A new partnership in Erie is bringing cancer research, medical laboratory work and advanced treatment under one roof — with the goal of expanding access to care while creating new opportunities across the region.
Inside I-HACK, construction is underway on a 3,000-square-foot facility that will support research and medical laboratory operations connected to First Ascent Biomedical and its work in cancer care.
The project is designed to use artificial intelligence and personalized medicine to help provide more targeted treatment options for patients. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to serve as many as 20,000 patients each year.
For patients and families in Erie and surrounding communities, the project is about making advanced cancer care more accessible without requiring them to travel long distances for treatment.
But the vision extends beyond patient care.
The partnership is also expected to create new job opportunities at AHN Saint Vincent and First Ascent Biomedical, while connecting Gannon University students with opportunities to learn and gain experience in cancer research, medical science and laboratory work.
First Ascent President Raymond Rodriguez says the idea grew from seeing firsthand how cancer affects families and the need for more options closer to home.
Gannon University President Dr. Walter Iwanenko says the university’s involvement creates another important piece of the project — giving students opportunities to work alongside professionals and gain experience in a growing field while helping build Erie’s biomedical workforce.
The partners say the long-term goal is to make Erie a place where patients can receive advanced cancer care and where research and innovation can continue to grow.
With construction progressing inside I-HACK throughout the next couple of months, the project is moving from an idea toward becoming a new resource for patients, researchers, students and workers throughout the region.