March Madness Update: FIU health researchers make it to the Sweet 16

This story has been updated since its original publication on March 3.

The NCAA March Madness basketball tournament is happening now - and so is the scientific equivalent.

Diana Azzam and her cancer research group at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work were among an original 64 seeded research team participating in the annual STAT Madness, which highlights important scientific advances emerging from labs across the U.S. 

Teams in the bracket were selected by the editors of prominent health news site STAT, which runs the competition. Azzam and her group made the pick for their scientific slam dunk study about a groundbreaking personalized cancer treatment technology. The unique functional precision medicine approach developed by Azzam helped guide more effective treatments for children with hard-to-treat, relapsed cancers.

Now, weeks into the competition, the FIU team has made it into the Sweet 16. Fans voted to advance the group via online voting, which will continue until a winner is crowned.

“As a scientist, it’s a thrilling feeling to see our research recognized as a contender for STAT Madness,” Azzam says. “Our approach has shown promising results, and I look forward to continuing this important work to help ensure cancer patients receive the right treatment at the right time.” 

Dean of FIU Stempel College Tomás R. Guilarte encourages everyone to keep cheering on FIU.

“This friendly competition helps bring awareness to the critical role research and health technology play on human health,” he says. “I look forward to casting my vote for FIU. The work being done here by Dr. Azzam and her team is truly impactful. It’s advancing science and bringing renewed hope to cancer patients and their families.”

To vote for FIU — and bring the STAT Madness title to Florida this year — click here.