data and software used to improve and boost cancer-

research collaboration. UAB was recognized because of its

major initiative to adapt its existing data-entry system to

work with caBIG tools. Those named in the UAB caBIG

Deployment Award for 2009 were Christie Bellah; Geoff

Gordon, M.S.E.E.; Rajesh Pillai; Poornima Pochana;

John-Paul Robinson; John Sandefur, M.B.A.; David Shealy,

Ph.D.; and Matthew Wyatt, M.S.H.I.

UAB WOMEN’S CANCER DOCTOR WINS

CANCER SOCIETY’S LIFESAVER AWARD

Warner Huh, M.D., an associate professor in the UAB

Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Cancer Center

associate scientist, received the American Cancer Society’s SEPTEMBER 2009 - ANNUAL FIESTA BALL HITS HOMERUN WITH THE INAUGURAL YOUNG

annual Caregiver Award at the 2009 Life Inspiration INVESTIGATOR GRANT

Awards. Dr. Huh is an expert in minimally invasive Each spring, the Cancer Center’s Young Supporters

robotic cancer and a renowned researcher in human Board hosts its annual Fiesta Ball to benefit young cancer

papillomavirus (HPV) researchers at UAB. Last year’s Fiesta Ball raised more than

vaccines. He is also $40,000, which was used to launch the Cancer Center’s

a noted leader in inaugural Young Investigator Grant. David Schneider,

the development of Ph.D., an associate scientist at the Cancer Center, was

gynecologic cancer the first recipient of the grant. Dr. Schneider’s research

screening and focuses on the mechanisms by which cells regulate the

treatment guidelines. expression of ribosomes, the cellular machines responsible

for making proteins and thus, cell proliferation. Dr.

Schneider was able to use these funds as seed money for

Dr. Warner Huh his research, and in less than a year, he presented his

findings to the National Cancer Institute and was awarded

a $1.2-million grant to continue his work.

UAB COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER 13