Director's Cut

Director's message

As we move into a season of growth and momentum at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, I am pleased to share that several outstanding scientists and clinicians are joining our team.

CCRI gains nearly $2.6M from NCI for metastasis research

The five-year study led by Dr. Jawed Siddiqui is focused on understanding how prostate cancer cells spread to bones and why the disease is so difficult to treat following bone metastasis.

Jim Kennedy, chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises, has made a $5 million personal gift to It's About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

From hunter to advocate: Jim Kennedy gives $5M to strengthen CCRI

What began for Jim Kennedy as a hunter’s dream in the Mississippi Delta has grown into a deep commitment to the people who call it home — a commitment now reflected in a $5 million personal gift to transform cancer care and research in the state.

CCRI welcomes pancreatic cancer researcher Dr. Nirakar Rajbhandari

Dr. Nirakar Rajbhandari joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center as an assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology.

Dr. Yufeng Zheng a leader in AI education

Dr. Yufeng Zheng, professor in the Department of Data Science at UMMC, the state’s first NVIDIA ambassador and a full member of CCRI, has recently presented seminars focused on artificial intelligence in clinical and population health, boosting AI knowledge in the state.

Lacey Weatherall is CCRI Employee of the Month

Weatherall was nominated for her dedication and leadership during the Department of Radiation Oncology's relocation and switch to new advanced Varian therapy systems.

Hallmarks of Cancer welcomes Dr. Huiping Liu

The director of the Breast Cancer Research Program at Northwestern Lurie Cancer Center and scientific director of the Circulating Tumor Cell Core, presented “AI-accelerated Elucidation and Targeting of Circulating Tumor-Immune Ecosystems."

Recent publications

Two new publications highlight critical gaps in lung cancer screening among veterans and reveal how geography and income influence survival for patients with rare sigmoid colon cancers.

Alice Chaney Herndon is fighting cancer while serving as director of adult nursing services, a job she loves.

Front and Center: Alice Chaney Herndon

On April 28, 2025, Alice Chaney Herndon was heading home to Madison from work as director of adult nursing services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, looking forward to time with husband Drew and sons Parker, 17, and Anderson, 13.

Slideshow: CCRI Scene

Click "Read More" to see the latest photos from around the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute.

July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month

The month of July highlights awareness for sarcoma and bone cancer, two rare but serious cancers that can affect people of all ages. Sarcomas develop in bones or soft tissues such as muscle, fat and blood vessels and include many different subtypes.

July 2026