An Indian-origin researcher has been appointed by a prestigious US varsity to lead its cancer-related research programmes.
Bhramar Mukherjee has been appointed by University of Michigan's Comprehensive Cancer Centre as associate director for population science research and will oversee the Center's research on cancer causes, prevention, care delivery and outcomes.
Mukherjee, whose research has focused on how the interaction between genes and the environment impacts cancer risk, is a John D Kalbfleisch Collegiate professor of biostatistics and professor of epidemiology at the university's School of Public Health. She also serves as the associate chair for biostatistics.
"I am so impressed with Mukherjee. She is a stellar researcher in biostatistics, epidemiology and disparities. These are key issues for our Cancer Center to address. And I am thrilled to bring in Mukherjee to lead it," said Ted Lawrence, Professor of Oncology and director of the varsity's Comprehensive Cancer Center.
"As a biostatistician and epidemiologist, I can bring a lot to this role," a university release quoted Mukherjee as saying.
Mukherjee, who grew up in Kolkata, joined the University of Michigan faculty in 2006 also has worked on models to predict cancer risk among people with known genetic risk coming from high risk families.
"We live in a very data-driven world. There are tremendous opportunities, both within the University of Michigan and nationally around big data - using medical records and mining large datasets to manage patient outcomes and care," she said.
Mukherjee plans to foster and facilitate cross-collaboration within the population sciences programme in the cancer centre and across various other units at the University of Michigan, something she has done frequently as a biostatistician.
Khan said Hussain told him he was innocent. Khan said the
girl had followed him and Hussain during their stay here and Hussain had told the girl to go back to her home.
"He (Hussain) says there was no contact at all," he said.
When asked about Khan's account, Reardon said police have enough evidence for probable cause.
"We are confident in our investigation and the results of it. There were other witnesses. Social media was involved. There is evidence that supports the charges," Reardon said in the report.
Khan, 34, is president of the Snowshoe Federation of India. He said Hussain was not aware that the girl is a minor.
"We told him (Hussain) later that she is a minor. He does not understand proper English, so he does not know," Khan said.
Khan said he and Hussain were embarrassed by this situation, both for themselves and for Saranac Lake.
"It is embarrassment because people gave us love, respect, everything. They opened their hearts to us. I am more responsible because it should not have happened. I am the guy who is here representing everything. It is even more embarrassment for the people of Saranac (Lake). We will not be able to show our face to them again," the report quoted Khan as saying.
The Indian snowshoe team became a cause for local residents, who had campaigned to bring them to the Adirondacks, assisting with fundraising and other logistics.
Earlier this week, Hussain was welcomed warmly by Saranac Lake. "It is amazing to be here among the people of Saranac (Lake)," Khan had said.
Hussain's story drew international attention from the BBC network. He finished in 114th place in Saturday's 8-kilometer championship race.
Hussain was supposed to leave the US yesterday, after the World Snowshoe Championship that concluded on February 25.
