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Keywords: JumpStart, funding, cancer research
Where others see barriers, the JumpStart Program at the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) sees new frontiers. By providing funding, mentorship, and access to a dynamic research community, JumpStart empowers researchers to tackle the toughest challenges in cancer detection, treatment, and care.
This innovative program invites scientists from diverse fields to bring their expertise into cancer research, offering up to $25,000 in seed funding to develop bold, impactful ideas. Participants also benefit from mentorship tailored to their needs and collaborative opportunities with CCIL’s distinguished members. Together, they transform knowledge into actionable solutions that drive breakthroughs in areas like early diagnostics and cutting-edge therapies.
Moreover, JumpStart delivers a remarkable return on investment. For every $1 invested, the program creates a ripple effect, enabling researchers to secure larger grants and take on critical challenges. Bill King’s journey is a prime example. What began as a $25,000 seed grant evolved into a $21 million ARPA-H initiative, revolutionizing how 3D tumor models are created and used for the future of personalized medicine and cancer research.
If this is the next step in your research career, learn more here.
The 2023–2024 JumpStart Cohort
The 2023-2024 JumpStart cohort reflects the heart of what makes this program so impactful—compassion paired with innovation. These researchers, driven by a desire to ease the burden of cancer on patients and families, are tackling some of the field’s most complex challenges. Their groundbreaking work holds the promise of not just redefining patient care, but also offering hope to those who need it most.
David Forsyth
Fulton Watson Copp Chair, Computer Science
David Forsyth integrates technology with medicine to advance cancer diagnostics. His research in computer vision and AI focuses on enabling machines to interpret and generate complex visual data, driving breakthroughs in cancer diagnostics. At CCIL, Forsyth bridges human insight with machine precision to redefine how cancer is detected and treated.
Bill King
Ralph A. Andersen Endowed Chair in Mechanical Science & Engineering
Bill King leads transformative research in cancer diagnostics with an AI-powered platform for creating 3D tumor models. His journey from a $25,000 JumpStart grant to a $21 million ARPA-H initiative showcases the program’s power to amplify innovation. King’s work addresses critical gaps in underserved communities, advancing equitable and groundbreaking solutions in cancer care.
Zaida Luthey-Schulten
Murchison-Mallory Endowed Chair, Chemistry
Zaida Luthey-Schulten blends physics and biology to create a 4D mapping approach that visualizes cellular dynamics across time and space. Her innovative simulations, extended to interactive platforms like Minecraft, bring cellular processes to life, helping both researchers and the public explore the inner workings of cells.
Wilfred van der Donk
Richard E. Heckert Endowed Chair in Chemistry
Wilfred van der Donk harnesses the power of natural microbial peptides to design therapies that target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. His groundbreaking research inspires hope, highlighting how nature’s tools can lead to life-saving advancements in cancer treatment.
Huimin Zhao
Steven L. Miller Chair, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Huimin Zhao applies synthetic biology and machine learning to engineer novel proteins and pathways. Guided early in his career by Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold, Zhao has authored over 340 publications and holds numerous patents. His work drives the development of next-generation cancer therapies, pushing the boundaries of biotechnology.
Bringing together creativity, expertise, and determination, these new members are committed to advancing cancer research to unprecedented heights. Together, they are exploring new frontiers in science while kindling hope for patients and families, inspiring a future where cancer is no longer a life-defining diagnosis.
Editor’s note:
This story was written by Hammad Rehman, CCIL Communications intern.