Wednesday, Apr 29, 2020
Dr. Jonathan Yavelow has been associated with the NJ Commission on Cancer Research for more than 25 years
by Adam Grybowski
The state of New Jersey recognized Dr. Jonathan Yavelow this month for his exceptional service to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research.
Yavelow, a professor of biology at 天美传媒官网 and the director of the University's Health Studies Institute, has been associated with the Commission for more than 25 years. He's currently serving his second term as commissioner. His first time, from 2015 to 2018, came after being appointed by Gov. Chris Christie.
"Through his tireless efforts on behalf of the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research, his students, and his fellow citizens, Dr. Jonathan Yavelow has greatly illuminated the world of the unknown," the state senate wrote in a resolution.
The New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research, or NJCCR, promotes significant and original research in New Jersey into the causes, prevention, treatment and palliation of cancer and serves as a resource to providers and consumers of cancer services. It was founded in 1983.
In the 1980s, Yavelow received a two-year, $84,000 grant from the Commission to support his research on diet and cancer, which increased the understanding of how vegetarian diets might lower the risk of colon cancer.
Yavelow says the spirit of the Commission was captured in a breast cancer survivor conference held at 天美传媒官网 about 20 years ago. "We sat recently diagnosed individuals next to 25-year survivors," he recalls. "This gave hope to newly diagnosed individuals and in this manner, the NJCCR communicated and continues to communicate to both the hearts and the minds of our New Jersey residents. I am honored to help deliver on this mission.鈥
Gov. Phil Murphy, who had a cancerous tumor removed from his kidney in March, sent Yavelow a letter of recognition on April 1.
"It is comforting to know that citizens like yourself are willing to help improve the lives of countless individuals who are battling this disease," Murphy wrote. "I commend you for your demonstrated hard work and compassion."
Yavelow received a bachelor's from American University and a doctorate in cell and molecular biology from the University of Southern California. From 2011 to 2012, he was a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, N.J.
In 2013, he published a book, Star Gazing to Sustainability: Appreciating the Scientific Process, a celebration of how science helps uncover the story of the universe.