This year’s Annual Scientific Retreat brought together researchers, clinicians, trainees and community members from across Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic to share new discoveries, explore emerging areas of cancer research and connect across disciplines.
The two-day program featured research presentations spanning tumor-host interactions, novel therapeutics, genetics and clinical outcomes, along with opportunities for discussion and collaboration across Case CCC’s research programs.
The event opened with a look at the past year’s accomplishments from Case CCC Director Gary Schwartz, MD, followed by three TED-style talks that brought community and clinical perspectives to the retreat. Waverly Willis, owner/operator of Urban Kutz Barbershop and a member of the Case CCC Community Advisory Board; Gregory Hall, MD; and Cuyahoga County Poet Laureate Honey Bell-Bey shared perspectives on entrepreneurship, health disparities, precision health, trauma and healing.
An early-career faculty spotlight, poster session and reception concluded the first day, giving researchers and trainees an opportunity to share their work and connect with colleagues from across the consortium.
Day Two featured scientific presentations from investigators across Case CCC, including research on immune evasion, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, precision oncology, cancer metabolism and more. The program also included breakout discussions for Case CCC’s research programs, creating opportunities to identify potential collaborations and discuss shared scientific priorities.
The retreat’s keynote address was delivered by Ross Levine, MD, Chief Scientific Officer of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who presented “Deciphering and Targeting Clonal Evolution.” The program concluded with presentations on cancer genetics, aging, survivorship and clinical outcomes, followed by the poster awards.
Community Engagement
Connecting Research to Community
The retreat made space for connection beyond the scientific program, with community outreach tables featuring local and national organizations working to support people affected by cancer. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about resources for cancer awareness and screening, as well as programs supporting people and families coping with a cancer diagnosis.
We thank our community partners and Case CCC Community Advisory Board members for joining us and sharing information about their work:
Celebrating Our Trainees
Congratulations to Our Poster Award Winners
Congratulations to the trainees and researchers recognized for their outstanding poster presentations.
Poster Group Winners
- Laila Alkhouli
- Vrishabhadev Sathish Kumar
- Chitra Rawat
- Allyson Koepfler
- Claire Fritz
- Karlie Lucas
- Subha Singh
- Stephen Wang
- Ritisha Rashmil
- Parsa Rezvani
- Ian Zagorac
- Susobhan Sarkar
Community Health Partners Chosen Winners
- Emely Loscalzo
- Zeynep Cansev
- Evan Dubrunfaut
Chosen Abstract Presenters
- Evan Joseph
- Pooneh Koochaki
- Chao Wei
The poster session highlighted the breadth of research being conducted across the Case CCC consortium and provided trainees with an opportunity to share their work with investigators from across the cancer center.
Thank You
A Collaborative Effort
The Annual Scientific Retreat would not be possible without the many people who contributed their time, ideas and expertise to make the event happen.
Thank you to the Annual Scientific Retreat Organizing Committee; co-chairs Rebecca Obeng, MD, PhD, and Monica Wagner, PhD, RN; Case CCC Assistant Director of Programming Operations Carolyn Hicks and the Case CCC events team; Developmental Awards Manager and event photographer Jessica Cola; and everyone who helped plan, coordinate and support this year’s program.
Many thanks to everyone who presented, attended, asked questions, shared research and made connections throughout the two days. We look forward to continuing the conversations and collaborations sparked by this year’s retreat.