Monica Baskin Appointed as First Black Woman to Lead NCI-Designated Cancer Center
Monica L. Baskin, Ph.D., has been appointed as the first Black woman to lead a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. She will head the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in Richmond, Virginia. Baskin's career has focused on cancer prevention, community engagement, and health equity, particularly in rural and medically underserved communities. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in cancer research and care, as she becomes one of only nine women in the U.S. to direct a comprehensive cancer center. Baskin's leadership will emphasize advanced science, compassionate care, and community collaboration. Her personal experiences with cancer in her family have driven her commitment to early detection and prevention research. 
