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Recognizing our outstanding cancer research trainee – UF Health Cancer Center Cancer Training and Education Program

UF Health Cancer Center Cancer Training and Education Program/LinkedIn

Apr 24, 2025, 16:13

Recognizing our outstanding cancer research trainee – UF Health Cancer Center Cancer Training and Education Program

UF Health Cancer Center Cancer Training and Education Program shared a post on LinkedIn:

“This Lab Week, please help us recognize our outstanding cancer research trainee John F., an M.D.-Ph.D. student studying cancer biology in the University of Florida College of Medicine!

Jack works in the lab of UF Health Cancer Center member Catherine Flores, Ph.D. The lab is focused on developing new therapies that leverage the immune system against pediatric and adult brain tumors.

His research is focused on understanding how our immunotherapies overcome a key hallmark of cancer known as cancer immunosuppression. An aspiring clinician-scientist, he was the recipient of a UF Health Cancer Center Predoctoral Award this year to advance this research.

‘Working in a cancer research lab is meaningful for me because everyone in some way is affected by cancer. Additionally, much of the science developed in our lab is being evaluated in clinical trials at the University of Florida. When innovative science meets clinical investigation, this affords scientists and clinicians with the chance to find a solution for patients. Everyone in some way benefits from these discoveries and that is what makes this work so meaningful.’ Jack said.

While he was an undergraduate, the innovative science led by Steven Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., at the NCI motivated Jack to join a cancer research lab at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

‘While there, I saw the direct impact of our science through the hospital’s close integration of patient care and scientific discovery. This mission motivates me to develop novel cures to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients diagnosed with cancer.’ he said.

Jack shared his advice for others in research.

‘Cancer research is both incredibly rewarding but challenging. To anyone interested or working in science, embrace this challenge and never give up. I find that the more that I stick with my research, the better it gets and the more meaningful it becomes.’ he said.

Please help us thank Jack and all of our hardworking lab professionals for their meaningful contributions on behalf of patients with cancer!”

Recognizing our outstanding cancer research trainee - UF Health Cancer Center Cancer Training and Education Program