Markey Research Day Highlights Breadth and Depth of Cancer Research at the University of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky., May 13, 2024

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center’s Research Day took place on May 10, 2024. The event showcased the comprehensive scope of cancer research at the university. The Markey Cancer Center’s reach extends across 11 of the university’s 16 colleges, representing all facets of cancer research: prevention and control, treatment, and clinical care.

14th Annual Research Day Sponsored by the Markey Cancer Foundation

With the backing of the Markey Cancer Foundation, the 14th annual event underscored the latest advancements in cancer research being made by faculty members, students, and staff across various disciplines. Beyond just a showcase, it provided an opportunity for researchers to share their work and gather feedback from university’s community. The event featured over 100 posters put up by graduate and postdoctoral students, junior researchers, and staff.

Director of the Markey Cancer Center, B. Mark Evers, M.D., presented the annual “State of the Cancer Center” address. The speech highlighted significant staff accomplishments and major milestones achieved since the last Research Day event. These include acquiring the Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute, initiating the construction of the Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building, and a team expansion with over 30 new cancer researchers.

Faculty Presentations and Lectures

Two faculty presentations were delivered by top-notch researchers. Samuel Awuah, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry, who holds a joint appointment in the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Pharmacy, and Yasminka Jakubek Swartzlander, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biomedical Informatics in the College of Medicine. Additionally, the Gilbert H. Friedell, M.D., and Susan B. Lester Memorial Lectures were given by distinguished guest speakers.

Markey Research Day Awards

The Markey Research Day also recognized exceptional achievements and groundbreaking work with other prestigious awards. It included the Markey Women Strong Distinguished Research Award, a $100,000 prize awarded to two researchers tackling the cancer burden among women. This year’s winners are Mautin T. Barry-Hundeyin, M.D., and Kathleen L. O’Connor, Ph.D., both from the College of Medicine.

An array of other awards were presented during the event. They recognized individuals for their notable contributions in multiple categories, including faculty mentorship, trainee mentorship, and poster presentations across various scientific fields.

The University of Kentucky, with a reputation of nurturing visionaries, pioneers, and disruptors, was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” in 2022 and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity. These achievements stand as a testament to their commitment to education, research, and service to the Commonwealth and the world at large.