Givens' project, "A novel core-shell microparticle design for sustained release antitumorigenic activity," aims to be a proof-of-concept nanoparticle core-shell nanoparticle design to elicit synthetic lethality in endometrial cancer cells.
As recently highlighted in the New York Times and in academic literature for decades, endometrial cancer is one of the few cancers with rising incidence and mortality rates in the U.S. Furthermore, global incidence is rising, and mortality rates in Black women far exceed mortality rates in any other racial groups. Currently, chemotherapeutics have limited efficacy in aggressive and/or advanced endometrial cancer, thus exacerbating mortality rates.
Givens' hopes that this project will advance the understanding of materials used for nanoparticle-based therapeutics and ultimately improve treatment options for high-risk cancers.
The ORAU is committed to enriching the research skills and professional growth of young faculty members is embodied in the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards Program. These competitive research awards provide seed money for junior faculty members that often result in additional funding from other sources.