Breast Cancer Research Initiative
The Breast Cancer Coalition’s Breast Cancer Research Grant Initiative has awarded $1,301,125 to researchers in New York State since 2003. Grants are awarded with the potential to yield significant medical breakthroughs in the cause and prevention of breast cancer, prevention of metastasis, and cure.
The Breast Cancer Coalition annually offers two Breast Cancer Research Grants:
- The Sylvia Cappellino Breast Cancer Research Faculty Grant: $50,000
- The Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Breast Cancer Research Trainee Grant: $25,000
2026 Grant Recipients:
The Sylvia Cappellino Breast Cancer Research Faculty Grant
Grant Recipient: Daniel Steven Reynolds, PhD, Binghamton University
Proposal: “Bioprinted Human Triple Negative Breast Cancer Models to Investigate Novel Peptide-Based Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.”
Dr. Reynolds’ research aim is to establish a novel 3D bioprinted human breast cancer model composed of triple negative breast cancer cells and immune cells. The goal is to investigate a new peptide-based checkpoint inhibitor to improve immunotherapy in breast cancer. The research project is a collaborative effort between the Reynolds Lab’s µPOROS bioprinting platform and Dr. John Fetse Lab’s library of peptidomimetic analogs.
Dr. Reynolds received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University and completed his postdoctoral training at Harvard University. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Binghamton University, where he leads the Biofabrication and Cancer Engineering Lab. His lab integrates principles of mechanical engineering, materials science, and biology.
Daniel Steven Reynolds, PhD
The Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Breast Cancer Research Trainee Grant
Grant Recipient: Yu-Wei Chang, PhD Candidate, Cornell University
Proposal: “Regulation of Exosome Secretion by Sirtuin 1 as a Determinant of Breast Cancer Metastasis.”
Yu-Wei Chang’s research project explores how the loss of the protein Sirtuin 1 in triple negative breast cancer increases the release of small extracellular vesicles (EVs), commonly known as exosomes. These vesicles travel through the bloodstream to distant organs, effectively priming them for cancer colonization and metastasis. By uncovering how Sirtuin 1-regulated exosomes drive the spread of cancer, Chang’s work holds the potential to unlock groundbreaking new diagnostic tools and targeted therapies.
Chang is a fifth-year PhD candidate in the Biomedical and Biological Science program at Cornell University, specializing in molecular oncology. Committed to advancing cancer biology, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at two distinct universities in Taiwan before pursuing his doctoral studies at Cornell.
Yu-Wei Chang, PhD Candidate
Questions? Please contact Research Administrator, Silvia Gambacorta-Hoffman (585) 473-8177.
The Sylvia Cappellino Breast Cancer Research Faculty Grant
The Breast Cancer Coalition’s Research Faculty Grant is named in memory of Sylvia Cappellino, founder of the Breast Cancer Coalition. Annually, The Sylvia Cappellino Breast Cancer Research Faculty Grant is offered as a one-year $50,000 grant for faculty applicants and is open to researchers from for-profit or not-for-profit institutions located in New York State. These grants are awarded with the potential to yield significant medical breakthroughs in the cause and prevention of breast cancer, prevention of metastatic progression, and cure.
Sylvia Cappellino died on August 8, 2024. Sylvia was an unwavering advocate for research and survivorship programs. She was the definition of a survivor-advocate and was also a cherished friend to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. From coordinating the very first meeting around her kitchen table in 1997, to supporting an organization and witnessing its growth to serve those in Western and Central New York, Sylvia Cappellino was a true changemaker.
Sylvia’s legacy will continue on in the Coalition’s four pillars of service: Support, Education, Advocacy, and Research.
The Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Breast Cancer Research Trainee Grant
The Breast Cancer Coalition’s Research Trainee Grant is named in memory of Pamela Delp Polashenski, M.D. Annually, The Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Breast Cancer Research Trainee Grant is offered to pre- and post-doctoral trainees/fellows in the amount of $25,000 and is open to researchers from for-profit or not-for-profit institutions in New York State. These grants are awarded with the potential to yield significant medical breakthroughs in the cause and prevention of breast cancer, prevention of metastatic progression, and cure.
Dr. Polashenski was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 47 and quickly became involved with the Breast Cancer Coalition. A beloved wife, mother, and physician, she served on our Board of Directors and Research Advisory Board and was committed to all efforts of our Advocacy Committee. Upon learning that her breast cancer had metastasized, Pam joined Common Ground, our group for those living with metastatic breast and/or gynecologic cancer.
Pam leaves a lasting legacy in every aspect of our mission.
