In the high-stakes world of cancer research, where every breakthrough can save lives, early-stage investigators often struggle to find their footing. When Jingjing Sun, PhD, joined the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in September 2023, her journey was marked by both excitement and the uncertainty of starting an independent research career while navigating the competitive landscape of cancer research funding and collaboration.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was building a collaborative network beyond my immediate mentors and close colleagues,” Dr. Sun said. “Developing these connections is not always easy, as it takes time to gain visibility and credibility as an early-stage investigator.”
“The Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange Program completely transformed my opportunities,” said Dr. Sun. “On May 20, 2025, I visited the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Cancer Center. Presenting my work in this new academic setting connected me with colleagues I might never have met otherwise. Since then, I have submitted two collaborative proposals with Masonic Cancer Center researchers, and several exciting projects are in development.”
A Program Designed to Help New Scientists Succeed
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC) Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CRTEC) team coordinates monthly meetings with partner cancer centers, manages the selection process, and works with FPBCC Research Program Leaders to identify early-stage faculty members who would benefit most from these opportunities.
“Having opportunities to present seminars beyond your home institution can open doors you never knew existed,” said Joyce Solheim, PhD. “For early-stage faculty members, it’s a way to forge multi-institutional collaborations, present your ideas and receive feedback, and accelerate your growth as a scientist.”
For more details and the application process, please visit: https://go.unmc.edu/buffettcancercenter-faculty-scholar-exchange
The Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange Program emerged from the understanding that early-stage investigators need a well-built scientific ecosystem to succeed. Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Associate Director for Workforce Development and Engagement Priscila Rodrigues Armijo, MD, highlighted the program’s broader mission:
“This program is designed to empower the next generation of cancer leaders. It gives early-career faculty members a regional platform to showcase their work, receive mentorship, and build meaningful professional connections.”
With support from the Eppley Institute Seminar Committee, this program continues to bring distinguished researchers to UNMC. Recently, Jessica Lang, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin’s Carbone Cancer Center, presented her innovative research on how ovarian cancer cells develop resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy through genomic structural variants and epigenetic rewiring.
Later this year:
- Ting Fu, PhD – Carbone Cancer Center (Nov. 13, 2025)
- Stefani Thomas, PhD – Masonic Cancer Center (Apr. 9, 2026)
Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center members will be presenting at:
- Sandipan Brahma, PhD – Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center (Oct. 31, 2025)
- Grinu Mathew, PhD – University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (Apr. 15, 2026)
As more early-stage investigators join the program, a vibrant and interconnected cancer research community is taking shape across the Upper Midwest, fueled by fresh ideas and shared ambition.