Susan Waltz, PhD, has been named the next Associate Director for Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC). In addition to her new role within the Cancer Center, Dr. Waltz is a professor and director of the Graduate Program in Cancer and Cell Biology at the UC College of Medicine. Her research focuses on breast and prostate cancer, where the Ron receptor is believed to play a prominent role.

Dr. Waltz is ideally suited for this role as she is committed to educating and training future innovative leaders in translational, basic, clinical and population science-related cancer research. Waltz is the Co-Director of an NIH-sponsored (T-32) Training Program in Cancer Therapeutics. With a focus on new cancer treatments, her job is to help young researchers understand the mechanisms of cancer cell biology. The goal of the multi-disciplinary program is to expose trainees to both basic research involving cancer therapeutic agents and the clinical utilization of therapeutics. A particular emphasis is placed on the mechanisms through which basic scientific discovery is brought into the clinic through clinical trials.

“It's fabulous to relate to the younger generation because you get to help mold them and mentor them on how to understand new problems and become a problem solver,” said Waltz. “It's really satisfying to watch them blossom into researchers that are going to go out and make a difference.”