2021 Staff Scientist/Staff Clinician Retreat
, by DCEG Staff
NCI staff scientists and staff clinicians gather virtually for the 17th Annual Retreat.
In April 2021, staff scientists and staff clinicians from the Center for Cancer Research (CCR), the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), and the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL) for Cancer Research, gathered virtually for their 6th annual scientific retreat.
The theme was “Intramural Research in the Era of COVID-19,” and included topics such as advances across the spectrum of COVID-19 and cancer research; translational approach to addressing COVID-19; and COVID-19’s impact on clinical and epidemiological studies. Over 190 people were in attendance, more than a third from DCEG.
Following opening remarks by Stephen J. Chanock, M.D., Director, DCEG, Dr. Douglas R. Lowy, Principal Deputy Director of the National Cancer Institute, delivered the keynote address.
Drs. Ligia Pinto, Director, Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Program, FNL, Jill Koshiol, Ph.D., senior investigator, Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, and Lisa Mirabello, Ph.D., M.S., senior investigator, Clinical Genetics Branch, each presented on recent scientific insights. Drs. Cynthia Masison, Associate Scientist, CCR, and Ofelia Olivero, Center for Cancer Training (CCT), spoke about the quadrennial review process and career development. In addition, there were opportunities to learn about the work of peers who presented 53 abstracts.
Neelam Giri, M.D., M.B.B.S., staff clinician in the Clinical Genetics Branch, was recognized with the Outstanding Mentor award. Among the many accolades accompanying her nomination, mentees celebrated her as an "outstanding example for all trainees by being open-minded and always collaborative. Dr. Giri continues to inspire many of us with her dedication as a clinician during the pandemic."
The Planning Committee was co-chaired by Mónica S. Sierra, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., DCEG, and Yongjun Sui, CCR, with support from Angela Jones, CCT.