18th Annual Oncology Student Research Day

Each year, trainees from the Berg lab have the opportunity to submit research abstracts for presentation during Oncology Research Day. This year, Emily Hartung, PhD candidate (Biochemistry) and Hugo Yan, MSc candidate (Medical Sciences Program) were selected to deliver oral presentations and MSc candidate, Alannah Wilson (Biochemistry) was selected for a poster presentation. In addition, Dr. Berg’s clinical resident, Anath Lionel (Hematology) also delivered an in-person poster presentation.

Abstracts are reviewed prior to the event, and presentations are judged by a panel of Oncology clinical and research faculty. Oral and poster presentations are judged with prizes awarded for 1st and 2nd place in clinical, non-clinical and overall categories. This year, the Berg Lab is pleased to congratulate Emily for being awarded 1st Prize (oral) in the non-clinical category, and Alannah for being awarded 1st prize (in-person poster). Awards are provided through the Stuart Jay Cohen Memorial Fund and administered by the JCC Foundation on behalf of the Cohen family. Awards are intended to foster education and support the ongoing learning of students involved in cancer research.

Emily’s presentation discussed the ‘Role of myeloid transcription factor networks in the response of normal and malignant stem cells to LSD1 inhibition’.

Alannah’s presentation focused on how the ‘Bone marrow microenvironment contributes to Venetoclax resistance in acute myeloid leukemia through MCL-1 overexpression’.

Hugo’s presentation discussed ‘LSD1 inhibition in AML is a relevant maintenance strategy after allogeneic stem cell transplantation’.

Anath’s presentation focused on “Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) after Allogeneic HSCT for relapsed DLBCL in the setting of STK4 immunodeficiency”.

Congratulations, to all presenters and especially to Alannah and Emily on your awards!

For additional information on awardees, photos, and special acknowledgments, please visit the Department of Oncology website.

What our trainees are saying about the event:

“Explaining the project in a more fundamental way to people outside of our research bubble and having their response be “that’s so cool!” is always a motivating reminder that, yes, our research is so cool.” – Alannah Wilson

“Dr. Swaminath gave a very personal and inspiring keynote presentation, highlighting the value of both successes and failures, and the importance of being nuanced in your approach to research.” – Emily Hartung