About the Education and Training team
The Cancer Research Training and Education team is dedicated to providing learning, mentoring and training opportunities to scientists and health-care professionals — this generation and the next. We aim to provide education to all of those committed to ending cancer as we know it.
Grace Gill, Ph.D., Director
Dr. Gill is an Associate Professor in the Division of Oncological Sciences and the Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology and the Co-Associate Director of Cancer Research Training & Education at the Knight Cancer Institute. Grace is an accomplished scientist whose research has advanced understanding of molecular mechanisms of transcription factor function and regulation. Grace is a CIMER Certified Facilitator of Entering Mentoring and has helped faculty and trainees to improve their mentoring relationships. Grace has extensive experience in basic and translational science research and education and she is passionate about providing supportive mentoring to foster self-efficacy, belonging and professional development to the next generation of scientists.
Alexis Champagne, CRTEC Project Coordinator
Alexis started working with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in 2022 after a 30-year background in the veterinary industry working as a vet technician and manager. She was a literal cat-wrangler! Alexis also has a history of volunteering with Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, and farming with Raceme Farm Collective and the Errant Carrot Collective. Encouraging a relationship between food and weeds and growing medicine is one of her favorite learning tools. Alexis joined OHSU to continue supporting others and began working with CRTEC in 2023. When not supporting others, Alexis supports herself by enjoying time with her dogs, laughing with her friends and visiting as many Portland food carts pods possible.
Yoli Flores, CRTEC Project Coordinator
Yoli is a first-generation Mexican American and first-generation college graduate. She earned her bachelor of science degrees in health sciences and community health education with a minor in mass communications. She has a passion for ending health disparities in communities that have historically been underrepresented in academia, health care and beyond. She is an advocate for quality health care, access to fresh food and human rights. She is inspired by her breast cancer survivor mother and two younger sisters.