Dr. Lumpkins Receives Communicating Evolving Cancer Information Ideas Lab Award

Our very own Associate Professor, Dr. Crystal Lumpkins was accepted into the Communicating Evolving Cancer Information Ideas Lab this summer on behalf of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This Innovation Lab aimed to accelerate progress by bringing together collaborative and open-minded people with diverse experiences, expertise, and perspectives.

Dr. Lumpkins was selected to be part of this Lab for her significant research and contributions at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Along with eight other interdisciplinary cancer researchers from across the country, she served as a member of Team Adaptive Uncertainty who were tasked with developing innovative research ideas to better communicate evolving cancer information. They focused on ways to address uncertainty management and its effects on both communicators and the public. Their proposal was reviewed and scored by the Lab Mentors and NCI Organizers. All parties were impressed by the ambition of the project and recognized innovation in the gamification intervention presented as well as the measurement focus of “uncertainty efficacy,” which they believe has the potential to advance the science of uncertainty management.

Based on the strong merits of their proposal the Adaptive Uncertainty team was selected by the NCI to receive a cash prize award in the amount of $15,000! This prize is intended to facilitate further development of research collaborations and grant proposals for submission for National Institute of Health funding. The Department of Communication is continually impressed by Dr. Lumpkins and her dedication to her craft. Please extend your warmest congratulations her way!