The Society for Women in Urology and the Society and the Society for Basic Urological Research recognize a female scientist annually for advancing the field of basic science urological research. This year, the Excellence in Urologic Research Award went to Kerry L. Burnstein, Ph.D., associate director for education and training at Sylvester and professor and chair of the Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The joint award from SWIU and the Society for Basic Urological Research (SBUR) recognizes career research achievements. In Dr. Burnstein’s case, this means discoveries that combat therapeutic resistance in advanced prostate cancer. Aggressive prostate tumors become resistant to androgen-deprivation therapy. The Burnstein lab identifies and exploits vulnerabilities inherent in the intracellular signaling within these specific tumors, as well as their communication with cells in the tumor microenvironment. The findings could someday translate to more effective treatments for men with these advanced, treatment-resistant prostate tumors.

Dr. Burnstein said she would not be at this point in her career without the culture of interdisciplinary collaboration at Sylvester and the Miller School. “The success of my research in recent years has depended critically on interdisciplinary approaches – including yeast genetic screens and novel computational technologies to identify actionable targets for prostate cancer,” she said.

“Collaboration is really the only way to address important biomedical problems.”

Sylvester and the Miller School also facilitate Dr. Burnstein’s research through “seed” funds. “The importance of such funding cannot be overestimated,” she said. “In general, obtaining extramural grants requires significant amounts of preliminary data – having a good idea is not nearly enough!”