The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center

Patient Care
- Research Overview
- - Membership Directory
    Search a listing of full members of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, as well as directories of members by research program.
  - Membership Criteria
    Learn about the criteria for becoming a member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
  - Become a Member
    Apply for membership in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center by submitting a short form.
- - Shared Resources
    The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is home to state-of-the-art facilities and provides support to shared resources at UNMC.
  - UNMC Cores and Shared Resources
    Researchers also have access to shared resources through the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
  - Request Research Space
    Complete this form to request research space.
  - Research Funding Opportunities
    NCI-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center supports Principal Investigators through pilot grants and seed funding to explore novel research ideas and engage in team science projects that address critical cancer care and treatment challenges.
- - Cancer Biology Program
    The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Cancer Biology Program represents a long-standing commitment to cancer mechanisms-focused research.
  - Translational Cancer Research Program
    This program develops and delivers small molecules to modulate validated cancer targets as eventual cancer therapeutics.
  - Cancer Prevention & Control Program
    This program aims at identifying and understanding the factors influencing cancer risk, with a special emphasis on disparities and rural populations in the catchment area.
- - Registries
    View registries that are currently enrolling subjects through iCaRe2.
  - Information for Patients
    Participation helps researchers understand specific cancer types, determine risk factors, advance treatment for patients and discover cancer prognostic markers.
  - Information for Researchers
    iCaRe2 aims to foster clinical and epidemiological studies and accelerate the secondary use of cancer and health related data for translational research.
  - Information for Sponsors
    Your gift will support the continuous system growth and improve strides in personalized medicine, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.
- Community Outreach Overview
- Mission
  We are committed to reducing the cancer burden across Nebraska through strong partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and programs informed by community needs and priorities.
- Community Advisory Board
  This board advises on the direction of cancer center research, dissemination of evidence from ongoing research activities, and policy recommendations.
- Speaker's Bureau
  The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Speakers Bureau provides resources to community groups across Nebraska including experts to give presentations on cancer-related topics.
- Resources
  The Community Outreach and Engagement Office provides such resources as videos, infographics, reports and community needs assessments.
- Our Team
  Find members of the Community Outreach and Engagement Office team.
- Training & Education Overview
- Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange Program
  Learn about a new opportunity for Early Stage Investigators to share their research at peer institutions.
- Leadership Overview
- Director's Message
  Read a message from Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
- About the Center
  Learn about the mission and vision of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

Community Advisory Board

The Community Advisory Board meets quarterly to advise on current and future directions of cancer center research, dissemination of evidence from ongoing research activities, and policy recommendations.

Specifically, the Community Advisory Board sets out to:

Make recommendations that will enhance cancer center research in Nebraska.
Identify, recommend and assist in implementing initiatives that address barriers experienced by patients, referring physicians, and other referral services.
Improve access to cancer care by enhancing communication between community members and healthcare professionals, including physicians, clinicians, administrators, and researchers.
Foster high-quality research that informs state cancer policies.

The Community Advisory Board reflects people from different populations and communities across the area we serve to help guide the cancer center’s outreach, education, and research efforts based on community needs. The board includes members from the state cancer group, health department, cancer advocacy groups, and healthcare providers.

Board Members

Abigail Anderson

Program Manager, Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NECCP) – DHHS

Vira Brooks

Survivor; My Sister's Keeper

Mehmet Copur

Medical Director of Oncology, Mary Lanning HealthCare

Julie Chytil

Advocate for Education, Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NECCP)

Vivian Garcia

Minority Health Outreach Manager, OneWorld Community Health Centers

April Gomez

Associate Director of Nursing, Charles Drew Health Center, Inc.

Douglas A. Kristensen

Former Chancellor, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Aravind Menon

Chair, Community Advisory Board
Epidemiologist, Two Rivers Health Department

Beth Nacke

Statewide Rural Health Extension Educator

Rhiannon Pitzl

Chief Operating Officer, Ponca Health Services

Donna Polk

Chief Executive Director, Nebraska Urban Indian Health

Laura Schabloske

Executive Director, Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2)

Karen Kliment Thompson

VP Ancillary Services, Community Hospital
American College of Healthcare Executives

Mona Zuffante

Winnebago Chief Public Health Officer, Winnebago Public Health