Since taking office in 2014, State Sen. Ryan Aument has been an avid supporter of Temple University’s Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine (SHRO).  

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, he was recognized at the institute for his continued support of SHRO’s research on cancer genetics and biomarkers, as well as the development of novel diagnostics, drug discovery and therapeutic interventions in these fields. 

 “I am very grateful for the recognition. I would like to thank Temple for their transformative work in this region of the commonwealth and the global impact of their research,” said Aument. “It’s a privilege to be here on campus, and to have this research facility and partnership between the commonwealth and Temple University is really important. 

“Time and time again, Temple has demonstrated their value in the quality of their research, providing a pathway to economic opportunity to students and constantly improving the quality of life,” he added. “I look forward to working with Temple for years to come.”  

Sen. Aument was presented with the Scientific Education Award by Antonio Giordano, founder and president of SHRO. As part of the award ceremony, he took Aument on a special lab facility tour of Temple’s SHRO.  

At Temple, SHRO leads innovative biomedical research, converting scientific findings into healthcare solutions. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to funding basic genetic research to cure and diagnose cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. It also aims to promote the training of aspiring medical professionals.  

Among Giordano’s many discoveries, he found a direct correlation between the cell cycle regulation and the development of cancer, which led to identifying a new generation of small-molecule drugs widely used today in the treatment of breast, lung and other types of cancers.  

“The generous donation of a million dollars to Temple’s medical school that came from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania is thanks to Sen. Aument, which was used to open new programs in the medical school and allowed us to hire several outstanding investigators for our organization’s research,” said Giordano.  

Temple President Richard M. Englert, who attended the ceremony, expressed his appreciation for the continued partnership between the commonwealth and Temple, which has lasted for nearly 60 years. Each year, Temple receives $158.2 million as part of the commonwealth appropriation, which it uses to reduce tuition for Pennsylvania citizens.  

“We are so grateful for regularly targeted funding from the commonwealth, and time again Sen. Aument has stepped forward as a leader in these initiatives,” said Englert. “I would also like to thank the Sbarro Health Research Organization team, our College of Science and Technology, faculty, and students for their outstanding work in furthering research that saves lives and improves the quality of life. 

“I want to emphasize it is a partnership among all of us. Sen. Aument is one of our most important partners, so I am thankful for that partnership, and it is very appropriate that he is honored because of all he did,” he added.  

“This is also an interdisciplinary space that helps prepare the next generation of doctors to care for patients and engage in life-changing research that offers real strategies for treatments and cures of the world’s most complex and pervasive health conditions,” said Gregory N. Mandel, provost at Temple. 

“Sen. Aument’s support and Dr. Antonio Giordano’s vision that led to this development have proven to have a real impact on people’s lives,” he added. “Their commitment dovetails beautifully with Temple’s mission to improve lives around the world.”