Fall 2025
By Kayla McMahon
Photography by Justin Knight, Kayla Prasek
Susan G. Komen, a world-leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, remains committed to driving progress through innovation. In 2024, Komen reaffirmed its dedication to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute by awarding three new Career Transition Awards totaling $1.95 million, alongside 12 active research grants. This investment underscores Komen’s ongoing support for groundbreaking studies and improving outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.
The Career Transition Awards were granted to Kristen Brantley, PhD; Jun Nishida, PhD; and Nolan Priedigkeit, MD, PhD. These promising scientists are poised to make significant strides in breast cancer research. Brantley focuses on improving outcomes for young women, a group facing unique challenges and often overlooked in clinical trials. Her work aims to uncover biological factors that contribute to poorer survival rates, offering hope for more tailored treatments.
Nishida and Priedigkeit are committed to deepening our understanding of breast cancer. Their research explores the molecular intricacies of the disease, seeking to unravel the complexities that have long eluded scientists and identify innovative ways to exploit them therapeutically. Together, these three early career investigators represent the next generation of leaders in breast cancer research, supported by Komen’s visionary funding.
The 12 additional recipients of research grants at Dana-Farber include esteemed physician-scientists Myles Brown, MD; Sarah Hill, MD, PhD; Jose Pablo Leone, MD; Heather Parsons, MD, MPH; Jennifer Ligibel, MD; Nancy Lin, MD; Filipa Lynce, MD; Elizabeth Mittendorf, MD, PhD, MHCM; Ann Partridge, MD, MPH; Kornelia Polyak, MD, PhD; Sara Tolaney, MD, MPH; and Adrienne Waks, MD. Each investigator contributes to a tapestry of innovation, weaving together insights that have the potential to transform breast cancer treatment.
Paula Schneider, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen, emphasized the organization’s faith in Dana-Farber. “At Komen, we believe deeply in the power of science to save lives—and we have great confidence in Dana-Farber’s ability to lead the way,” said Schneider. “Our support of their groundbreaking research beautifully reflects our shared commitment to improving outcomes for all people facing breast cancer. By funding innovative investigations and rising scientific leaders, we’re one step closer to a world without breast cancer.”
With breast cancer incidence rates rising, particularly among younger women, the urgency for innovative science has never been greater. Susan G. Komen’s steadfast support for Dana-Farber is a powerful catalyst for finding solutions and improving lives. Together, they are forging a path toward a future where breast cancer is a challenge all patients can overcome.