Jaye Gardiner, a postdoctoral fellow at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, was awarded the 2022 Merton Bernfield Memorial Award from the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), making her one of 18 scientists from across the country to be recognized for their achievements in the life sciences.
“I’m greatly honored to receive this award and to be in such distinguished company,” said Gardiner, who conducts her research in the lab of Edna “Eti” Cukierman, PhD, who is co-director of the Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute at Fox Chase.
Gardiner’s research focuses on the tumor microenvironment (TME), also known as desmoplasia, which consists of the cells in the immediate vicinity of cancer cells. Gardiner said the TME plays a key role in the growth of tumors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. It does this in part by maintaining an immunosuppressive environment that allows tumors to grow.
The Merton Bernfield Memorial Award was established to honor outstanding postdocs or graduate students with member donations in memory of pediatrician and cell biologist Merton Bernfield. Gardiner will be recognized at the Cell Bio 2022 meeting this December in Washington, DC, where she will also deliver a talk.
Adapted from original content by Amy Merves, Fox Chase Cancer Center. Used with permission.
About the Author:
Mary Spiro is ASCB's Strategic Communications Manager.