive. The remaining types of breast tumors are devoid of steroid receptors and include poor prognostic basal breast cancers.
Dennis R. Roop, Ph.D., Professor of Dermatology-Skin Cancer – Studies from our laboratory have shown that the accumulation of genetic defects in epidermal stem cells eventually results in tumor formation and we have recently discovered that skin tumors themselves are maintained by defective stem cells, referred to as cancer stem cells. Our current research efforts are focused on isolating and characterizing cancer stem cells. An improved understanding of cancer stem cells could result in the development of novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target cancer stem cells for destruction and prevent tumor recurrence. Pepper Schedin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine – Breast Cancer. My lab focuses on the biochemical identification and characterization of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that mediate mammary epithelial cell homeostasis and death. Two major areas of research are the understanding of how dietary intake influences adolescent mammary gland development and subsequent risk for breast cancer and in determining the role of ECM in breast cancer metastasis. Our long term goals are to develop breast cancer prevention strategies that 1) reduce susceptibility of the pubertal gland to carcinogenic insult and 2) reduce metastatic occurrence immediately following pregnancy.
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Robert A. Sclafani, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics – Lung and Breast Cancer – The main area of focus of the laboratory is the regulation of the G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle in yeast and human cells, especially the processes of chromosomal DNA replication and mutagenesis. When these processes are altered, it results in mutations and aneuploidy, which lead to cancer. By studying these processes, we hope to provide important information for cancer patient diagnosis, prognosis and in design of therapies. Jill E. Slansky, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Immunology – Tumor Immunology. Our goal is to rationally design immunotherapies that make T cells respond to and eliminate tumors. Since most antigens recognized on tumors are self antigens, these therapies must overcome self tolerance. We are using preclinical models to determine how to design effective peptide vaccines and to determine what the influence of low oxygen is on the antitumor T cell response. Dan Theodorscu, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Cancer Center – One thing that always appealed to me ever since I was a graduate student was the fact that bladder cancer was a significant public health problem. It's one of the most expensive cancers to treat. It also exhibited many of the features I was interested in studying, such as a very ordered tumor progression. My interest is really to understand how a cancer cell moves from one not-so-bad state to a very bad state, the process called tumor progression and metastasis, when it spreads to other organs. I really was interested in this particular cancer because it was one in which those processes could be studied very well and clearly.
Ann Thor, M.D., Professor and Chair of Pathology – Breast Cancer. The Thor laboratory studies molecular and environmental factors involved in mammary (breast) carcinogenesis and or chemotherapeutic response. Studies include the use of transgenic mouse models, archival and clinical trials associated breast cancer and normal mammary tissues. Signaling pathways of interest include those associated with the receptor tyrosine kinase receptors, type I and nuclear steroid receptors. Andrew Thorburn, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology – Breast, Prostate, Brain Cancer, and Leukemia. The Thorburn lab studies the mechanisms of cell death regulation during the development and treatment of cancer. Projects in the lab focus on: 1. characterization of a novel apoptotic and autophagic cell death pathway that we think is one of the earliest cell death-related defects that arise during the development of epithelial cancers. 2. Analysis of the tumor cell killing by therapeutic antibodies that target death receptors. 3. Analysis of the mechanism of action of tumor-targeted bacterial toxins that are in clinical development for treating acute myeloid leukemia and brain tumors.
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Xiao-Jing Wang, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Pathology – Head and Neck Cancer, Lung Cancer. The Wang laboratory is addressing the molecular mechanisms of squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck (HNSCCs), skin, and lung (LSCC). by screening human SCC samples for common genetic alterations and by generation of genetically engineered transgenic/knockout mice to mimic common alterations found in human SCCs. We have developed transgenic/knockout systems, in which gene deletion or overexpression can be achieved specifically in the epithelium of each of these organs. We are using these model systems to identify cancer stem cells, biomarkers for prognosis, prevention and treatment targets of SCCs. Allen Waziri, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery – Dr. Waziri primarily specializes in the surgical management of tumors affecting the nervous system. His expertise includes microsurgical resection of deep and complex brain tumors, resection of arteriovenous and cavernous malformations, approaches to skull base tumors, neurosurgical endoscopy, and resection of tumors involving the spinal cord. In collaboration with our colleagues in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Waziri performs radiosurgical treatment of brain lesions using our state-of-the-art frameless Novalis BrainLab system. Through his day-to-day practice Dr. Waziri regularly cares for individuals with a broad spectrum of neurosurgical disease.
Robert A. Winn, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine Lung Cancer – My laboratory is interested in signal transduction pathways that are associated with the development of lung cellular transformation. The primary focus of my laboratory is on the Wnt pathway, which appears to function as either a tumor suppressor (i.e. The Non-Canonical, �-catenin independent pathway) or oncogenic (i.e. The Canonical, �-catenin dependent pathway) pathway in the development of cancer. We are also investigating the role of small molecular compounds, such as iloprost, a synthetic prostacyclin, in developing novel therapeutic strategies that specifically target cancer cells. Qinghong Zhang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Dermatology – The lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation in response to physiological and pathological signals. First, we are interested in the intimate link between tumor metabolism/microenvironment and transcriptional control of EMT genes through the NADH-sensing ability of CtBP, a transcriptional co-repressor. Second, we are searching for cellular signal pathways that cause CtBP degradation, which triggers apoptosis independent of p53. The ultimate and long-term goal of our research is to develop drugs against metabolic disorders and cancers based upon molecular details as revealed by basic research.
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APPENDIX 4
Format for Preparation of the Written Portion of the Comprehensive Exam Cancer Biology Graduate Program
1) During the second year, the Cancer Biology graduate student with extensive guidance from the thesis mentor identifies a research problem.
Note: This research problem can be within the research area of the intended thesis research or, in fact, can represent the precise research problem that the student and mentor intend to pursue as a thesis project. 2) The student with guidance from the thesis mentor identifies contacts and retains comprehensive exam committee members with expertise relevant to the research problem. This step should occur mid- to late summer of the second year. The committee will be comprised of 4 program members and 1 faculty member outside the Cancer Biology program. Three program members and 2 outside faculty may be allowed with justification and approval by the program director. The student and committee faculty should schedule a week (or if possible an exact date) for the Comprehensive Exam. This will prevent major delays in the exam date due to schedule conflicts and provide a clear timeline for the preparation of the proposal.
Note: The committee members should be made aware of the increased responsibilities relative to years past where they simply assembled on the exam day and posed questions related to the written proposal and general/specific Cancer Biology knowledge. The student’s successful learning of the process of taking a specific scientific idea and expanding it into a relevant research proposal will depend on significant input from the faculty members comprising the comprehensive exam committee. 3) Approximately ten weeks before the Comprehensive Exam, the student prepares a one-page document including a description of the problem, hypothesis and specific aims similar to the “Specific Aims” page of a NIH R01 grant. This is then submitted to the members of the Comprehensive Exam committee (hard copy and by e-mail). 4) Within one week of receipt, the committee members will provide comments, either in writing or preferably in person, to the student to improve the significance of the problem, focus the hypothesis, strengthen the Specific Aims, etc. Note: personal interactions between the student and committee members should be emphasized here. This is the best way to clearly exchange criticisms and comments. 5) Within one week of receipt of the comments and criticisms, the student revises the one-page document accordingly and again distributes it to the committee members. Note: It is possible that the specific comments from the committee faculty will range widely and, in some cases, be difficult for the student to reconcile. The thesis mentor may provide input on how to best weigh and integrate this first wave of critiques.
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6) Within one week, the committee members respond (by e-mail or in person) to the student with Approve or Disapprove. If a clear majority (4 of 5) of the members Approve, then the student proceeds to step seven below. If a majority of the committee members still feel that the Experimental Problem/Hypothesis/Aims are seriously deficient, one more round of critique/response should occur. Note: The goal of this preliminary step of review is to help the student develop a significant, interesting and testable hypothesis accompanied by a set of Specific Aims that will directly test the hypothesis, not simply describe or explore a research area. However, it is neither in the interest of the student nor the committee faculty to belabor this step as differences in personal grant writing styles are likely to surface here. 7) Following approval of the 1 page document, the student prepares (with little or no assistance from the mentor) a full proposal (10 to 12 pages) complete with Background/Significance, Preliminary Data and Experimental Plan sections. The proposal should also include a reference section (see NIH guidelines) that does not count towards the 10-12 page limit. This is submitted for review to the committee, preferably within three weeks of approval of the one-page document. 8) Within one week, the committee members will provide comments, preferably in person (see above). Note: Since the hypothesis and specific aims have been approved previously, the focus of this level of review should be on the relevance of the Background/Significance section, clear presentation of the Preliminary Studies to support the hypothesis, development of an Experimental Plan section complete with thoughtful rationale, anticipated results, potential pitfalls/alternative approaches, etc. The committee members are encouraged to provide expert information regarding the weaknesses and pitfalls of specific experiments, for example. If this occurs, then the oral exam can be less about tedious details concerning specific experiments and more about big picture things, broad scientific knowledge, etc. 9) The student synthesizes the specific comments and concerns of the committee into a revised document and submits the final draft to the committee members at least two weeks before the oral comprehensive exam data (see step two above) as dictated by Graduate School rules. 10) In the preceding eight weeks, the student with assistance from program administration has reserved a room for the oral exam, submitted the required paperwork to the Graduate School and prepared a 15 to 20 minute oral presentation of the proposal. Note: The entire process encompassing steps 1 through 9 should not take more than two months. While at the discretion of the thesis mentor, preparation of the comprehensive exam should not be accompanied by a cessation of laboratory research.
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