Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded 60 Research Fellowships totaling $3.1 million in seed funding to raise awareness about cholangiocarcinoma and inspire innovative, high-quality research.
The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Research Fellowship Program is aimed at supporting early-career researchers focusing on studies in cholangiocarcinoma.
2024 Research Fellowship Awards
Mark R. Clements Memorial Research Fellowship:
Binbin Li, Mayo Clinic
Cancer cell senescence promotes tumor immunosuppression in cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of the Cholangiocarcinoma’s Co-founder, Mark R. Clements, who passed away from the disease in 2007, CCF is supporting the Mark R. Clements Memorial Research Fellowship grant. This year’s grant is awarded to Binbin Li from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Binibin will be investigating how cancer cell senescence promotes tumor immunosuppression in cholangiocarcinoma.
AstraZeneca/CCF Research Fellowship
Pilar Acedo, Royal Free Hospital
Unraveling fibroinflammatory and immune signatures in PSC and CCA by spatial multiomics
The Research Fellowship grant focuses on the important role that scientific research plays in expanding knowledge about cholangiocarcinoma. This year’s grant is awarded to Pilar Acedo from Royal Free Hospital, UCL, in the UK. Pilar will investigate unraveling fibroinflammatory and immune signatures in PSC and CCA by spatial multiomics.
Linda Blum Memorial Research Fellowship
Liberalis Boila, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Understanding PP2A regulation and its impact on drug sensitivity in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of Linda Blum, who passed away from the disease in 2007, Mel Blum and his family are supporting the Linda Blum Memorial Research Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded to Liberalis Boila from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Liberalis will investigate PP2A regulation and its influence on drug sensitivity in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Julienne Morriss Callaway Research Fund
Iwan Paolucci, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Radiomics-based prediction of response to immunotherapy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of Julienne Morriss Callaway, who passed away from the disease in 2019, Jack Callaway and the Callaway family set up the Julienne Morriss Callaway Research Fund, which supports a Memorial Research Fellowship in her name. This fellowship is awarded to Iwan Paolucci from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Iwan will investigate radiomics-based prediction of response to immunotherapy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Bart Green Memorial Research Fellowship
Eranga Roshan Balasooriya Loku Balasooriyage, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School Anderson Cancer Center
Targeting cholangiocarcinoma cells that survive FGFR inhibition
In memory of Bart Green, who passed away from the disease in 2014, the Green Family is supporting the Bart Green Memorial Research Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded to Eranga Roshan Balasooriya Loku Balasooriyage from Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School. He will be investigating targeting cholangiocarcinoma cells that survive FGFR inhibition.
Stewart Mather Memorial Research Fellowship
Davide Povero, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Metabolic vulnerabilities driving susceptibility to ferroptosis in cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of Stewart Mather, who passed away from the disease in 2020, Colleen Mather and the Mather Family Foundation are supporting the Stewart Mather Memorial Research Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded to Davide Povero from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. Davide will be investigating metabolic vulnerabilities driving susceptibility to ferroptosis in cholangiocarcinoma.
The Quack Out Cholangio 5k Research Fellowship Grants
Caitlin Conboy, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education
Therapeutic vulnerabilities of ARID1A and PBRM1-deficient cholangiocarcinoma
The first Quack Out Cholangio 5k Research Fellowship Grant honors Bill Hayes and Al Lemieux. This year’s first fellowship is awarded to Caitlin Conboy from Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Caitlin is our first encore recipient, having successfully received a fellowship grant last year. Caitlin will be investigating the therapeutic vulnerabilities of ARID1A and PBRM1-deficient cholangiocarcinoma.
The Quack Out Cholangio 5k Research Fellowship Grants
Elizabeth Raupach, Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale
Dual targeting of P-TEFb and superenhancers in cholangiocarcinoma
The second Quack Out Cholangio 5k Research Fellowship Grant honors Mark Risley and Keith Moss. This year’s second fellowship is awarded to Elizabeth Raupach from Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Elizabeth will be investigating the dual targeting of P-TEFb and superenhancers in cholangiocarcinoma.
Maria Vandervoort Memorial Research Fellowship
Alicia-Marie Conway, The University of Manchester
Blood-based biomarker discovery for the diagnosis and earlier detection of cholangiocarcinoma
This research grant is in memory of Maria Vandervoort, who passed away from the disease in 2022. Glen Vandervoort supports the Maria Vandervoort Memorial Research Fellowship to honor her legacy and is dedicated to scientific inquiry. This fellowship is awarded to Alicia-Marie Conway from The University of Manchester, UK. Alicia-Marie will investigate the discovery of blood-based biomarkers to detect and diagnose cholangiocarcinoma earlier.
Cheryl S. Sessions Memorial Research Fellowship
Mohamed-Reda Benmebarek, National Cancer Institute, NIH
Anti-VEGF treatment enhances immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced antitumor responses by targeting B and regulatory T cells
In memory of Cheryl S. Sessions, who passed away from the disease in July 2022, the Sessions family is supporting the Cheryl S. Sessions Memorial Research fellowship grant. This fellowship is awarded to Mohamed-Reda Benmebarek from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. Mohamed-Reda will investigate how anti-VEGF treatment enhances immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced immune responses by targeting B and regulatory T-cells.
Michael Shane Memorial Research Fellowship
Gordon Taylor Moffat, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Exploring the genomic and immune profile of KRAS mutations within cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of Michael Shane, who passed away from the disease in 2019, Felice Shane is supporting the Michael Shane Memorial Research Fellowship. This fellowship is awarded to Gordon Taylor Moffat from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Gordon will investigate the characterization of KRAS Allele Variants within Biliary Tract Cancers.
2023 Research Fellowship Awards
Andrea Lynn Scott Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Jason Scott & family in memory of Andrea Scott
Jennifer Tomlinson, Mayo Clinic
The Role of YAP in Cholangiocarcinoma Tumor Immunity
In memory of Andrea Scott, Jason Scott, family, and friends are supporting the Andrea Lynn Scott Memorial Research Fellowship grant. The grant is being awarded to Jennifer Tomlinson from Mayo Clinic. Jennifer will be investigating the Role of YAP in Cholangiocarcinoma Tumor Immunity.
“I am incredibly thankful to have been given the opportunity to further my scientific exploration of cholangiocarcinoma oncogenesis and biochemical signaling. Through the Andrea Scott Memorial fellowship, I hope to make meaningful scientific progress that will one day improve the lives of patients with this disease.”
AstraZeneca/CCF Research Fellowship
Supported by AstraZeneca
Martina Nebbia, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
A safety switch for safe clinical application of tumor antigen-specific CAR -T cell immunotherapy in multi-focal and metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Supported by AstraZeneca, the AstraZeneca/CCF Research Fellowship grant, is being awarded to Martina Nebbia from Massachusetts General Hospital. Martina will be investigating a safety switch for safe clinical application of tumor antigen-specific CAR -T cell immunotherapy in multi-focal and metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
“We strongly believe that the novel strategy based on tumor antigen-specific CAR -T cell immunotherapy will have a major impact on the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, and the results generated from this project will provide the background to translate our strategy into a clinical setting to treat patients with multi-focal or metastatic disease.
As a young investigator, it’s a huge honor for me to have been selected for the AstraZeneca/CCF Research Fellowship. I’m grateful to AstraZeneca for supporting this project and believing in our research and to CCF to make all of this possible.”
Bruce Coppock Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF Board and Staff – In memory of Bruce Coppock to honor his years of service
Tin-Yun Tang, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
MTAP Loss Clonality and Targeting in Cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of Bruce Coppock, who passed away from the disease in December, the CCF board and staff are supporting the Bruce Coppock Memorial Research Fellowship grant, to recognize and honor Bruce’s years of service. The grant is being awarded to Tin-Yun Tang from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Tin-Yun will be investigating MTAP Loss Clonality and Targeting in Cholangiocarcinoma.
Jacques Dupont Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Barbara Dupont, her family and friends in memory of Jacques Dupont
Jonathan Xia, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
Integrating Multi-omics in Bile for Biomarker Discovery in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of Jacques Dupont, Barbara Dupont, family, and friends are supporting the Jacques Dupont Memorial Research Fellowship grant. The grant is being awarded to Jonathan Xia from McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. Jonathan will be investigating the integration of Multi-omics in Bile for Biomarker Discovery in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Cholangiocarcinoma.
Kathleen & Paul Sidenblad Research Fellowship
Supported by Kathleen and Paul Sidenblad
Benjamin Green, University of Hawaii Cancer Center
A peptide vaccine targeting WT1 for immunotherapy against intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Supported by Kathleen and Paul Sidenblad, the Kathleen and Paul Sidenblad research fellowship grant is being awarded to Benjamin Green from University of Hawaii Cancer Center. Benjamin will be investigating a peptide vaccine targeting WT1 for immunotherapy against intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
“I strongly believe in the potential of peptide vaccines to become an important treatment in the fight against cholangiocarcinoma. As a new investigator who has treated cholangiocarcinoma first-hand, it means so much to receive support from a fellowship through this patient-driven organization. Thank you, Kathleen and Paul Sidenblad and CCF, for believing in me and our team’s research.”
Marion U. Schwartz Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF in memory of Marion U. Schwartz
Ethan Ludmir, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Integrating Radiomics and Immunogenomics to Predict Tumor-Related Liver Failure for Patients with Metastatic Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of Marion U. Schwartz, CCF is supporting the Marion U. Schwartz Memorial Research Fellowship grant. The grant is being awarded to Ethan Ludmir from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Ethan will be investigating the integration of Radiomics and Immunogenomics to Predict Tumor-Related Liver Failure for Patients with Metastatic Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.
“As we gain deeper understanding into the optimal treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, we are learning more and more how much of a “team mentality” can help our patients. The support of the Marion U. Schwartz Memorial Research Fellowship is deeply meaningful for me as a young oncologist with a specialization in the treatment of biliary tract cancers. Through these efforts, CCF deepens the partnership between oncologists and the patient community, allowing us together to focus on meaningful patient-centered advances in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.”
Mark R. Clements Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF in memory of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s Co-Founder, Mark Clements
Yuanli Zhen, Massachusetts General Hospital
Mobilization of anti-tumor immunity in FGFR2-driven cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of the Cholangiocarcinoma’s Co-founder, Mark R. Clements, who passed away from the disease in 2007, CCF is supporting the Mark R. Clements Memorial Research Fellowship grant. The grant is being awarded to Yuanli Zhen from Massachusetts General Hospital. Yuanli will be investigating the mobilization of anti-tumor immunity in FGFR2-driven cholangiocarcinoma.
The Quack Out Cholangio 5k Research Fellowship Grant
The Quack Out Cholangio 5k Research Fellowship Grant honors Kathy Byrnes (known as Kathy Kbt) and Shannon McCarty
Paula Olaizola, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine
Understanding of the reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and CAFs within the emerging cholangiocarcinoma tumour microenvironment
The Quack Out Cholangio 5k Research Fellowship Grant honoring Kathy Byrnes (known as Kathy Kbt) and Shannon McCarty is awarded to Paula Olaizola from MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine. Paula will be investigating the reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and CAFs within the emerging cholangiocarcinoma tumour microenvironment. In their memory, Kathy’s husband, Billy, and Shannon’s husband, Ron, were the official starters of the 3rd Annual Quack Out 5k in 2022. Shannon, a mother of 3, was diagnosed with stage 4 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at age 44 and passed away at age 46. Shannon loved traveling, the Denver Broncos, and eating terrible things like scrapple. Kathy was diagnosed with stage 4a intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at age 36 and passed away at age 41. Kathy loved traveling, napping, and spending time with her friends and family.
“I am very grateful to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, the donors, and Dr. Luke Boulter for supporting my personal and scientific growth. This is a great opportunity to better understand CCA pathogenesis to find novel therapeutic approaches to improve the welfare and outcome of patients.”
Stewart Mather Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Colleen Mather and the Mather Family Foundation in memory of Stewart Mather
Emilie Warren, Emory University
CD4+CD26+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes represent a novel strategy to improve the efficacy of adoptive T cell transfer therapy in cholangiocarcinoma
In memory of Stewart Mather, who passed away from the disease in 2020, his wife Colleen and the Mather Family Foundation are supporting the Stewart Mather Memorial Research Fellowship grant. The grant is being awarded to Emilie Warren from Emory University. Emelie will be investigating how CD4+CD26+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes represent a novel strategy to improve the efficacy of adoptive T cell transfer therapy in cholangiocarcinoma.
Susan Morrison Research Fellowship
Supported by Susan G. Morrison
Caitlin Conboy, Mayo Clinic
Targeting Epigenetic Dysregulation in Cholangiocarcinoma
Supported by Susan G. Morrison, the Susan Morrison research fellowship grant is being awarded to Caitlin Conboy from Mayo Clinic. Caitlin will be targeting Epigenetic Dysregulation in Cholangiocarcinoma.
2022 Research Fellowship Awards
Andrea Lynn Scott Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Jason Scott & family in memory of Andrea Scott
Marina Barcena-Varela
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Harnessing the microbiome for precision cholangiocarcinoma Immunotherapy
Supriya “Shoop” Saha Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF, colleagues, friends, and family in memory of Supriya Saha, MD
Srinadh Choppara
University of Michigan
Targeting mitochondrial metabolism to sensitize chemoresistant cholangiocarcinoma tumors
Margaret M. Brown Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Janice and Dean Meyer – in honor of her mother who passed away from CCA
Michael Lidsky
Duke University
Improving therapeutic efficacy and durability in FGFR2 fusion positive cholangiocarcinoma
Marion U. Schwartz Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF in memory of Marion U. Schwartz
Cecilia Monge
NIH/National Cancer Institute
A phase II trial of Pembrolizumab and CDX-1140 in combination with CAPOX (capecitabine/oxaliplatin) in patients withadvanced biliary tract cancer
Mark R. Clements Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF in memory of Mark R. Clements
Evan O’Loughlin
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center / Harvard Medical School
Modeling FGFR-driven biliary tumorigenesis & therapeutic response in 3D
Sarah Bennett Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF in memory of Sarah Bennett
Jutarop Phetcharaburanin
Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Targeted serum metabolomics for identification of panel bile acid marker-specific O. viverrini infection, liver morbidity and cholangiocarcinoma
Jacques Dupont Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Barbara Dupont, family & friends in memory of Jacques Dupont
Rutger-Jan Swijnenburg
Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands
Clinical Translation of Integrin αvβ6-targeted molecular imaging for cholangiocarcinoma detection – MIMIC
Kathleen & Paul Sidenblad Research Fellowship
Supported by Kathleen and Paul Sidenblad
Alessandro Gambella
UPMC Montefiore
Precision pathology in cholangiocarcinoma: the role of immune synapses and vascular framework in patient management
Kathleen & Paul Sidenblad Research Fellowship
Supported by Kathleen and Paul Sidenblad
Kishor Pant
Regents of the University of Minnesota
The role of primary cilia in EGFR signaling regulation in cholangiocarcinoma
Kathleen & Paul Sidenblad Research Fellowship
Supported by Kathleen and Paul Sidenblad
Vindhya Vijay
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center / Harvard Medical School
Understanding the role of loss-of-function BAP1 mutations in pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma
Kathleen & Paul Sidenblad Research Fellowship
Supported by Kathleen and Paul Sidenblad
Daniel Zabransky
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
D-2-HG as a modulator of fibroblasts and antitumor immunity in the IDH1-mutant cholangiocarcinoma tumor microenvironment
2021 Research Fellowship Awards
QED Therapeutics/CCF Research Fellowship
Supported by QED Therapeutics, a Bridgebio Company
Alexander Baker, PhD
Mayo Clinic
Precision oncolytic virotherapy targeted to FGFR2-IIIb as a multi-modal therapy to induce cholangiocarcinoma tumor cell killing
Andrea Lynn Scott Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Jason Scott & family in memory of Andrea Scott
Christopher Chen, MD
Stanford University
Clonal origins of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma
Supriya “Shoop” Saha Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Agios Pharmaceuticals, colleagues, friends, and family in memory of Supriya Saha, MD
Bridget Keenan, MD, PhD
University of California San Francisco
Deciphering the role of cancer-associated myeloid cells in resistance to immunotherapy in biliary cancer
Margaret M. Brown Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by Janice (current patient) and Dean Meyer – in honor of her mother who also died from CCA
Miguel Ángel Martin, PhD
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Investigating the role of YAP1 signaling in shaping the tumor immune landscape of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Marion U. Schwartz Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF in memory of Marion U. Schwartz
Qibiao Wu, PhD
Harvard University
Explore signaling pathways and combination therapy in FGFR2-activated cholangiocarcinoma
Mark R. Clements Memorial Research Fellowship
Supported by CCF in memory of Mark R. Clements
Mark Yarchoan, MD
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Deep immune profiling of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with CODEX multiplexed imaging