Masonic Cancer Center Research Symposium
The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota is hosting its 13th Annual Cancer Research Symposium on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. This symposium is for Masonic Cancer Center faculty, staff, trainees, and students to celebrate research accomplishments and to develop new ideas and collaborations.
Pre-registration is closed. In-person, day-of registration is available. The event is free to attend for MCC members and UMN staff.
Questions? Contact event organizers at [email protected] or 612-624-7552.
Symposium Agenda
Learn more about our speakers!
7:30 AM - Registration & Breakfast
8:30 AM - Welcome & Mentor Award | Jeffrey Miller, MD
9:00 AM - BJ Kennedy Keynote Lecturer in Medical Oncology
von Hippel-Lindau Disease: Insights into Cancer, Oxygen Sensing, and Drugging the Undruggable | William G. Kaelin, MD
10:00 AM - Poster Session #1
11:00 AM - Lung Cancer Across the Continuum: From Molecular Drivers to Population Impact
- Luke Hoeppner, PhD
- Naomi Fujioka, MD
- Robert Kratzke, MD
- Abbie Begnaud, MD
- Dana Carroll, PhD, MPH
12:15 PM - Lunch
12:45 PM - Faculty Flash Talk Competition
- Natalia Tretyakova, PhD | Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention
- Cancer Prevention and Control
- Kelly Makielski, DVM, MS, DACVIM | Genomics, Cell States, and Signaling
- Grace Bushnell, PhD | Immuno-Oncology and Tumor Microenvironment
- Cameron McDonald-Hyman, MD, PhD | Transplant, Cellular, and Experimental Therapeutics
- Elliot Arsoniadis, MD, PhD | Cancer Prevention and Control
1:00 PM - Abstract Winners Session (Top 3)
1:45 PM - Poster Session #2
2:45 PM - Decoding Cancer: The AI-Driven Future of Precision Oncology at the University of Minnesota
- J. Sunil Rao, PhD
- Justin Hwang, PhD
- Rui Zhang, PhD, FAMCI, FAMIA, FIAHSI
- Jasmine Foo, PhD
4:00 PM - Closing Remarks
4:15 PM - Reception
5:00 PM - Adjourn
Abstract Competition & Poster Session
View Poster Presenter Logistics
Top Abstracts
The top three outstanding abstracts will be selected to present a talk at the Symposium and each will receive a $1,500 travel award.
In addition to participating in the poster session, the top 10 abstract winners will be selected to attend lunch with the keynote speakers.
Poster Guidelines
A title page with presenter, mentor, and research program listed, as well as a keywords page with authors and a link to the electronic abstract will be provided by the Masonic Cancer Center at your poster site.
In addition to these two provided sheets, you should provide a poster with your abstract. There are two options for presentation:
- You can use up to four 8 ½ x 11 pages to create your poster. We recommend using an easily readable font size and landscape orientation. Suggested information layout is to have a Hypothesis and Approach page, two Data pages, and one Conclusions and Next Steps page.
- You can print one large poster. Posters should be 36 inches wide x 48 inches tall (91.5 cm wide x 122 cm tall). If you opt to print one poster, please do not deviate from the provided size. There is limited poster board space available, and these size limitations are set to ensure that you do not impose on your neighbor’s poster.
You will need to print your poster and bring it to the Symposium. The title page and key words page will be provided at your poster site. Detailed information regarding your poster location, set up timing, etc. will be emailed to you in April.
Exhibitor & Sponsor Opportunities
The mission of the Masonic Cancer Center’s Annual Cancer Research Symposium is to engage our 500+ members including faculty, researchers, trainees, and students in celebration of research accomplishments and to create a motivational event to spur new ideas and collaborations towards developing new research.
Industry partners are crucial collaborators to scientific progress and are invited to participate as exhibitors. Your support will help us achieve our goals in building this robust event while sharing your products with attendees.
Review the Sponsorship Opportunities
Please contact Lissa Martinez Huebner, Event Manager, with any questions at [email protected] or 612-624-7552.
FAQs
Who should attend?
We welcome all attendees! The event is developed for MCC faculty, staff, trainees & students to celebrate research accomplishments and to develop new collaborations. However, if you are curious about MCC, not sure how you fit into the puzzle, or are an outside participant, you are still welcome to attend.
I may need to get some work done during programming and don’t want to take up the seat of someone actively watching the presentations - what should I plan to do?
Thank you for your courtesy! The Symposium is being recorded, and we want to be sure that we are putting our best foot forward, filling the event space with active participants. Please use the room immediately adjacent to the registration desk (M Club Room) for meetings or active work times. The Symposium will be streamed via Zoom in this space, so you won’t need to worry about missing anything.
Are there lactation rooms available onsite?
Yes, lactation rooms are located on the main event floor (Club Cambria), next to the restrooms. We’ve reserved an additional space, suite 604. This is located on the 6th floor (Indoor Club Room).
How can I access the event space?
Enter Huntington Bank Stadium through the Benton County entrance - be sure to stop by the registration table on your way in!
I am presenting a poster and am not sure what to expect. Where can I find resources?
Information and logistics are available under the Abstract Competition and Poster Session tab. You can also expect to receive a number of emails from [email protected] with detailed information. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Where can I park?
Parking is available in the Victory lot and Maroon lot. Please expect to pay a parking fee of $6.00 - $10.00.
I’d like to take public transportation to this event.
Great! The nearest light rail stop is Stadium Village, a quick 2 minute walk away from the stadium. You may access this stop via the Green line.
How do I let you know about my dietary restrictions?
You will have the opportunity to share this information during registration! Our team will be in touch to ensure that meal options meet your needs. If you have any concerns, please reach out.
If I have questions about the event beforehand, who should I contact?
Please reach out to the event coordinator at [email protected].
What if I have questions on the event day?
There are two places that you can go to with questions: please see the team at the registration desk on the first floor, or visit the information table located by the escalators in Cambria Club.
How can I share my feedback?
You will receive a survey link after the event. If you have any pressing thoughts, we would love to hear them from you directly! Please reach out to [email protected].