Howard University

Mentor: Natalie Lu, MD

Project title: TBD

Description: The project is a cross-sectional survey completed at Stanford’s annual community health fair and studies the prevalence of risk factors for lung cancer. It investigates the relationship between perceived risk and actual risk of lung cancer across a diverse community population, focusing on individual exposures and demographic characteristics. The objective is to assess how lifestyle, environmental, and occupational factors influence both lung cancer perception and screening awareness, particularly among never-smokers or those with atypical risk profiles.

Howard University

Mentor: Melissa Bondy, PhD

Project title: A Comparison of Patient Reported Breast Cancer Stage and Pathology Compared to Their Chart

Description: The goal of our project is to better understand how accurately patients are able to report key parts of their breast cancer history by comparing their responses to what is documented in their medical charts. We’re hoping to identify what details patients tend to recall well and where there may be gaps, especially when considering factors like time since diagnosis, education level, and where they live. By recognizing these patterns, we can explore ways to help patients stay more informed and engaged in their own care. Ultimately, our findings aim to support more accurate data collection in breast cancer research and contribute to advancing more equitable care and outcomes for all patients.

Howard University

Mentor: Pauline Funchain, MD

Title: Identifying Patterns in Immune-Related Adverse Events

Description: Under Dr. Pauline Funchain, I’m currently working on two research projects focused on immune-related adverse events from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). One project explores a rare but severe clinical syndrome called TMOS (the triad of myositis, myocarditis, and myasthenia gravis overlap syndrome). I’m developing a “Red Flag” framework to help frontline clinicians recognize early warning signs of TMOS based on clinical features and biomarker patterns across reported cases. The goal is to improve early identification and response to this life-threatening toxicity.

The second project investigates whether there’s a seasonal trend in ICI-associated myocarditis. Using patient data, I’m analyzing patterns in case frequency and timing to see if certain months or seasons show higher incidence. This could point toward environmental or immune-related triggers that influence risk. Both projects aim to contribute to earlier detection and better outcomes for patients receiving immunotherapy.

Charles R. Drew University

Mentor: Amanda Kirane, MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO

Project title: Spatial Analysis of Macrophage-Tumor Cell Interactions in T-VEC Treated Melanoma

Description: Our project this summer aims to characterize the spatial organization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the melanoma microenvironment before and after immunotherapy with the oncolytic virus strain Talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC). Patient samples collected pre- and post-T-VEC treatment will be spatially profiled using Lunaphore’s COMET sequential immunofluorescence (seqIF) imaging platform. Doing so will help improve our understanding of how TAM spatial interactions with other immune and tumor cells may impact patient responses to T-VEC.

Meharry Medical College

Mentor: Melody Smith, MD, MS

Project title: Analyzing the Phenotype and Function of CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell on Mice with Gut Decontaminating and Anaerobic Antibiotic Treatment

Description: My study seeks to investigate dysbiosis induced by gut decontaminating antibiotics (colistin-ampicillin-streptomycin) and anaerobic antibiotic (piperacillin-tazobactam) on CAR T cell phenotype and functions. By evaluating the transduction efficiency, CD4/CD8 ratio, memory and exhaustion markers, and cytotoxicity, this research aims to clarify the role of the microbiome in modulating CAR T cell therapy and guide future clinical practices.