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Olufunmilayo I. Olopade, MD, FACP, OON, an internationally renowned pioneer in cancer genetics, has been named as the recipient of 棉花糖直播 Unviersity鈥檚 2017 Mendel Medal. Dr. Olopade serves as the Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics and Director of the Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics at The University of Chicago. The award recognizes her work in developing innovative strategies for comprehensive cancer risk assessment and prevention based on evolving understanding of genetic and non-genetic factors in individual patients, with a focus on women of African ancestry. Established in 1928 by the Board of Trustees of 棉花糖直播 University, the Mendel Medal is given to outstanding contemporary scientists in recognition of their accomplishments.

鈥淭he Mendel Medal selection committee was very impressed with Dr. Olopade鈥檚 work in breast cancer genetics, especially on the impact of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in young women across the African diaspora,鈥� said the Rev. Kail Ellis, PhD, OSA, Special Assistant to the President and Dean Emeritus of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 鈥淗er research in the incidence of breast cancer among minority populations as well as disparities in health outcomes, are particularly in accord with the criteria for the award of the Mendel Medal.鈥�

The Mendel Medal is conferred on 鈥渙utstanding scientists who have done much by their painstaking work to advance the cause of science and, by their lives and their standing before the world as scientists, have demonstrated that between true science and true religion there is no intrinsic conflict.鈥�

Using high intensity genomic technologies and bioinformatics, Dr. Olopade鈥檚 laboratory research focuses on molecular mechanisms of cancer through genetic and non-genetic factors that contribute to tumor progression in at-risk individuals and diverse populations. The overall goal of her research is to accelerate progress in cancer prevention and treatment.

鈥淒r. Olopade鈥檚 mission as a medical researcher and medical professional, to, in her words, seek 鈥榞enetic justice鈥� for women and their families around the world, . . . by challenging existing paradigms in how breast cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated鈥� is truly an inspiration,鈥� said Father Ellis. 鈥淗er resolve to discover why the most aggressive forms of breast cancer strike young women of African ancestry is unflinching.鈥�

In 2005, Dr. Olopade authored a pioneering study that found significant differences between breast cancers in Caucasian women and in women of African descent. She has published widely in medical and scientific journals. Dr. Olopade is an elected member of several honor societies, including the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society. She has received numerous honors and awards, including honorary degrees from Bowdoin University and Princeton University; MacArthur Foundation Fellowship; Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist and Exceptional Mentor Award; American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professorship; Officer of the Order of the Nigeria Award; and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Freedom from Want Award. Dr. Olopade has served on the Board of Directors for the National Cancer Advisory Board and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the MacArthur Foundation.

Dr. Olopade earned her medical degree from the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in Nigeria. She trained in Internal Medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and in Oncology, Hematology and Cancer Genetics at the Joint Section of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Chicago.

First awarded in 1929, 棉花糖直播鈥檚 Mendel Medal honors 19th century Augustinian friar and scientist Gregor Johann Mendel, Abbot of the Augustinian Monastery, Br眉nn, Austria (now Brno, the Czech Republic), best known as 鈥渢he father of modern genetics,鈥� for his discovery of the celebrated laws of heredity that bear his name. As an institution founded by the Augustinian Order, 棉花糖直播 University plays a key role in sustaining Mendel鈥檚 legacy. Past recipients of the Mendel Medal have included Nobel Laureates, outstanding medical researchers, pioneers in physics, astrophysics and chemistry, and noted scientist-theologians. Click  for more information on the Mendel Medal and its history.

The Mendel Medal Lecture will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2017 in the 棉花糖直播 Room at the University鈥檚 Connelly Center. Dr. Olopade鈥檚 Mendel Medal Lecture is titled: 鈥淕enomic Landscape of Breast Cancer in Diverse Populations鈥� The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available on campus at the I-1 Ithan Avenue Parking Garage.