Cancer

BIO5 members Juanita Merchant and Travis Sawyer contributed to research at the University of Arizona showing that reprogrammed support cells in the digestive system may play a role in the development of rare gastrointestinal cancers, offering new insights into how these diseases begin.

Graduating with her master’s in biomedical engineering, Lynette Valenzuela uses light to study fallopian tube tissue — work that advances ovarian cancer detection while helping launch her career in medical innovation.

BIO5 member Travis Sawyer has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award, recognizing his work advancing optical technologies for health care and strengthening international research partnerships through global collaboration.