Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention

Cancer Center of Excellence

Florida Atlantic cancer researchers are conducting novel, collaborative research that is responsive to both national and community needs. From basic research in the laboratory, to clinical research in the field, Florida Atlantic’s growing oncology research portfolio reflects a spirit of excellence and innovation.

At a glance:

• Three faculty members have been inducted into the National Academy of Inventors
• Florida Atlantic’s signature “Medicines from the Sea” program leverages the university’s idyllic location near the Atlantic Ocean to harvest novel marine compounds to treat cancer.
• Research currently funded by the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, and the Florida Department of Health.

Mission & Vision

The mission of the Cancer Center of Excellence is to collaborate with the specific intent to:

• Strengthen clinical and community partnerships to help alleviate the burden of cancer.
• Promote novel, interdisciplinary research that contributes to community needs and national goals.
• Expand cancer research funding at the university and attract top resources to the rapidly growing regions of Broward and Palm Beach counties, and the Treasure Coast.
• Educate the next generation of caregivers in survivorship and preventative care.
• Develop the next generation of cancer researchers using exciting new techniques in data science, immunotherapy and genetics/proteomics.

The ultimate vision is for all of us to enjoy the idyllic South Florida lifestyle free of disease and disability.

Cancer Research at Florida Atlantic Leadership

Gregg B. Fields, Ph.D., is a professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at Florida Atlantic, executive director of I-Health at Florida Atlantic, and a professor in the department of chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute/Scripps Florida. Fields’ research group focuses on collagen-mediated diseases and the roles of extracellular and intracellular metalloproteinase activity on tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, and has been funded by the National Cancer Institute for more than 20 years.

fieldsg@fau.edu