“Cancer research is an integral part of my passion as a surgeon,” said Dr. Wael Mostafa, one of the four newest associate members of the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL). “Joining the CCIL enhances my ability to take my research to the highest possible level.”
Dr. Mostafa, a renowned neurosurgeon and professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, is now one of more than 120 accomplished CCIL members, who all recognize the CCIL’s unique appeal as a multidisciplinary institute comprised of scientists, engineers, and clinicians. For faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or one of its partner institutions, CCIL membership grants researchers the opportunity to broaden the scope of their research. This includes a variety of campus shared resources, mentoring, funding support, and the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with other CCIL researchers in cancer-related projects.
The CCIL supports and monitors the cancer research of its members through an annual application process and review, which is designed to evaluate an applicant’s commitment to research, mentorship, and their overall contributions to local or national cancer communities. From there, CCIL leadership is directly involved in ensuring that CCIL members align with its strategic directions for the future of cancer research, all based in a multidisciplinary approach to cancer research, education, and training.
If you are an engineer or scientist interested in furthering your contribution to cancer research, learn more about CCIL membership here.
The CCIL is thrilled to welcome its four newest associate members, all joining the CCIL’s Cancer Technology and Data Science (CTD) Program. The CTD program aims to characterize and fight cancer through the development of technology, whether that involves advancements in cancer imaging for diagnostics and treatment, or improving computational analyses, allowing scientists and clinicians to better understand the complexities of cancer.
These four scientists are dedicated to contributing their unique skillsets and backgrounds to the diverse CCIL community.
Matthew Bramlet
Pediatric Cardiologist, OSF HealthCare
Bramlet joins the CCIL with an extensive background as a pediatric cardiologist. His research first focused on utilizing 3D modeling to understand complex congenital heart disease before Bramlet helped expand this technology to be used as pre-surgical planning for various cancers. Today, surgeons can benefit from exploring a 3D surgical field in VR based on a patient’s prior CT and MRI scans before the actual surgery takes place, proving invaluable for highly complex surgical issues.
Research Program and Theme
- Program: Cancer Technology and Data Science
- Theme: Cancer Imaging
Learn more about Matthew Bramlet’s research here.
Wael Mostafa
Clinical Associate Professor, Carle Illinois College of Medicine
Mostafa is an accomplished neurosurgeon, researcher, and medical educator specializing in complex brain, skull base, and spinal tumors. His research at the CCIL aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and scientific discovery via advancements in cancer imaging, improving outcomes for patients with brain tumors.
Research Program and Theme
- Program: Cancer Technology and Data Science
- Theme: Cancer Imaging
Learn more about Wael Mostafa’s research here.
Nicholas Rawson
Clinical Assistant Professor, Carle Illinois College of Medicine
Research Program and Theme
- Program: Cancer Technology and Data Science
- Theme: Cancer Imaging
Learn more about Nicholas Rawson’s research here.
Aiman Soliman
Senior Research Scientist, National Center for Supercomputing Applications
Soliman is a senior scientist at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) with extensive expertise in spatial informatics. His research focuses on cancer first at the neighborhood scale, where he examines how patterns of environmental exposures in urban areas influence the geographic distribution of cancer. Secondly, at the micro-scale, Soliman uses GIS-inspired methods to investigate the spatial organization of tumors and healthy tissues, mapping gene expression and the distribution of molecules across tissue landscapes. The primary goal of his research program is to leverage data-driven approaches and AI into understanding health and disease across both biological and environmental dimensions.
Research Program and Theme
- Program: Cancer Technology and Data Science
- Theme: Computational Engineering and Data Science
Learn more about Aiman Soliman’s research here.
This story was written by Chloe Zant, CCIL Communications intern.