Events

The Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics will continue its seminar series on the topic of mathematical sciences underpinning cancer research. The monthly seminars take place on the second Wednesday of the month, 2:00-3:00 PM EST. The presentations are open to the Columbia community (in person and online) and to researchers outside Columbia (via Zoom). On Wednesday, May 14th (2:00 PM ET), IICD welcomes Elaine Fuchs, Rebecca C. Lancefield Professor, The Rockefeller University and Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Seminar hosted by Elham Azizi. The seminar will take place in person in Schermerhorn Hall 603 (Morningside Heights campus). If you wish to attend the seminar remotely, please register using the following link: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqcOuorzojE9VNroPM5DPQ6P1t350y_b7E Title: Tissue Stem Cells: Coping With Stress and Cancer Abstract: At the interface of our body and the outside world, our epidermis forms the skin’s barrier that keeps pathogens out. As such it must confront mechanical stress, pollutants, noxious chemicals and pathogens. My laboratory focuses on the long-lived skin stem cells that replenish and repair the epidermis and its appendages (hair follicles, sweat and oil glands). After decades of research characterizing these stem cells and learning how they interact with their local tissue microenvironments (‘niches’) to achieve these tasks, we have turned to how these stem cells cope with the stresses of the external environment and how their malfunction leads to chronic inflammation and non-melanoma skin cancers. We use high throughput genetic and genomic approaches to dissect how changes in the skin’s external environment influence the behavior of the stem cells and their interactions with immune and other cell types of the skin. In doing so, we’ve learned that skin stem cells acquire and recall memories of experiences such as inflammation that happened long ago. This ability has profound implications for body health and fitness not only in beneficial but also maladaptive ways, particularly cancer. Bio: Elaine Fuchs is renowned for her research in skin biology, its stem cells and associated disorders, including cancers and inflammation. She is an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and has published >380 manuscripts. She received her Ph.D. from Princeton in Biochemistry, her postdoctorate in Cell Biology at MIT, and has been on the faculty, first at University of Chicago and now Rockefeller University. Her awards include the National Medal of Science, L’Oreal-UNESCO Award, International Society for Stem Cell Research’s Innovation Award, the Gairdner International Award and the Franklin Medal. Fuchs holds membership in the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, American Philosophical Society, Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and the Royal Society. She is an inaugural  member of the Academy of the American Association for Cancer Research, and now serves as its President.    If you would like to meet one-on-one (possibility via zoom) or attend the lunch or dinner with the speaker, please contact the event organizer.

More than 90 days ago, a sweeping freeze on U.S. foreign aid was implemented—initially described as a temporary review to align funding with evolving foreign policy goals. Today, that freeze has effectively become indefinite. Its ripple effects are being felt across the globe, disrupting health systems, humanitarian assistance, and critical health and development programs—particularly those serving people living in poverty and vulnerable communities. We have been tracking the impacts of this cut on global health programs. This webinar will present new global survey data and in-depth country analyses from Colombia, Kenya, and Nepal—nations directly impacted by the aid suspension. Speakers will share both sector-wide impacts and on-the-ground realities: essential health services interrupted, communities most affected, and the growing risks to marginalized populations and global health systems. Hosted by the Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health at Columbia University, in collaboration with CREHPA, HIAS, and policy/strategy group, this timely global webinar brings together researchers, frontline practitioners, policymakers, and advocates. Together, we’ll examine the far-reaching consequences of U.S. aid cuts and explore strategies to catalyze a coordinated, cross-sectoral response to protect and advance global health gains. Register here: https://columbiacuimc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PXHjmPWiQveR73eltd4_Dg#/registration

Join us for an inspiring panel and networking event celebrating excellence in Mentorship, Leadership, and Education  The CUIMC Women ERG is proud to host a dynamic event including a panel discussion featuring five exceptional panelists who have been nominated by their colleagues for their outstanding contributions in education, mentorship, and leadership. This event is part of our 2025 Spotlight Your Colleagues Campaign that took place in March in celebration of Women’s History Month, honoring individuals who make a significant impact across the CUIMC community. All nominees, including our panelists, will be honored as recipients of the 2025 Luminary Employee Recognition Award.   Agenda:  3:30 – 3:45PM: Sign-In and Registration  3:45 – 4:00PM: Speed Networking Bingo with Panelists and Nominees  4:00 – 4:10PM: Welcome Remarks & Panel Introduction  4:10 – 5:00PM: Panel Discussion & Interactive Q&A   Event Highlights:  Speed Networking Bingo: Participate in a fun and interactive networking activity designed to help you connect with nominees, panelists, and fellow attendees.  Engaging Panel Discussion: Hear directly from a few of our nominees as they share insights on mentorship, leadership, and education – with opportunities for audience interaction throughout the panel.  Why Attend?  Learn: Gain valuable insights and takeaways from experienced leaders.  Connect: Building meaningful connections with like-minded professionals through engaging activities.  Celebrate: Join us in recognizing and honoring the outstanding contributions of our 2025 Luminary nominees.  Learn more about the CUIMC Women ERG here.   Open to all CU ID holders, Registration is required.  

Title: "Wild type and mutant p53 activities" Guillermina (Gigi) Lozano, PhD Hubert L. Olive Stringer Distinguished Chair in Oncology in Honor of Sue Gribble Stringer Professor and Chair Department of Genetics The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Zoom Information   Join Zoom Meeting https://columbiacuimc.zoom.us/j/97870445230 Meeting ID: 978 7044 5230