HOT Division Summer Internship Research Program

I’m Kimberly Lan, a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, studying English on a pre-med track. Prior to the HOT Division Summer Research Internship Program, I had a basic interest in medicine—most of it confined to wet lab research. Although I had some previous experience, the HOT Internship provided a comprehensive view into oncology immunology research methods. I also gained research-article reading comprehension skills as well as poster drafting and presentation proficiency. The internship also provided multiple clinical shadowing opportunities with a range of world-class oncologists, which gave me insight into the applications of medical science. Lastly, I connected with many students, professors, and physicians at the University of Minnesota: relationships that continue to support me as I continue my journey in medicine. 

I’m Allison Makovec, a 2024 graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and current Research Development Manager of a translational oncology lab. As a prospective MD/ PhD student, I'm interested in the rapidly advancing field of cancer genomics, with a particular focus on
characterizing genomic and biological features of aggressive cancer subtypes. My goal is to identify novel biomarkers that can inform the development of targeted therapies. The HOT Division Summer Research Internship Program helped me acquire skills directly related to my career goals. I particularly enjoyed the experiences in wet lab work, experimental design, and grant writing. This Program overall influenced my decision to pursue a career as a physician-scientist after I was given the opportunity to shadow physician-scientists in both oncology and hematology. In the two years following this internship, with great support from the lab, I have been awarded several research grants, presented at two international conferences, and been awarded the President's Student Leadership and Service award. This Program overall gave me certain insights and the mentorship needed to be successful in my future career in medicine.

Yvonne Datta, MD practices medicine in Classical Hematology, which includes the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders. Her main clinical interests are bleeding and clotting disorders, platelet disorders and sickle cell disease. She collaborates with Dr. David Wood in sickle cell disease research. Dr. Datta has a strong interest in education as she is the Director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program in the HOT Division, and is a member of the University of Minnesota Medical School Admissions committee. Advising undergraduate students in their path to medical school admission is one of her favorite academic activities. 

Stuart Bloom, MD, MSc is an Associate Professor and he spent his 20's in New York City as an actor and musical comedian, but after he turned 30, and his own father was diagnosed with cancer, he had an epiphany and decided to become an oncologist. After an award winning, 20 year run in community oncology, he joined the HOT Division at the Medical School as part of the Master Clinician pathway. While he remains dedicated to the care of patients with breast and prostate cancers, he has multiple other passions he offers to medical school students and faculty. These include the teaching of doctoring skills, exploring and addressing the causes of medical burnout, and further developing the intersection of the humanities in medicine. His acclaimed musical “How to Avoid Burnout in 73 Minutes” has played a sold out run at the Open Eye Theatre, with the plan on performing this musical at medical schools around the country.

Emil Lou, MD, PhD, FACP is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and board certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine. In addition, he is also board certified in Neuro-Oncology through the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties. Dr. Lou runs a laboratory focusing on the cellular biology of gastro-intestinal tumors in addition to translation clinical research.  He has carved out a unique and interesting niche for himself through his study of tunneling nanotubules. His research focuses on identifying cellular and molecular factors that cause drug resistance of aggressive cancers.  His team is the forefront of an emerging niche of cell biology focusing on intercellular communications.  He is a nationally recognized leader in this area. Dr. Lou has mentored a variety of learners across multiple levels to encompass clinical and basic/translational research trainees.  This includes involvement in continuity clinics and educating fellows, residents and student observers in clinical settings

Joan Beckman, MD, PhD is the Lois and Richard King Assistant Professor of Medicine and is a dedicated physician-scientist who is passionate about caring for patients with benign hematologic conditions. She has a clinical interest in patients with acquired and congenital bleeding disorders as well as patients with anemia. Dr. Beckman conducts translational research in the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving inflammation-induced pathology in endothelial cells and blood vessels. Her current research focuses on evaluating the contribution of red blood cell and endothelial cell interactions in JAK2 V617F and CALR+ myeloproliferative neoplasm patients.

Julie Ostrander, PhD is an Associate Professor of Medicine.  Her research focuses on studying the scaffolding protein PELP1 in the context of breast cancer progression. The recent studies have found that PELP1 signaling promotes cell survival in the presence of tamoxifen; enhances breast epithelial cell migration through upregulation inflammatory cytokines and chemokines; and promotes CSC phenotypes in models of ER-positive breast cancer. Her lab has identified a novel cytoplasmic interaction between PELP1 and SRC-3. The objective of her current research is to identify the molecular mechanisms associated with PELP1-induced BCSC phenotypes and therapy resistance.

Robert Kratzke, MD is a Professor of Medicine and Section Head of Medical Oncology in HOT Division as well as a member of the Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program at the Masonic Cancer Center. He has spent his entire career in translational mesothelioma and lung cancer research. In recent years he has redirected his research interests to the dual projects of oncolytic virotherapy and targeting cap-mediated translation for lung cancer or mesothelioma therapy. In addition, he holds leadership roles in the Alliance for Cancer Clinical Trials including directing thoracic oncology correlative science projects and serving as Vice-Chair of the Respiratory Committee for this NIH sponsored organization. Dr. Kratzke has worked on numerous lung cancer projects for the CALGB including analyses of patient outcomes, biomarkers, and staging and he is active in the oversight and analysis of both the Alliance lung cancer tissue bank and PLCO tissue and blood samples. During the course of his career, he has mentored numerous fellows and trainees in the study of mesothelioma and lung cancer including funded researchers at institutions such as Stanford University, the University of Minnesota, and the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.