MEET THE 2025 FALL
AI IN CANCER RESEARCH AND DRUG DISCOVERY
Ying Ma, PhD Brown University SPONSORED BY: MARIA AND TOM RILL
David Fischer, PhD Medical University of Vienna SPONSORED BY: TOM AND JULIE TEFFT
David builds smart AI systems to analyze massive cancer cell data. His work helps researchers understand how immune cells behave, potentially leading to new cancer treatments that harness the body’s defenses.
Ying uses AI to map tumors in high detail, showing how different regions respond to treatment. Her work uncovers why some tumor parts resist therapy and how to overcome it.
CELL DEATH IN CANCER THERAPY
Johan Spetz, PhD University of Gothenburg SPONSORED BY: RAVI PATEL, MD, PHD
Lisa Werr, MD University Hospital of Cologne SPONSORED BY: ROSEANNE AND TED MASCHEK Lisa investigates why some childhood cancers, like neuroblastoma, regress on their own. She’s exploring how to trigger this self-healing response in more aggressive cancers.
Johan works on making radiation and immunotherapy more effective at killing cancer cells while protecting healthy organs. He studies different cell death pathways to improve cancer treatments and reduce side effects.
NUCLEOSOME STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN CANCER
Hui Si Kwok, PhD Harvard University SPONSORED BY: MIKE AND JUDY MASON Hui studies how genetic changes in cancer alter the way DNA is packaged and read. Her research could lead to new drugs that reverse these disruptions and improve cancer treatment.
Aleksandra Skrajna, PhD University of California Santa Cruz SPONSORED BY: MARIA AND DAVE HARRISON Aleksandra explores how cells clear out excess histone proteins, which if left unchecked, can lead to cancer. Her work may offer new ways to prevent cancer by targeting this cellular cleanup system.
SCHOLARS PAYING IT FORWARD is one of the most powerful signs of the Forbeck Foundation’s lasting impact. Former Forbeck Scholars—once early-career researchers supported by the Foundation—are now giving back to the next generation. Leaders like Kristina Cole, MD, PhD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Pippa Cosper, MD, PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison), and Ravi Patel, MD, PhD (UPMC Hillman Cancer Center) are now personally sponsoring new Scholars, ensuring others benefit as they once did. This generosity fuels innovation, mentorship, and collaboration across institutions—proving that one gift can spark progress that lasts for decades. As graduate Scholar Dr. Pippa Cosper writes: “Becoming a Forbeck Scholar has truly changed my life. At my first meeting—Aneuploidy in Cancer—I sat among leading experts in my field, engaging in energized, high-level discussions that formed lasting friendships and collaborations. Thanks to Forbeck, I’ve been welcomed into a vibrant research community that continues to shape my work. The Scholar Retreats have been equally inspiring—connecting me with brilliant, kind, and collaborative peers. This is the heart of the Forbeck Foundation: fostering innovation and cross-disciplinary partnerships to advance cancer research.
Grateful for all I’ve gained, I now sponsor a scholar myself—to pay it forward and support the next generation.”
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