“Anything is possible.” That mantra drives Matthew Marquardt, a third-year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, dedicated cancer researcher and Pelotonia Scholar, four-time Pelotonia Rider, and professional Ironman triathlete. 

Matthew serves as peloton team captain of the BSR–Spin Doctors under the Team Buckeye super peloton and will ride the 100-mile route during Ride Weekend 2025. As a four-year Rider and High Roller, he has made a significant commitment to innovative cancer research at the OSUCCC – James, raising nearly $20,000 during his years of Pelotonia participation. 

“I ride in Pelotonia because I want to be a part of creating a cancer-free world. This mission is deeply personal to me,” says Matthew, who honors loved ones affected by cancer by writing their initials on his bike — a symbolic reminder of why he rides. 

A 2021 graduate of Princeton University with a degree in chemistry (magna cum laude) and a minor in entrepreneurship, Matthew hopes to become a head and neck cancer surgeon. At the OSUCCC – James, he is involved in three projects that combine medical science, innovation and human performance. His first project, mentored by Carmen Quatman, MD, PhD, in the Department of Orthopaedics, explores the surgeon-athlete connection, examining how principles from sports science can improve surgical performance. His second project, in collaboration with Kyle VanKoevering, MD, in the Department of Otolaryngology and the Medical Modeling, Materials and Manufacturing (M4) Lab, uses 3D printing to enhance surgical outcomes for head and neck cancer patients. 

“Matthew blends the science and art of medicine with engineering and technology — the same mindset he applies to training and racing,” Dr. VanKoevering says. 

His third project, with David E. Cohn, MD, a gynecologic oncologist who serves as chief operating officer and chief medical officer at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, explores the use of continuous glucose monitoring during chemotherapy to identify metabolic changes.

“He’s one of the most committed and motivated individuals I’ve ever worked with,” Dr. Cohn says. 

Matthew’s passion for performance extends far beyond the lab. After discovering triathlon in 2021, he quickly rose through the ranks. He won the overall age-group title at the 2022 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona and turned professional in 2023. That year, he earned three podium finishes and the fastest swim split at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice. In 2024, he continued to excel with three more podiums and a bike course record at IRONMAN Lake Placid — securing a fourth place finish in the IRONMAN Pro Series. In April 2025, he clocked a sub eight-hour performance at IRONMAN Texas, solidifying his top-30 position in the global PTO World Rankings. 

“Triathlon is too hard of a sport to do only by yourself — and so is battling cancer,” he says. “There is incredible power in tackling challenges with others and having a purpose beyond oneself that can positively impact lives.” 

As he trains, researches and races, Matthew’s path remains clear: pursue purpose, push limits and help end cancer — one mile, one study and one ride at a time. 

In connection to funds raised by the Pelotonia community, Glen Barber, PhD, FRS, a globally distinguished immunologist, was recruited to join the OSUCCC – James’ Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) as director of the Center for Innate Immunity and Inflammation. His groundbreaking work focuses on the body’s innate immune system, which is considered to be the first line of defense against diseases.  

A pivotal achievement of Dr. Barber’s team is the discovery of a signaling pathway controlled by a molecule called STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) that is activated by microbes such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. This finding has sparked efforts to design drugs that strengthen the body’s immune system by boosting the STING pathway, which is important for generating antitumor immunity. 

“Our goal is to design drugs that stimulate innate immunity and test them in new clinical trials,” Dr. Barber explains.  

Dr. Barber’s research also explores the development of vaccines that target viruses linked to cancers. Supported by the National Cancer Institute, these efforts strive to prevent virus-induced cancers through innovative immunological strategies.  

Beyond the lab, Dr. Barber is inspired by the community’s commitment to cancer research, exemplified by Pelotonia. He arrived at Ohio State just a day before Ride Weekend 2024, but he’d had his bicycle shipped from Florida to Columbus and joined the Pelotonia community on the 20-mile route the next day. 

He shares the OSUCCC – James’ vision of creating a cancer-free world. 

“I think it’s possible because there’s so much more to learn, and that means so much opportunity to design ways to combat malignancy,” he explains. “We’re still scratching the surface to a certain extent, but the more we learn through the investment of donors, grants and the cancer center itself, the more team science we can generate and the more trials we can offer. Never say never.” 

With a legacy of discovery and a vision for a cancer-free future, Dr. Barber continues to push the boundaries of immunology to develop transformative treatments. 

A powerful new cancer-fighting drug, developed entirely at The Ohio State University, is now entering its first human clinical trial, offering new hope for patients with advanced cancers who have exhausted other options. 

This potential breakthrough, known as HOSU-53 during testing and now JBZ-001, was discovered and advanced from lab to clinic by researchers at the OSUCCC – James. Unlike many academic discoveries that are licensed early, Ohio State carried this one through the entire development process — a rare feat — before partnering with a commercial sponsor for clinical testing. 

The oral drug works by blocking a key enzyme that cancer cells rely on to grow. “The goal is to starve the cancer while sparing healthy cells,” says Chad Bennett, PhD, one of the lead scientists behind the drug. The treatment has shown promise in lab models against a wide range of cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphomas and solid tumors. 

This success story began with a small collaboration and grew into a large-scale, multi-year effort supported by teams across Ohio State. It was powered by critical philanthropic funding from partners like Pelotonia and foundations deeply committed to cancer research. 

Now, with a phase I trial open at the OSUCCC – James, this drug could make an immediate impact for patients, and it marks a milestone in Ohio State’s mission to bring lifesaving discoveries from the lab to the bedside. 

“This study has the potential to immediately help some patients for whom previous therapies have failed. This is the goal of clinical trials in medicine,” says Sebastian Biglione, PhD, PharmD, director of clinical and regulatory strategy for the Drug Development Institute.