Interested PDA Position: Vice Chair & Research Day Chair
Steven Forsythe
Tell us about yourself.
I am a postdoctoral scholar under Dr. J Bart Rose in the Department of Surgery-General Oncology. My current project is the development and testing of novel targeted therapeutics for multiple forms of pancreatic cancer. I have previously worked on projects involving biomaterial development, the body-on-a-chip organoid program for toxicity testing, and precision medicine-based cancer therapies utilizing novel organoid culture. I received my doctorate in cancer biology from the Wake Forest School of Medicine and have research experiences at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD.
What is your vision for the PDA?
I believe the PDA should work to create more balanced individuals through both professional and personal development. Burnout is a significant factor plaguing researchers, and it easy to see how stress affects the individuals entire career trajectory. I think efforts should be made to create opportunities for better program cohesion.
Describe your leadership experience, service activities, and involvement with associations like the PDA.
I have attended events with the PDA including the postdoc event at the Abroms-Engel Institute, research festival, and several professional development sessions.
If elected to your chosen position, what initiatives or activities would you like to implement?
I would like to include more social events interacting with the Birmingham area, including hiking, attending museums, and other extracurricular activities.