The Katzen Cancer Research Center supports a diverse portfolio of innovative research projects that advance the scientific priorities of the GW Cancer Center and accelerate progress toward improved cancer outcomes.
Funded projects span basic, translational, clinical, and population sciences, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and team science. Awards are designed to generate competitive data that position investigators for sustained, peer‑reviewed external funding.
Research Focus Areas
Katzen‑funded projects align with GW Cancer Center research themes, including:
- Cancer biology and immunology
- Cancer engineering and technology
- Microbial oncology
- Cancer control, prevention, and policy
Current and Previous Awards
Each year, the Center supports team‑based and open‑call awards that foster interdisciplinary partnerships and novel approaches to cancer research. Current and previous funded projects highlight the breadth and impact of Katzen‑supported investigations and their contributions to advancing cancer science at GW.
Current Awards (2025)
Katzen Team Science Awards
- Alberto Bosque, PhD, MBA
Katherine Bakshian Chiappinelli, PhD
Targeting PTPN1 and PTPN2 for Improved Epigenetic Induction of Anti‑Tumor Immune Responses in Solid Tumors - Lorien Abroms, ScD, MA
David Broniatowski, PhD
Generative AI Chatbots for Smoking Cessation
Recent Awards (2024)
Katzen Open Call Awards
- Rebecca Lynch, PhD
Leveraging Antibody Responses Against Transposable Elements as a Novel Immune Therapy for Ovarian Cancer - Maho Shibata, PhD
Investigating Macrophage–Nerve Interactions in Prostate Cancer - Allison Sylvetsky, PhD
Countermarketing to Reduce Sugary Drink Consumption Among Black Children
Previous Awards
2019 Katzen Pilot Awards
- Rebecca Kaltman, MD
Cancer Telegenetics for Underserved Women in the D.C. Area - Erik Rodriguez, PhD
Tools to Image and Treat Cancer - Avi Dor, PhD
Impact of Policy and System Interventions on HPV Vaccination and Incidence of Cervical Cancer - Inhee Chung, PhD
Integrated 3D Cellular Imaging Platform for Assessing Cancer Dissemination Potential
Advancing Cancer Research at GW
Collectively, these projects reflect the Katzen Cancer Research Center’s commitment to:
- Supporting early‑stage, high‑impact cancer research
- Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration
- Addressing cancer disparities and improving health equity
- Accelerating the translation of discovery into real‑world impact