2026 Pathology Young Investigators Day
May 13th, 2026
Three members of the Maynard Lab presented posters at the annual Pathology Young Investigators Day. Schaufeld scholar Praise Awogbesan presented her work entitled, “Androgen Receptor Signaling in the Prostate Tumor Microenvironment,” investigating the role of androgen receptor signaling within the prostate tumor microenvironment.
Lab Manager Tristan Ibarra presented his and Dr. Vahinipriya Manoharan’s work entitled, “P2X4 Purinergic Receptor Loss in Myeloid Cells Reduces Resident Macrophage Density and Enhances T Cell Infiltration in Murine Prostate Cancer,” highlighting the effects of myeloid P2X4 loss on macrophage populations and anti-tumor immune responses.
Postdoctoral fellow Dr. Vahinipriya Manoharan presented her work entitled, “P2X4 Purinergic Receptor Regulates Macrophage Density, Phagocytosis, and Influence on the Tumor Microenvironment,” examining the role of P2X4 signaling in macrophage function and prostate cancer progression.
Congratulations to Ashwin – Master of Biotechnology!
May 8th, 2026
Ashwin has been a dedicated and thoughtful member of our lab, contributing to research focused on androgen receptor signaling in the prostate tumor microenvironment. Throughout his time in the lab, he approached scientific challenges with curiosity, diligence, and a collaborative mindset while balancing the demands of graduate training.
We are so proud of all that he has accomplished and grateful for the contributions he has made to our team. We wish him all the best as he begins this exciting next chapter.
Congratulations, Ashwin!
2026 SKCCC Trainee Research Day
April 29th, 2026
Two members of the Maynard Lab presented posters at the annual SKCCC Trainee Research Day. Ashwin Vaidhyalingham, a Master’s student in the JHU Biotechnology Program presented a poster summarizing his and Schaufeld Scholar Praise Awogbesan’s work investigating, ‘Androgen Receptor Signaling In The Prostate Tumor Microenvironment‘. Lab Manager, Tristan Ibarra presented a poster describing his and Dr. Vahinipriya Manoharan’s work entitled, ‘P2X4 purinergic receptor loss in myeloid cells reduces resident macrophage density and enhances T cell infiltration in murine prostate cancer‘.
The Maynard Lab were 3rd place in fundraising among Company and Community teams at the 2026 Maryland PurpleStride
April 25th, 2026
The Maynard Lab collaborated with the Howard University Alumni Club of Baltimore to raise funds and participate in the 2026 Maryland PanCAN PurpleStride. We raised a total of $1,556.28 this year. Thanks to everyone who donated. These funds help the fantastic efforts of PanCAN, which funds pancreatic cancer research, lobbies for improved federal funding for pancreatic cancer research, and provides critical patient and family support for those battling the disease.
Dr. Janielle Maynard awarded the 2026 Institute for Excellence in Education’s (IEE) Education Award in Mentorship, Advising, and Coaching
April 10th, 2026
The Maynard Lab observes World Pancreatic Cancer Day
November 20th, 2025.
The Maynard Lab wore purple to observe World Pancreatic Cancer Day, standing in solidarity with patients, families, and the global effort to advance pancreatic cancer research and awareness.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of 13%, largely due to late diagnosis. World Pancreatic Cancer Day highlights the need for increased awareness, earlier detection, and continued research efforts.
Congratulations to Taylor – on Advancing to PhD Candidacy
November 4th, 2025.
Please join us in congratulating Taylor Pistone on successfully passing her qualifying exam and officially advancing to PhD candidacy. Taylor is the first PhD candidate in the Maynard Lab, marking an exciting milestone for both her and the lab.
Congratulations to Jelani – Future Physician-Scientist!
May 30th, 2025. Please join us in congratulating Jelani on a remarkable achievement:
He has successfully completed the Doctoral Diversity Program (DDP) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and he will be starting medical school at Morehouse School of Medicine this fall!
The DDP is a rigorous post-baccalaureate research training program designed to prepare scholars for doctoral-level education in the biomedical sciences. Through his work in the program, Jelani demonstrated intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, and an unwavering commitment to addressing health disparities through research and medicine.
His upcoming journey at Morehouse School of Medicine, a national leader in community-focused medical education, reflects his passion for service, representation, and excellence in healthcare.
We are incredibly proud of Jelani and excited to see the impact he’ll make as a future leader in medicine and science!
Congratulations to Sharvari – Master of Biotechnology!
May 13th, 2025. We’re excited to celebrate another incredible milestone from our lab team:
Sharvari has officially graduated with her master’s in biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University!
Sharvari has been a dedicated and thoughtful member of our lab, contributing both in and beyond the bench with curiosity, collaboration, and care. Her training in biotechnology has equipped her with the skills to tackle complex scientific questions and now, she’s setting her sights on the next chapter.
We’re so proud of all she’s accomplished and wish her the very best on this exciting next step. Good luck, Sharvari!
Congratulations to Kennedy – Future Physician and Scholar!
May 1st, 2025. We’re thrilled to celebrate an exciting milestone in our lab:
Kennedy has officially completed the Schaufeld Program for Prostate Cancer in Black Men, a vital initiative housed within the Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute, and she will soon begin her medical education at Howard University College of Medicine!
The Schaufeld Program is dedicated to addressing the disparities Black men face in prostate cancer outcomes through research, education, and community engagement. Kennedy’s involvement has exemplified a strong commitment to health equity and the advancement of cancer research that centers underrepresented populations.
Her acceptance to Howard University College of Medicine is a powerful next step in her journey to becoming a compassionate and community-focused physician. We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishments and honored to have had her as part of our team.
PanCAN PurpleStride Run
April 26th, 2025. We’re proud to share that our lab participated in the PanCAN PurpleStride 2025, a national walk/run dedicated to raising awareness and critical funds for pancreatic cancer research and patient support.
This year, our team raised $1,175.90 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network!
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases in oncology, and we are honored to stand in solidarity with survivors, families, and researchers working toward a cure. From science to the streets, we are committed to the fight.
Check out some highlights from the event below!
April Research Poster Highlights from Our Lab
As April wrapped up, our lab was proud to showcase a month filled with exciting research presentations from several team members. These poster sessions not only highlighted the diverse and innovative work happening across our projects but also fostered great discussions and collaborative energy within our scientific community.
Here’s a look back at the posters presented this April:
- April 9th, 2025. – Sharvari S. Saraf – Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Title: Investigating the Role of the P2X4 Purinergic Receptor in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
- April 9th, 2025. – Jelani Jarrett – Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Title: Characterization of the Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment and its Association with Cancer Health Disparities
- April 25th, 2025. – Vahinipriya Manoharan, PhD – American Association of Cancer Research
Title: P2X4 Purinergic Receptor activation on macrophages inhibits phagocytosis and promotes tumor-promoting cytokine secretion
Congratulations Dr. Maynard!
November 15, 2024. We are excited to announce that Dr. Maynard has been honored with the prestigious Vanguard Award at the Caribbean American Heritage Awards for her exceptional contributions to the Biomedical Research field.
This recognition celebrates Dr. Maynard’s groundbreaking work in cancer biology and her dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Her visionary leadership and innovative research continue to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Congratulations, Dr. Maynard, on this well-deserved honor! We are proud to be part of your incredible journey in biomedical research.
Congratulations Kennedy!
November 15, 2024. Congratulations to our Post-Bac Scholar Kennedy Rains for winning the ABRCMS Poster Presentation Award for her exceptional research presentation at the 2024 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). We are proud of her hard work and dedication to advancing cancer research.
Congratulations Jessica!
November 12th, 2024. Congratulations to Jessica Solomon, our BSI Summer Student, who was awarded a full Travel Award to attend the ABRCMS meeting in Pittsburgh this past November!
We are incredibly proud of Jessica for this remarkable achievement, especially considering that ABRCMS received 3,467 abstract submissions this year. This recognition highlights her dedication and the quality of her research. We can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in the future!
Jelani Featured on CBS News Baltimore!
November 6, 2024. We’re excited to share that our Post-Bac Scholar Jelani Jarrett was recently featured on CBS News Baltimore. In his segment, Jelani highlighted his research in our lab and the journey that led him to this point.
Link for segment: Johns Hopkins programs give students with diverse backgrounds research experience (youtube.com)
Congratulations, Jelani, on this fantastic achievement!
Congratulations Vahini!
October 10, 2024. Congratulations to Vahini on publishing her paper on “P2 purinergic receptor expression and function in tumor-related immune cells.”
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11302-024-10054-7
Congratulations Vishakha!
October 3, 2024. Congratulations to Vishakha on completing her time in the lab and transitioning into the workforce. This is a well-deserved achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her. Wishing her all the best in her future endeavors!
Congratulations Jelani!
September 23, 2024. Congratulations to Jelani for presenting his work on “Characterization of the Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment and its Association with Cancer Health Disparities”, at the 17th AACR Conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved.
Congratulations Kennedy!
September 23, 2024. Congratulations to Kennedy for presenting her work on “Androgen Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Innate Immunity in Prostate Cancer in Black Men”, at the 17th AACR Conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved.
Congratulations Vishakha!
May 20, 2024. Congratulations to Vishakha Gupta, MS on her graduation from the Johns Hopkins University Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences with a Masters of Science in Biotechnology. Vishakha’s independent research project investigated the functional role of P2X4 purinergic receptors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. She presented her work at the 31st Annual SKCCC Trainee Research Day. We wish Vishakha the best in her future endeavors.
Maynard Lab walks the PanCAN PurpleStride 2024
April 27, 2024. The Maynard Lab participated in the PanCAN PurpleStride Maryland held at the Community College of Baltimore County – Catonsville. We surpassed our fundraising goal to raise $2,660.10. Thank you to everyone who showed up that frigid ‘Spring’ morning to walk with us in solidarity with those affected by pancreatic cancer, to spread awareness, and to raise funds that help attain the PanCAN goal of increasing 5-year survival to 20% by 2030! Donate to PanCAN
Congratulations Jelani!
April 24, 2024. Congratulation to DDP Postbac scholar, Jelani Jarrett, on being awarded a 2nd place poster prize at the 31st Annual SKCCC Trainee Research Day .
Congratulations, Kennedy!
December 14, 2023. Congratulations to Kennedy Rains on winning the Second Place Oral Presentation Award at the 7th Excellence in Diversity Symposium at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Congratulations Jelani!
December 14, 2023. Congratulations to Jelani Jarrett on winning the First Place Oral Presentation Award at the 7th Excellence in Diversity Symposium at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Congratulations, Kennedy!
October 14, 2023. Congratulation to Kennedy Rains on presenting her work at the African-Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.
Congratulations, Vahini!
June 9, 2023. Congratulations to Dr. Vahinipriya Manoharan on winning the First Place Poster Prize at the 2023 Johns Hopkins Postdoctoral Association (JHPDA) Annual Conference.
Congratulations, Rebecca!
June 15, 2021
Congratulations to Rebecca Sosa on winning the 3rd Place Margaret Foti Foundation Undergraduate Prize for Cancer Research at the AACR Annual Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition. This competition was part of the 2021 AACR Annual Meeting held virtually.
