Co-Operative Center for Excellence in Hematology
Advancing Research in Stem Cell and Transplantation Biology
Fred Hutch's Co-Operative Center for Excellence in Hematology (CCEH) is a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) funded hematology center. Hutch's CCEH programs consists of an administrative core and labs the provide a number of services to advance research in stem-cell and transplantation biology.
Administrative CORE
The Administrative Core provides scientific and budgetary oversight for all CCEH activities. This includes the Pilot and Feasibility Program, an Enrichment Program that supports outside speakers, high school summer internships and short-term on-sight training opportunities for NIDDK-funded trainees from anywhere in the U.S. The Administrative Core also houses a self-supporting computer graphics specialist and poster printing services.
The CCEH support pilot and feasibility programs that fund small projects aimed to generate preliminary data for inclusion in larger grant applications as well as short-term enrichment activities.
CCEH Grants and Education Programs
Pilot & Feasibility Program Grants
Educational Enrichment Opportunities
Pilot & Feasibility Program Grants
The Pilot and Feasibility Studies Program, funded by the CCEH grant, supports 5-7 one-year grants of $20,000 each. The focus of the grants is generally, but not exclusively hematology-related research. Applications that propose to use one or more of the CCEH cores are especially welcomed.
If you would like more information, contact the grant administrator, Lori Blake (206-667-4523)
CCEH Research Services at Fred Hutch
The CCEH offer unique resources and established hematology expertise through scientific cores on a fee-for-service basis.
Hematopoietic Cell Procurement & Processing
Hematopoietic Cell Procurement and Processing is recognized as a leader in the field of acquisition, analysis, and enrichment of normal hematopoietic cells, this facility provides well defined and highly purified populations of cells to support the research of both internal and external investigators.
Cell & Molecular Services/Analysis Lab
The Cell and Molecular Services and Analysis lab provides VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeat), and LAM-PCR (Linear Amplification Mediated PCR) and other molecular technology to analyze genotypes.
Vector Production
The Vector Production core assists investigators with the design, construction, and/or production of viral vectors (gammaretrovirus, lentivirus, foamy and adeno-associated virus) for introducing select genes of interest or gene silencing constructs into cells of interest.
CCEH Administrative CORE Leadership
Beverly Torok-Storb, Ph.D.
Dr. Beverly Torok-Storb studies the stem cells that generate the body’s blood and immune systems and the microenvironment of bone marrow that helps regulate their function. Her work has contributed to advances in transplantation techniques that have saved the lives of patients with leukemia and other blood cancers.
An award-winning mentor and advocate for STEM education, Dr. Torok-Storb pioneered two research internship programs at Fred Hutch for local high school students from low-income communities or who are members of underrepresented minority groups. She also created Fred Hutch’s two training labs, where young scientists can gain hands-on research experience.
Derek Stirewalt, M.D.
Dr. Derek Stirewalt studies the basic changes that occur in our blood stem cells as we age and their role in leukemia and other diseases. He uses cutting-edge technology to examine DNA, RNA and wide swaths of proteins to find new molecular calling cards as these diseases develop.
Dr. Stirewalt’s clinical expertise lies within the evaluation and treatment of patients with hematopoietic malignancies, with a particular interest in those patients with leukemia. He has been an active member of Fred Hutch’s transplant program for over 20 years and routinely oversees the care of patients receiving either an autologous or allogeneic transplant.