Meet the research and advocate experts helping to guide the future of breast cancer research and patient care.
As we look ahead to a new fiscal year at Komen, we are proud to welcome new and renewing members to our Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and the Advocates in Science (AIS) Steering Committee. These trusted advisors and advocates bring diverse perspectives and deep expertise to help advance our mission to end breast cancer.
This year, we are thrilled to welcome two accomplished Komen Scholars to the Scientific Advisory Board and one new advocate to the AIS Steering Committee.
Ben Ho Park, M.D., Ph.D.: Driving discovery through genetics
Ben Ho Park, M.D., Ph.D., is a leading breast cancer researcher and the director of the Vanderbilt‐Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee. His groundbreaking work focuses on the genetic drivers of breast cancer, including mutations in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Park’s research helped identify the high frequency of mutations in the PIK3CA gene, paving the way for targeted therapies that are now changing the way breast cancer is treated. He joins the SAB with a continued commitment to discovery, innovation and improved outcomes for patients.
Amelie G. Ramirez, Dr.P.H., M.P.H.: Championing health equity
Amelie G. Ramirez, Dr.P.H., M.P.H., brings more than three decades of expertise in health equity and Latino health to the Scientific Advisory Board. Based in San Antonio, Texas, she is chair and professor of population health sciences at UT Health San Antonio and the founding director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research. She has led numerous initiatives to improve cancer prevention, screening and survivorship, particularly among people who are underserved. Ramirez also founded Salud America!, a national network focused on Latino health and she continues to lead pioneering efforts in culturally relevant research, patient navigation and digital health outreach.
Bob Riter: A voice for patients
Joining the AIS Steering Committee and Komen Scholars is longtime advocate Bob Riter, a two-time cancer patient who has dedicated his life to supporting others and shaping research from the patient perspective. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, Riter served as executive director of the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes in Ithaca, New York, where he focused on connecting patients, survivors and caregivers with the resources and support they need. He has been a powerful advocate in national programs such as the NCI Council of Research Advocates, the Alamo Advocate Program and the Komen Advocates in Science. With a special interest in hereditary cancers and cross-disease advocacy, Riter continues to inspire and guide researchers while keeping the patient experience at the center of progress.
These new members join a dedicated network of research scientists and research advocates who are working together to fuel breast cancer breakthroughs, ensure research reflects patient needs and bring us closer to a world without breast cancer.
Learn more about the Scientific Advisory Board and Advocates in Science Steering Committee.
