VCU Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Candidate Lauren Dain receives the NCI-funded T32 fellowship for glioma research
Lauren Dain, MSTP candidate G4 year, Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, from the Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Medicine at VCU, has been awarded a prestigious T32 Integrative Training in Cancer Biology (ITCB) fellowship from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Lauren’s dissertation project explores the expression patterns and role of HSP27 in glioma-associated reactive astrocytes, to evaluate its effect on glioma growth and progression in the pursuit of effective therapeutic strategies, under the mentorship of Dr. Tomasz Kordula, in collaboration with Dr. Can Senkal.
“I am proud of Lauren’s hard work, which earned her this NCI T32 fellowship position. I am excited about this opportunity for her to receive additional training, mentorship, and resources, which will help her reach her career goals”, said Dr. Kordula. “Our lab broadly works on uncovering mechanisms of communication between glioma cells and the cells of the tumor microenvironment, and how those pathways benefit tumor development, survival, and progression. In addition, we explore mechanisms of neuroinflammation and astrocyte development”.
The NCI-funded T32 ITCB fellowship, through the VCU Massey Cancer Center, offers comprehensive education in advanced laboratory techniques, collaboration, translational research, science communication, and career development with widespread access to resources and mentorship opportunities that would otherwise be arduous. For pre-doctoral students interested in cancer research with a focus on translatability and community outreach, this fellowship offers invaluable training opportunities that prepare students to become successful independent scientists.
Lauren became interested in cancer research, specifically brain tumors, in college when she met a pediatric glioblastoma patient during her Undergraduate Neurosurgery Internship. Becoming aware of the limited progress in effective glioblastoma therapeutics and developing an interest in tumor immunology and immunotherapy led her towards the current glioma project in Dr. Kordula’s lab. “Once I defend my dissertation, I’ll be returning to medical school, where I will finish out the rest of my medical training to finally graduate with both my MD and PhD, hopefully in 2029, and pursue further glioma-based treatment ventures”, said Lauren, when asked about her post-dissertation plans.
Outside of research and medicine, Lauren is passionate about the outdoors and being active; a reminder that there is a plethora of beautiful things much larger than us individuals, keeping the world wholesome and in perspective of a wiser self. In the words of Lauren, a small message to every pre-doctoral student applying for the NCI-T32 fellowship, “You never know if you can or cannot unless you try! Taking every opportunity to prioritize your career and further your training to support your career goals is the best way to secure confidence in yourself and your ability to be an excellent, independent scientist”.
By Sumit Saha,
Department of CMGM, VCU SOM
Date: 1 August 2025