Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We continue to advance with exciting discoveries and new coalitions forged by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.
Notably, the Cancer Research Alliance convened researchers from across universities and health systems at the Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus and featured Jay Berzofsky of the National Cancer Institute, who shared insights into cancer vaccine studies during his keynote presentation.
Similarly, we brought together scientists and innovators from Children’s National Hospital and the Virginia Tech Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics to discuss the potential of Artificial Intelligence to understand pediatric health and tackle disease, particularly cancer, in children.
We also had an opportunity for members of the institute to step away from their daily work and immerse themselves in focused discussions, collaborative activities, and strategic planning at our annual retreat, where we addressed topics such as recruiting postdoctoral associates, advancing our science, and building community within and beyond our campuses in Roanoke and Washington, D.C.
And in a vibrant event at the Health Sciences and Technology campus, more than 100 faculty, staff, researchers, and students brought their full energy to Juneteenth 2023: Creating Local Change in Celebration of Current and Future Black Scientists, an FBRI program organized and driven by a dedicated group focused on the goal of increasing the Black community’s inclusion in the institute’s research and culture.
We were motivated by Erin Lynch, president of the Quality Education for Minorities Network, who observed a fascinating piece of history regarding the phrase “to remain quietly,” which quietly surfaced and lived in text to repress the freed slaves shortly after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Aptly, her presentation reminded us “To Remain Quietly No Longer.”
Virginia Tech named Juneteenth as a university holiday in 2022 and encouraged people to use the day to celebrate, reflect, and recommit to principles of community. Our event underscored that the pursuit of knowledge must go hand in hand with the pursuit of equality, ensuring that scientific progress is accessible, beneficial and informed by all.
Yours truly in the spirit of Ut Prosim,
Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology, Virginia Tech
Senior Dean for Research, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
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Virginia Tech Cancer Research Alliance gathers broad mix of cancer researchers and clinicians
The group's second annual retreat convened experts who are developing innovative therapies, identifying fresh biological targets, and introducing new technologies to take on cancer. Read Story
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Therapy framework reveals promise for intensive pediatric rehabilitation
The study findings published in Behavioral Sciences highlight improved outcomes for children with motor disabilities. Read Story
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'We have a very rich resource here'
Scientists, collaborators tackle pediatric brain cancer from Fralin Biomedical Research Institute's growing D.C. presence. Read Story
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Doctoral student seeks to better understand abrupt changes taking place in the brain's blood vessels
Biomedical scholar, physician and mother of three wins prestigious award to support her stroke research. Read Story
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Virginia Tech benefactor, fitness enthusiast creates health science fellowship
Ray Gaskins '64, an accomplished marathon runner, is 81 and still hits the gym three to four hours a day, seven days a week and is deeply interested in the connection between exercise and human health. Read Story
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Fralin Biomedical Research Institute investigators attracted media attention for research into children's brain development, how the way someone thinks about the future influences recovery, and how obesity can alter the brain.
- Brittany Howell was interviewed for WVTF's Radio IQ on her work to better understand how exposure to substances and other adverse events through early childhood affect brain development.
- WVTF also highlighted work by Warren Bickel into how perceptions of time, and the ability to visualize the future, can positively impact people who are recovering from addictions.
- Alexandra DiFeliceantonio's research into how obesity alters the way the brain responds to sugar and fat was featured on MSN Healthday, FOX11/41, The Anniston Star and other outlets.
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Here's how you can support the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in advancing human health through science:
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