Nanotechnology holds many promises for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. New targeted strategies offer reduced side effects, enhanced effectiveness for therapeutics, as well as earlier diagnosis. The Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) at NCI-Frederick is helping to refine and accelerate the implementation of these nanotechnology concepts. Stephan Stern is a key component of that process.
Dr. Stern is an NCL toxicologist, evaluating the biocompatibility of nanotechnology-based cancer therapeutics and imaging agents. This work includes directing rodent pharmacology and toxicology studies with the Laboratory Animal Sciences Program Pathology/Histotechnology Laboratory, as well as conducting in vitro mechanistic studies in the NCL labs. The data generated from these studies are used to support Investigational New Drug (IND) regulatory filings and aid in environmental risk assessments.
Nanotechnology Research Is Rewarding
In a recent interview, Dr. Stern said that the most rewarding piece of his job is facilitating the transition of nanotechnology into the clinical setting. Together with his colleagues at NCL, over the next few years, he hopes to make substantial contributions to the understanding of nanomaterial biological dynamics, improving scientists' ability to predict these interactions. He hopes that improving the accuracy of these predictions will result in nanotechnology-based concepts that can move rapidly from early development, through IND, and into the clinical setting.
Dr. Stern pointed out that another rewarding aspect of his work in NCL "is the opportunity to participate in the young science that is nanotechnology and to do so in such a collaborative atmosphere: Both within the NCL and within the NCI-Frederick community, scientists work as a team to accomplish their mission." Dr. Stern noted that this positive, collaborative atmosphere is essential.
Interdisciplinary Approach Provides Inspiration
Through collaborative projects with various laboratories within NCI-Frederick, Dr. Stern has had the privilege of working with many experienced, topnotch scientists who have inspired and educated him. He also enjoys the interdisciplinary aspect NCL brings to his job: "Our laboratory is a clear example of this diversity, with chemists, physicists, immunologists, and pharmaceutical scientists all working side by side," he said.
Dr. Stern received his B.S. in biochemistry from the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, and a Ph.D. in toxicology from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. His areas of expertise include biochemical toxicology of the liver and kidney, analytical methodology, and drug metabolism/pharmacokinetics.
His interest in toxicology was in part a natural progression and in part motivated by an undergraduate professor. "I managed to fit in a course in pathology at the University of Rochester medical school my senior year. The instructor, Dr. Raymond Baggs, was a member of the graduate toxicology faculty. He was a wonderful teacher, and encouraged me to shift my career path toward pursuing a graduate degree in toxicology. It seemed like a natural amalgamation of my interests in biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicine," Dr. Stern said.
Indeed, "I had always been interested in cancer research, which was one of the main reasons I chose my postdoc at UNC, in the Division of Drug Delivery and Disposition and Curriculum in Toxicology, focusing on how differences in intestinal metabolism modulate susceptibility to the gastrointestinal toxicity of chemotherapeutics. The idea of entering such a new field—nanotechnology—with such promising cancer applications, was exciting, and still is. It is interesting to note that the University of Rochester is now a leading institution for nano-toxicology research. Sometimes it is such a small world, especially in the world of science,” Dr. Stern said.
But life is not all work and no play for this researcher. Although he enjoys snowboarding, gardening, and camping, he jokes that his wife thinks he is part fish: Having spent his summers on the Jersey shore, Dr. Stern is an avid saltwater enthusiast. Familiar with surf fishing spots all along the east coast, from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the waters of New England, he said that he especially likes "North Truro on the tip of Cape Cod; Island Beach State Park, New Jersey; Frisco on the outer banks of North Carolina; and right here on the Chesapeake. I most enjoy fishing for striped bass in the fall."
More Cross-Disciplinary Interactions Predicted
In his three years at NCI-Frederick, Dr. Stern has seen dramatic changes. These changes include the movement toward interactive databases for information exchange, such as the ongoing Cancer Biological Informatics Grid (CaBIG) efforts. His lab has been involved in CaBIG development, through NCL's work with CaNanoLab, a database designed to allow data exchange between NCI's various nanotechnology efforts. Dr. Stern sees NCI-Frederick's technology-driven focus continuing into the future, but with more cross-disciplinary interaction to help focus resources.
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Nanotechnology holds many promises for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. New targeted strategies offer reduced side effects, enhanced effectiveness for therapeutics, as well as earlier diagnosis. The Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) at NCI-Frederick is helping to refine and accelerate the implementation of these nanotechnology concepts. Stephan Stern is a key component of that process. 
But life is not all work and no play for this researcher. Although he enjoys snowboarding, gardening, and camping, he jokes that his wife thinks he is part fish: Having spent his summers on the Jersey shore, Dr. Stern is an avid saltwater enthusiast. Familiar with surf fishing spots all along the east coast, from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the waters of New England, he said that he especially likes "North Truro on the tip of Cape Cod; Island Beach State Park, New Jersey; Frisco on the outer banks of North Carolina; and right here on the Chesapeake. I most enjoy fishing for striped bass in the fall."