Empowering students through Research Enrichment Activities in Cancer Control and Cancer Care Delivery

Addressing the significant the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in academic medicine, we initiated the EmREACh program. EmREACh aims to boost diversity in Cancer Control and Cancer Care Delivery through a structured, immersive approach. By addressing barriers for students from marginalized backgrounds, EmREACh fosters interest and commitment to clinical cancer research careers, while also showcasing diverse pathways to success.

EmREACh Mentors

Mentors in the EmREACH program guide students in the areas of geriatric oncology, health equity, and supportive care interventions, fostering hands-on learning and empowering contributions to research.

Nikesha Gilmore, PhD, MS-CI

Assistant Professor

More about Dr. Gilmore

Allison Magnuson, MD, MS-CI

Associate Professor

More about Dr. Magnuson

AnnaLynn Williams, PhD

Assistant Professor

More about Dr. Williams

Kah Poh Loh, MBBCH, BAO, MS

Assistant Professor

More about Kah Poh

Po-Ju Lin, PhD

Research Assistant Professor

More about Dr. Lin

Sindhuja Kadambi, MD

Assistant Professor

More about Dr. Kadambi

Current EmREACh Scholars

Celina Shoda

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: Japanese

Hometown: Honolulu, HI

Research: Understanding physical activity in older cancer survivors

Mentor: Dr. Nikesha Gilmore

Helena Rajalingam

Major: Computational Biology

From: Brooklyn, NY

Research: Understanding the associations of patient-centered communication and medical mistrust among older Black
male and female patients with cancer treatment

Mentor: Dr. Nikesha Gilmore

Aman Mulla

Major: Computational Biology

Minor: Creative Writing

From: Mechanicsburg, PA

Research: Assessing the potential of Virtual Yoga Therapy in alleviating cancer treatment related side-effects and toxicities.

Mentor: Dr. PoJu Lin

Leanna Birsner

Major: Neuroscience and Dance

Hometown: Long Island, NY

Research: Understanding AYA Lymphoma: Aging and Cognition as well as AYA in Rochester: Supportive Cancer Care Needs and exploring Yoga as an Intervention for C-AYAs with Cancer.

Mentor: Dr. Annalynn Williams

Isabelle Ostergaard

Major: Brain and Cognitive Sciences

Minors: Biology and Psychology

Hometown: New York, NY

Research: Understanding cancer treatment and cognition in adolescents and young adults (AYA), alongside exploring the correlation between inflammatory markers and cognitive function in treatment-naive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients.

Mentor: Dr. Annalynn Williams

Leen Khan

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Aleppo, Syria & Milan, Italy

Research: Published paper with others on Financial Toxicity in Older Adults with Cancer and their Caregivers and performing research on peer support programs for older caregivers of cancer patients.

Mentor: Dr. Sinduja Kadambi

Laura Hincapie

Major: Computational Biology

Minor: Spanish

Hometown: Westchester, New York and Medellín, Colombia

Research:

Mentor: Dr. Allison Magnuson

Tristan Yu

Major: Microbiology

Minor: Spanish

Hometown: Long Island, NY

Research: Focused on developing and implementing behavioral and supportive care interventions to improve outcomes for adults with hematologic malignancies.

Mentor: Dr. Kah Poh Loh

“EmREACh gave me the tools and support to explore areas of medicine I have been curious about. During my time, I have presented my research at two conferences, was published and won best poster in my category.

Laura HincapieUndergraduate Researcher

Accepted to the National Institute of Health Research Program

Aman MullaUndergraduate Research Institute

Award fellow for the Robert I. Weed Summer Hematology Research Fellowship

Tristan YuUndergraduate Research Assistant

Graduated EmREACh Scholars

Thandolwethu Shabangu, BS

Currently a Graduate Student in the Microbiology & Immunology PhD program, University of Rochester Medical Center

Anna Job, BS

Currently a Graduate Student in the Clinical Investigation MS program, University of Rochester Medical Center

Jihane Jean, BS

Currently a Clinical Research Coordinator, Department of Surgery, Division of Supportive Care in Cancer, University of Rochester Medical Center

Elizabeth Gilbride, BS

Currently a Graduate Student in the Infectious diseases and microbiology PhD program, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health