Director's Cut

Director's message

As we enter the fourth quarter of 2025, I’m reminded of the final stretch of a football game — when every play counts, every teammate matters and the goal line is in sight. This is our time to execute with precision, rally with purpose and finish the year with the same grit and determination that has carried us this far.

The new home of CCRI is shown in this architectural rendering.

Journey to NCI designation sees progress in past year

Earning National Cancer Institute designation is like a running a race, said Dr. Rod Rocconi, director of the Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Ergon Chair for Cancer Research.

Dr. Devika Das named to UMMC, CCRI roles

Dr. Devika Das is the new director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UMMC and associate director of clinical affairs for the Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Lung Cancer Roundtable is Nov. 7-8

Dr. Pierre De Delva, chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, is chairing the Mississippi Lung Cancer Roundtable annual meeting Nov. 7-8 at the Sheraton Refuge and Conference Center. Free CME hours are offered.

Dr. Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz is Researcher of the Year

Dr. Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz, an assistant professor in the John D. Bower School of Population Health, has been named CCRI’s 2025 Researcher of the Year for her groundbreaking work in cancer health disparities. Pictured from left are Dr. Rod Rocconi, Dr. Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz and Dr. Ajay Singh.

Dr. Manju George speaker at 2025 Industry Roundtable

Dr. Manju George, assistant professor of population health science at the John D. Bower School of Population Health, scientific director at COLONTOWN/Paltown Development Foundation and chair of the Mississippi Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, was among the speakers at the 2025 AACR Industry Roundtable, held Oct. 8-9 in Philadelphia.

Recent publications

Recent publications of CCRI research include therapeutic potential for breast cancer and identifying a key driver of ovarian cancer growth.

October observances: Shining a light on cancer care

As we step into October, it's time to note two significant causes: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

October 2025