Two Western New England University (WNE) students will gain hands-on research experience this summer through competitive Pediatric Oncology Student Training (POST) grants awarded by the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
The grants—awarded separately to faculty mentors Dr. Dana-Lynn Koomoa-Lange and Dr. Ingo Koomoa-Lange—provide $5,000 each to support student researchers, funding their summer training and research efforts in high-impact areas of pediatric cancer.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Ingo Koomoa-Lange, undergraduate student Marwa Dreah will conduct research on “Immune-Driven Calcium Signaling and Survival Pathways in High-Risk Neuroblastoma,” a project aimed at better understanding how cancer cells survive and progress in aggressive forms of the disease.
Graduate student Caitlin Tedeschi, enrolled in WNE’s Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS) program, will work with Dr. Dana-Lynn Koomoa-Lange on a complementary project, “Pharmacological Approach to Elucidate Novel Mechanisms that Promote Metastatic Relapse in High-Risk Neuroblastoma,” exploring new strategies to prevent cancer recurrence.
Both projects focus on high-risk neuroblastoma, a particularly aggressive pediatric cancer, and reflect WNE’s growing emphasis on student-driven, faculty-mentored research that addresses real-world health challenges.
In addition to their laboratory work, Dreah and Tedeschi will participate in a national network of pediatric oncology researchers through programming organized by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. This includes virtual learning sessions and opportunities to connect with fellow student researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and leading experts from institutions such as the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and other research centers worldwide.
The POST program is designed to cultivate the next generation of cancer researchers by combining hands-on training with professional development and mentorship. For WNE students, the experience offers not only technical skill-building, but also exposure to a broader scientific community committed to advancing pediatric cancer research.
Through opportunities like these, Western New England University continues to expand pathways for students to engage in meaningful research—preparing them to contribute to critical advancements in science and medicine.
