Carmen R. Bergom, MD, PhD, an associate professor of radiation oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, will receive the 2021 Michael Fry Research Award from the Radiation Research Society (RRS). The award recognizes one junior scientist each year who has made extraordinary contributions to the field of radiation research.

Bergom treats breast cancer patients and leads a research laboratory focused on using innovative genetic models to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy and reduce the side effects of radiation exposure on normal tissues.

Her laboratory employs a number of techniques for these studies, including genetic mapping, next-generation sequencing, and advanced preclinical models of tumor and normal tissue radiation exposure. These studies are providing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that may improve tumor responses and minimize radiation-induced heart damage.

Bergom will receive her award and deliver the Michael Fry Award Lecture at the RRS annual meeting, scheduled for October in Puerto Rico. She will discuss her laboratory’s use of innovative genetic models to better understand radiation-induced heart dysfunction and identify new therapeutic targets to better prevent and treat cardiac radiation damage.

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