An assistant professor of biochemistry and cancer biology in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences has received a commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives for receiving a grant from The University of Toledo Medical Research Society.
State Rep. Michael Ashford (D-Toledo) has honored Dr. Kathryn Eisenmann for her efforts in researching the development of cancer-fighting treatments, including ways to prevent cancer cells from spreading through the body.
Eisenmann
Last June, Eisenmann received $50,000 from the UT Medical Research Society to support her research to develop a drug that will allow cancer-fighting treatments to more effectively penetrate tumor cells.
This research is vital because ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. About 200,000 women in the United States live with this cancer, and 55 percent of women diagnosed succumb to the disease within five years.
“It was a nice surprise to get the commendation in the mail,” Eisenmann said. “It was very encouraging because we scientists receive a lot of criticisms on a day-to-day basis — from reviewers, from scientific journals and from granting agencies. It is part of the job, but nonetheless, it is wonderful to get this kind of positive feedback. I am excited to see that our Ohio House of Representatives is pulling for the sciences.”
Ashford wrote on the award: “Throughout your career in the field of medicine, you have supported countless peers in their research endeavors and have helped to nurture within them a desire for excellence. Willingly giving of your time, energy and abilities far beyond what was required or expected, you have earned the respect and gratitude of your colleagues, your university and your community, and you are certainly deserving of high praise.”
