The UF Health Cancer Institute’s ONCO-GATOR (Oncology Networking, Coaching, and Opportunities – Guiding Advancement, Training, and Onboarding for Researchers) mentorship program aims to build a vibrant mentoring culture that removes barriers for early-stage investigators and new UF Health Cancer Institute members, accelerates grant success and academic productivity, and strengthens our competitive position in cancer research and care.
Mentees gain the inside knowledge and relationships that make challenging goals achievable here at the University of Florida. Mentors gain fresh perspectives and insight and receive visible program recognition that supports tenure and promotion. Together, we create a culture where learning is continuous, collaboration is second nature, and progress moves faster from bench to bedside.
ONCO-Gator includes onboarding, mentorship and a training bootcamp over eight months.
Our Participants
- Experienced clinical research faculty and Cancer Institute members – associate and above
- Early-stage clinical research faculty and Cancer Institute members
While specialties may vary, we pair mentees and mentors with the goal of providing both participants with a strong external perspective.
Congratulations to our inaugural cohort!
Ten mentor-mentee teams completed our inaugural 2025-26 ONCO-GATOR cohort.
Mentor
Ashley Ghiaseddin, M.D.
Mentee
John Ligon, M.D.
Mentor
Paul Crispen, M.D.
Mentee
Ibrahim Nassour, M.D.
Mentor
Coy Heldermon, M.D., Ph.D.
Mentee
Serendipity Rinonos, M.D., Ph.D.
Mentor
Maryam Rahman, M.D.
Mentee
Gahyun Gim, M.D.
Mentor
Joanne Lagmay, M.D.
Mentee
Joshua Dajac, M.D.
Mentor
Naykky Singh Ospina, M.D.
Mentee
Monica Demecillo, M.D.
Mentor
David Iglesias, M.D.
Mentee
Ansh Mehta, M.D.
Mentor
Nancy Mendenhall, M.D.
Mentee
Muhammad Tariq, M.D.
Mentor
Lisa Spiguel, M.D.
Mentee
Danielle Cerbon, M.D.
Mentor
Ali Zarrinpar, M.D.
Mentee
Patrick Underwood, M.D.
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