Diana Wilkie, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, professor and Prairieview Trust – Earl and Margo Powers Endowed Professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing, has been appointed as a standing member of the Basic Mechanisms of Cancer Health Disparities study section at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The BMCD study section reviews applications involving basic and mechanistic research into the biological, genetic and environmental causes of cancer health disparities among different racial, ethnic and geographic groups. Applications may examine biological or environmental factors associated with cancer health disparities, how comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, chronic infections and dysbiosis affect tumor biology, and mechanisms involved in differential responses to cancer treatment.
Wilkie will serve a four-year term. Members of NIH chartered study sections are recognized authorities in their fields and active scientists who provide peer review of research applications submitted to the NIH.
Wilkie is director of the Center for Palliative Care Research & Education and director of the Florida-California Cancer Research, Education and Engagement (CaRE2) Health Center at the UF College of Nursing.
Her research focuses on improving cancer care and quality of life, particularly for people living with serious illness and cancer. She has served in numerous national research and professional leadership roles, including previous service on NIH study sections.