Joe W . Ramos , PhD , began his journey at the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center in the summer of 2004 . After serving in numerous roles over 18 years to improve cancer disparities in Hawai ‘ i and the Pacific , he will be joining the Louisiana Cancer Research Center as CEO and Director .
While at the UH Cancer Center , Ramos worked to grow education opportunities , enhance the responsiveness of administration , and collaborate with consortium partners and the legislature to further the goals of the Center . As Interim Director , his focus was to realign the leadership team , hire new faculty to help renew the Cancer Center Support Grant , and bolster clinical trials efforts .
Ramos ’ scientific and administrative contributions have made a substantial impact on the UH Cancer Center and the people of Hawai ‘ i and the Pacific . The Center appreciates his time , dedication , and efforts , and wishes him all the best as he transitions into his new role .
His Legacy
Joe W . Ramos – The Final Say
“ In my 18 years at the Cancer Center , I have developed great collaborations and friendships with wonderful colleagues . Having an NCI-Designated Center in Hawai ‘ i means that we have the very best cancer researchers focused on what causes cancer here and how we can better prevent it . That is what NCI-designation is about ! I don ’ t think of it as a goal but rather as a proven recipe for how to hit all the different elements to really make an impact on cancer locally . I only see a bright future for the UH Cancer Center !” n Helping renew the NCI-designation ( twice ).
n Laying the groundwork for a 3-D organoid facility for cancer that will better represent the diverse populations of Hawai ‘ i and the Pacific .
n Bringing consortium partners together to develop the operations of the Early Phase Clinical Research Center .
n Leading research on protein RSK , a driver of cancer invasion processes , which lays a solid groundwork for future local clinical trials on glioblastoma and melanoma .
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