THE 2026 SPRING FORBECK SCHOLARS
CANCER AND AGING - CONVERGENT AND OPPOSING FORCES
Eric Sun, PhD Stanford University Sponsor: Jim and Jo Ellen Vanek
Claire Han, PhD, DNP, APRN-CNP The James - The Ohio State University Sponsor: Nancy Geldermann
Claire uses AI and clinical data to predict chemotherapy side effects in aging patients with colorectal cancer. Her work integrates biological aging markers and social factors to improve treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
Eric studies the shared biology of aging and cancer using spatial and single-cell genomics. He develops computational tools to measure aging to predict how interventions affect cells and tissues.
CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF CELLULAR PLASTICITY IN CANCER
Rodrigo Romero, PhD Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Sponsor: Laura Schiavoni and Brian Willard Rodrigo investigates how cancer cells change identity to resist therapy. His work focuses on the retinoblastoma gene (RB1) which has been identified as a master regulator of the cell cycle. Despite its name the gene has been shown to be involved in a variety of different cancers and Rodrigo is studying prostate cancer using single- cell and spatial genomics.
Clint Stalnecker, PhD University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Sponsor: Celeste Gleeson
The RAS gene codes for another protein involved in regulating cell growth and differentiation and mutations within the gene are found in around 30% of cancers. Clint is studying how RAS-driven cancers adapt to targeted therapies. He uses systems- level signaling analyses to uncover mechanisms of resistance which can lead to new treatment strategies.
FORBECK ON THE FOREFRONT PODCAST • INSIDE THE SCIENCE YOU SUPPORT
When the Forbeck Foundation welcomed Pam Wenc to its Board in spring of 2025, we knew we were gaining a powerhouse. What we did not yet know was how quickly her connections would create new opportunities for the Foundation and for our community. One of those connections was to Ed Mallof, former President of MAN Marketing in Chicago and now retired in Arizona, although retirement has hardly slowed him down. Like so many in the Forbeck community, Ed has chosen to invest his time and expertise in advancing mission- driven work. What began as a simple coffee meeting grew into a meaningful partnership. It reflects something we see again and again at Forbeck, when passionate people come together, progress accelerates. Because of the strength of our community, the partnership with Ed led to the launch of “Forbeck on the Forefront”, a new podcast now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. In 15 minutes or less, each episode translates complex cancer research into accessible, engaging conversations. Drawing from interviews with past Forbeck Forum chairs, the podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas your generosity helps support. Each episode is carefully reviewed by scientists to ensure clarity and accuracy. IF YOU HAVE EVER WONDERED WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE A FORBECK FORUM, WHAT BREAKTHROUGHS ARE EMERGING, AND WHY SUSTAINED INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH MATTERS, THIS PODCAST IS YOUR INVITATION INSIDE. We hope you will take a few minutes to listen and share these podcasts within your own circles. This is one more way our community can jointly advance understanding and accelerate progress into finding cures for the disease.
PAM AND RAY WENC WITH ED MALLOF (RIGHT)
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