Sylvester celebrated four distinguished faculty members whose work earned them prestigious endowed positions, each a testament to innovation, leadership and the generosity of donors who make these honors possible. These appointments don’t just recognize individual achievement, they also accelerate research that transforms patient care.
Daniel Isom, Ph.D.
The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research Endowed Chair
Dr. Daniel Isom’s appointment reflects his pioneering work in cancer metabolism and signaling pathways. His research explores how cancer cells adapt to survive under stress, focusing on the molecular switches that drive growth and resistance. By targeting these pathways, Dr. Isom aims to develop therapies that disrupt cancer’s survival mechanisms. His lab uses advanced biochemical and computational approaches to uncover vulnerabilities in aggressive tumors, offering hope for new treatments. The Pap Corps’ support ensures that Dr. Isom can expand this work, positioning Sylvester at the forefront of precision oncology.
Kerry Burnstein, Ph.D.
J. Enloe Dodson Chair in Cancer Research
A global leader in prostate cancer research, Dr. Kerry Burnstein has dedicated her career to understanding androgen receptor signaling and its role in treatment resistance. Her studies have revealed how cancer cells adapt to therapies, guiding the development of next-generation drugs that overcome these barriers. With this endowed chair, Dr. Burnstein is advancing research into molecular drivers of advanced prostate cancer and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her work exemplifies Sylvester’s commitment to translating discovery into therapies that improve survival and quality of life for patients worldwide.
Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN
Brigitte Burke Endowed Chair for Women’s Cancer Research
Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN, co-leader of Sylvester’s Cancer Control Program and director of lifestyle medicine, prevention and digital health is redefining survivorship through lifestyle medicine. Her research demonstrates how nutrition, physical activity and stress management can reduce recurrence risk and enhance well-being for women with cancer. Through clinical trials and digital health platforms, Dr. Crane empowers patients to take an active role in their recovery. This endowed chair enabled her to expand programs that integrate behavioral science with oncology, ensuring that care addresses the whole person, mind, body and spirit. Her work is shaping national standards for survivorship and preventive care.
Justin Taylor, M.D.
The Pap Corps Endowed Professorship in Leukemia
Research from Justin Taylor, M.D., associate professor of hematology, focuses on the genetic drivers of leukemia and how these mutations influence disease progression and treatment response. His team uses cutting-edge genomic technologies to identify targets for novel therapies, aiming to improve outcomes for patients with aggressive blood cancers. By combining laboratory discoveries with clinical trials, Dr. Taylor is accelerating the development of personalized treatments. The Pap Corps’ investment in this professorship underscored the importance of philanthropy in advancing cures for leukemia and other hematologic malignancies.
These endowed positions underscore the vital role of philanthropy in fueling discovery, ensuring that world-class researchers have the resources to pursue bold ideas and deliver breakthroughs that shape the future of cancer care. The faculty members holding them embody Sylvester’s unwavering commitment to advancing science and improving lives.