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- Posted Monday May 4, 2015
TGen's Dr. Lisa Baumbach-Reardon is elected to AACR's Minorities in Cancer Research (MICR) Council
MICR explores ways to increase the number, participation, visibility and recognition of minority scientists in cancer research
PHOENIX, Ariz. - May 4, 2015 - Dr. Lisa
Baumbach-Reardon, an Associate Professor at the Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen), has been elected to the
Minorities in Cancer Research (MICR) Council of the American
Association of Cancer Research (AACR).
Dr. Baumbach-Reardon, who heads her own lab in TGen's Integrated
Cancer Genomics Division, was elected to a 3-year term on the MICR
Council, which acts as an advisory body to the AACR leadership on
issues of concern to minority investigators, and is also
responsible fororganizing the activities of MICR through its
committees.
MICR consists of nearly 4,000 members of AACR who are interested
in exploring ways to increase the number, participation, visibility
and recognition of minority scientists in the cancer research
field, and within AACR.
Founded in 1907, AACR is the world's oldest and largest
professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research
and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership
includes more than 35,000 laboratory, translational and clinical
researchers; population scientists; other health care
professionals; and cancer advocates in 97 countries.
"Lisa's election to the MICR Council is an honor and an
opportunity for her to share her passion for overcoming ethnic
disparities - both for patients, and for the cancer researchers and
oncologists who care for them," said Dr. John Carpten, TGen Deputy
Director of Basic Science, who has previously served on the MICR
Council.
The MICR Council is made up of13 elected members who
annually elect achairperson and threenew council
members.
"I am very honored to be elected to the MICR Council," said Dr.
Baumbach-Reardon, who has been active in AACR and MICR for nearly a
decade. "I have witnessed how MICR has increased awareness and
understanding of disparities in cancer across ethnicities."
Her main focus in cancer research has been a heightened
understanding of the genetic and genomic basis of breast cancer in
women of African ancestry.
"My research and passion in this area go hand-in-hand," Dr.
Baumbach-Reardon said. "I will follow in the footsteps of previous
MICR Council members and leaders, such as Dr. John Carpten, and
look forward to upcoming opportunities to serve the AACR and
members of the MICR section."
Dr. Baumbach-Reardon is certified in Molecular and Biochemical
Genetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG).She
has been a leader in molecular genetics training for young
scientists and currently holds an adjunct faculty position in the
Molecular & Cellular Biology program at Arizona State
University (ASU).
She has published numerous articles in the field of human
molecular genetics, and currently serves as an ad-hoc reviewer for
a number of scientific journals and grant review study
sections. Her main research areas are the genetic basis of
African-American breast cancer, and the molecular basis of a number
of inherited neurological and neuromuscular diseases.
To facilitate its mission, MICR meets the needs of minority
scientists by:
• Increasing the number, participation,
visibility, and recognition of minority scientists in cancer
research;
• Developing programs that address the
professional needs of minority scientists in cancer research;
• Providing diversity in the field and within
the AACR's membership, programs, committees, and leadership;
• Addressing the disparities in cancer incidence
and mortality faced by minorities and the medically
underserved;
• Advocating for relevant, effective legislation
pertaining to science and public policy in consultation with the
Science Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee; and
• Assuming other such roles as are deemed
necessary or appropriate to MICR's mission.
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
About the American Association for Cancer
Research
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research
(AACR) is the world's oldest and largest professional organization
dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent
and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 35,000
laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population
scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates
residing in 97 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of
expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the
prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually
convening more than 20 conferences and educational workshops, the
largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with over 18,000
attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight peer-reviewed
scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients,
and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly
as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As
the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides
expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight
of team science and individual grants in cancer research that have
the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively
communicates with legislators and policymakers about the value of
cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from
cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org. Follow us: Cancer Research
Catalyst http://blog.aacr.org; Twitter
@AACR; and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/aacr.org
