Translational Science Scholars to Develop Automated Diagnosis of Breast Lumps and Digital Storytelling Interventions

The Translational Science Scholar Award Program is supporting two new, innovative translational science projects: an automated diagnostic system for rapidly evaluating palpable breast lumps and a digital storytelling intervention for cancer patients and their caregivers to better equip them to make healthcare decisions.

These projects are led by Thomas Marini, MD, of the Department of Imaging Sciences and the Department of Data Science Consortium; and Rachel Rodenbach, MD, MS, of the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, respectively. They were selected by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute as Translational Science Scholars, an award program that supports early career, multidisciplinary clinical and translational scientists through a two-year program that facilitates their transition to independent investigators.

Translational Impact

"Marini's Translational Science Scholar project will develop an ultrasound volume sweep scanning technique in combination with artificial intelligence for breast lumps screening," said Jin Xiao, DDS, PhD, director of the Translational Science Scholars Award program. "The technology will be designed to bring rapid breast cancer screening to communities with low-resource settings, where access to diagnostic imaging is limited or nonexistent."

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. This work could help detect the disease earlier.

"Rodenbach will create a digital storytelling tool that helps patients facing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant decisions feel more informed and supported," Xiao said. "By sharing real patient stories alongside key medical information, the tool will encourage meaningful conversations between patients and their care teams and ultimately help people feel more confident and less overwhelmed when making tough treatment choices."

If successful, the approach could be translated to other decision-making processes faced by patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.

Thomas Marini, MD

Faculty Appointments: 
Assistant Professor, Department of Imaging Sciences Assistant; Professor, Department of Data Science Consortium, Joint

Award Mentors: Timothy Baran, PhD; Gretchen Birbeck, MD; Benjamin Castaneda, PhD; Ann Dozier, PhD; Neb Duric, PhD; Jennifer Harvey, MD

Project: New System for Rapid and Automated Diagnosis of Palpable Breast Lumps

"This project seeks to develop a rapid and automatic diagnostic system for evaluation of palpable breast lumps without a radiologist or a sonographer using a simple ultrasound volume sweep scanning technique in combination with artificial intelligence [AI]. This innovation has potential to improve access and outcomes related to breast cancer in underserved areas of the world, including low- and middle-income countries. Concurrently, this research will develop the largest curated set of breast volume sweep imaging for AI training and will create a beta test working version of the AI analysis in a simple-to-use form that can be shared with colleagues and clinics."

Why did you apply to become a Translational Science Scholar?

"This program offers access to outstanding mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and targeted training that are essential for bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application. Through this experience, I aim to refine my research methodology, enhance my ability to design and implement rigorous studies, and strengthen my skills in data analysis and scientific communication."

Rachel Rodenbach, MD, MS

Faculty Appointment: Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology

Award Mentors: Kah Poh (Melissa) Loh, MBBCh BAO, MS; Ronald Epstein, MD

Project: Impact of a Digital Story Intervention to Facilitate Existential Health in Patients with Myeloid Cancers Considering Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

"Patients with myeloid cancers and their caregivers who are considering donor stem cell transplant face significant existential challenges that can affect their psychological well-being and quality of life. Digital narrative interventions that encourage engagement with stories of other patients may help reduce distress by fostering connection, shared understanding, and meaning-making. This study evaluates the impact of an intervention called CHORDS on existential distress among patients referred for donor stem cell transplant evaluation and their caregivers. CHORDS includes digital stories created by previous patients with myeloid cancers describing their treatment decision-making experience, along with values clarification exercises designed to encourage reflection on personal values and emotions. This intervention has potential to expand to patients with other cancers and serious illness who face substantial existential challenges amid high-stakes decision-making."

Why did you apply to become a Translational Science Scholar?

"Becoming a Translational Science Scholar is an outstanding opportunity that supports me on my journey towards becoming an independent clinician-investigator. I am excited to get the chance to work closely with experienced researchers and mentors who can provide essential feedback and guidance on my project and career development. My hope is that my work on the K12 will set me up to successfully compete for an NCI K08."

Jonathan Raab | 6/9/2026