Avery D. Posey, Jr., PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, spoke about his research and his path to becoming an academic researcher as part of the Biology of Cancer seminar series, an academic partnership sponsored by UNC Lineberger, North Carolina A&T State University and North Carolina Central University.
Posey, whose lab is studying cancer immunotherapy, was in Chapel Hill for UNC Lineberger’s 45th annual scientific symposium, where he presented his research on the therapeutic implications for glycosylation-specific antigen receptors in the design of novel anti-tumor strategies.
Following a lunch and an informal networking session with students and faculty attendees, Posey spoke about his research and his passion for advancing the field of cancer biology and treatment. He also shared his personal journey to becoming an academic researcher, describing the challenges and rewards that came with establishing himself as an independent researcher and leading his own lab.
“Dr. Posey’s presentation personified the essence of the course as he spoke about his journey into cancer research and the impact his research is having on patient therapy options,” said Checo Rorie, PhD, NC A&T interim chair of the Department of Biology and associate professor of genetics and a member of Biology of Cancer’s inter-institutional planning committee.
Lauryn Chadwick, a master’s student at NC A&T under Rorie’s guidance, said the Biology of Cancer symposium was inspiring. “It was exciting to be around professionals in the field I aspire to be in. Listening to Dr. Posey was beyond interesting and thought-provoking.”
Other attending the special lecture included Buddy Weissman, PhD, professor of pathology & lab medicine and pediatrics at UNC School of Medicine and UNC Lineberger; Veronica A. Carlisle, MPH, senior community health educator, UNC Lineberger Office of Community Outreach and Engagement; NCCU’s Yolanda M. VanRiel, PhD, chair of the Department of Nursing, and Seronda Robinson, PhD, chair of the Department of Public Health Education; and Christina Gibson, program coordinator, and Sherry Strickland, clinical education coordinator, from Forsyth Technical Community College’s Radiation Therapy Technology program.
UNC Lineberger, NC A&T and NCCU established The Biology of Cancer: Exploring the Role of Race, Class, and Socioeconomics in the Underserved and the Underrepresented, to introduce students enrolled at historically black colleges and university to cancer research, treatment and public health topics. The semester-long series features presentations from cancer biologists, physicians and other public health experts and specialists.