Cancer Committee

The Henry Ford + MSU Cancer Committee brings together experts from Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University to guide and strengthen the partnership’s cancer initiatives. The committee offers oversight, advises on priorities, and helps ensure that efforts are coordinated, effective, and aligned with institutional and NCI goals.

Jeffrey MacKeigan, Ph.D.

Co-Chair | Michigan State University

Jeffrey MacKeigan, Ph.D., is a senior advisor for Michigan State University Office of Research and Innovation. He also serves as a senior fellow for research infrastructure in the Office of Research and Innovation, and professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development in the MSU College of Human Medicine. MacKeigan holds a bachelor’s degree in molecular, cellular and developmental biology from the University of Colorado and earned a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of North Carolina Medical School at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. He completed his post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School with fellowship funding from the American Cancer Society.

Benjamin Movsas, M.D.

Co-Chair | Henry Ford Health

Benjamin Movsas, M.D., serves as medical director of system-wide cancer services and chair of radiation oncology at Henry Ford Health. Movsas is a leading national expert in radiation oncology, stereotactic radiation, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and quality of life issues pertaining to cancer. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his medical degree from Washington University, MO. He completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the National Institutes of Health.

Jamie Bernard, Ph.D.

Michigan State University

Jamie Bernard, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and the Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on toxicological effects in daily life that can trigger the formation of cancer. Bernard received her Ph.D. in toxicology at the University of Rochester. Prior to joining MSU, she completed postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego and Rutgers University.

Ronald Chandler, Ph.D.

Michigan State University

Ronald Chandler, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and adjunct assistant professor at the Van Andel Research Institute. He is passionate about training the next generation of scientists and clinicians and works hard to ensure their future successes. Chandler still works in the lab and spends his free time working on his hobby farm. Chandler received his B.S. in biology at Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee, and his Ph.D. in molecular physiology and Biophysics from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee. Chandler did his postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Dr. Terry Magnuson at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Clara Hwang, M.D.

Henry Ford Health

Clara Hwang, M.D., is a medical oncologist with special interests in cancer of the prostate, bladder, kidney and testes. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Medicine program. After her graduation, Hwang completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology/oncology at the University of Michigan. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and medical oncology. Hwang is currently involved in research on why prostate cancer is resistant to chemotherapy and the genes that cause varied responses to docetaxel (a type of chemotherapy medication).