| Description | Molecular Engineering and Sciences Seminar Series
Advancing Convergence and Innovation in Cancer Research
Abstract: Since 2003, the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives (CSSI) has worked to develop the resources and infrastructures investigators need to surmount roadblocks in cancer research. CSSI manages programs that promote technology development and cross-disciplinary collaboration and provide support for investigators in nascent and challenging research fields. This support includes funding opportunities, shared reagent and database resources, and assistance in the development of standards and protocols. CSSI also provides a network of partners in industry and government that can help NCI-funded researchers advance their technologies toward commercialization and translation. This presentation will highlight technologies including single-cell isolation and analysis techniques that have been supported through various CSSI mechanisms from proof-of-concept to translation into the clinic. Bio: Dr. Lee serves as a Health Sciences Director within the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Office of the Director where his chief responsibility is to help direct the NCI’s Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives (CSSI). In this role, he provides leadership and input in planning, developing, and implementing rapid strategic scientific and technology initiatives that keep the Institute ahead of the scientific curve of potential new exciting areas and discoveries. This may involve direct development and application of advanced technologies, creation of new trans-disciplinary teams, and/or use of available federal funding mechanisms to forge novel partnerships that emphasize innovation and convergence of scientific disciplines.
Prior to joining the NCI, his research involved elucidating mechanisms of age-related diseases and has co-authored over twenty papers, five book chapters, and one book. He continues research as an adjunct associate professor at Johns Hopkins University, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and Ph.D. in chemical and biomolecular engineering. He also holds an appointment at the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center and collaborates with clinicians on next generation patient-centered outcomes research. Dr. Lee is a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Research Advisory Council, the National Academies Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy’s Innovation Policy Forum, the Foundation for the NIH’s Biomarkers’ Consortium Cancer Steering Committee, the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute’s Board of Trustees, and the editorial board of Convergence Science Physical Oncology journal. This weekly seminar brings together students, faculty and invited guests from various disciplines across campus to explore current trends in molecular engineering and nanotechnology. It is a forum for active interdisciplinary discussions. These talks are open to the public and attract a diverse audience of students and faculty. |
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