Celebrating the UVM Larner College of Medicine Community

A study published recently in Nature Communications co-authored by Larner Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Brian Cunniff, Ph.D., UVM research scientist and lead author Victoria Gibson, M.S., and an international team of collaborators, reports a counterintuitive new approach to treating mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of lung cancer—and perhaps other cancers too.

Read more about this new cancer drug

Five teams of medical students from the UVM Larner College of Medicine Class of 2029, along with teams from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and Vermont Law and Graduate School, have been selected to participate as 2026–27 Schweitzer Fellows through the New Hampshire / Vermont (NH/VT) Schweitzer Fellows Program.

Read more about the 2026–27 Schweitzer Fellows

Research led by Larner Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Leigh Knodler, Ph.D., has revealed details about the fight for essential nutrients between Salmonella bacteria and the host during an infection. The findings shed light on how the human body controls Salmonella infections, and opens pathways for potential treatments for these and other food-borne illnesses.

Read more about Knodler’s salmonella discovery

ACCOLADES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Teams from the Larner College of Medicine—led by Minaz Mawani, Ph.D., M.Sc.—and UVM Health were among the top fundraisers for this year’s Vermont Heart Walk June 20 in Burlington. Dr. Mawani, a postdoctoral associate at Larner, said, “Knowing that the dollars we raised will help train more people in CPR and support research that saves lives makes us feel like we are truly making a difference in our community, and we’re grateful to be part of something so meaningful.”

Leigh-Anne Cioffredi, M.D., M.P.H., has joined Larner’s Office of Medical Education as director of medical student research, charged with leading and expanding research opportunities for all students. A pediatric hospitalist and National Institutes of Health–funded investigator, Dr. Ciofreddi brings deep experience in mentorship, research education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

An award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse will support continued development of a smartphone‑based treatment designed to help pregnant individuals quit smoking. Granted to UVM Distinguished Professor Stephen Higgins, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, the funding will advance testing of a digital financial‑incentives intervention that provides rewards for verified smoking abstinence.

The University of Vermont Cancer Center has named Larner Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Jason Stumpff, Ph.D., a Juckett Faculty Scholar. This honor, which includes two years of research funding, recognizes exceptional cancer researchers whose work meaningfully advances the center’s mission and demonstrates excellence in fundamental, translational, population-based, or clinical research.

A UVM Cancer Center study led by Larner Associate Professor of Family Medicine Maija Reblin, Ph.D., M.A., shows that storytelling can strengthen connection and support among queer and trans people navigating cancer. After training in engaged listening, participants shared personal stories, leading to measurable increases in peace, self‑understanding, and community connection. A statewide expansion is planned.

SAVE THE DATE

Larner Class of 2030 Orientation | The Larner College of Medicine community welcomes our new first-year medical students to Orientation, August 10–14, with on-campus sessions, recreational activities, community service, and a student resource fair.

Summer Cancer Research Fellows Poster Fair | Given Courtyard, Larner College of Medicine, Thursday, August 20, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., showcasing the innovative work of 20 undergraduate, graduate, and medical students. Complimentary professional headshots will be offered!

Fall UVM Move-In Days | Please be prepared for heavy traffic on and around the UVM campus during the week of August 24–28, as students arrive for fall semester move-in days.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE

By April 2027, all UVM public-facing and internal communications, including websites, newsletters, brochures, and content on Drupal and SharePoint, must include required non-discrimination, accessibility, and privacy notices to comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards and Section 508 requirements. Visit the Office of Accessibility Services website for training, resources, updates, and information about UVM's Digital Accessibility Roadmap. 

To view recent publications by members of the Larner College of Medicine community, visit the National Institutes of Health PubMed website.

Published by the Office of Medical Communications © 2026