Congresswoman Laurel Lee Tours Moffitt’s Research Kitchen and Laboratory
Key takeaways:
- Congresswoman Laurel Lee toured Moffitt’s PEARL facility to learn about cancer research focused on nutrition and exercise
- PEARL is one of only three such facilities nationwide and advances personalized cancer prevention,screeningand treatment
- Congresswoman Lee reaffirmed her support for Moffitt as researchers work to improve cancer outcomes for patients
U.S. Congresswoman Laurel Lee recently visited Moffitt Cancer Center to learn more about the groundbreaking cancer research underway in nutrition and exercise.
Congresswoman Lee said she is grateful to meet Moffitt team members whose work contributes to the prevention and cure of cancer.
Lee toured the Population Engagement and Research Laboratory (PEARL), a state-of-the-art research facility that opened in 2023. The lab’s goal is to advance precision cancer interception, which aims to stop cancer and its associated outcomes earlier in the process through personalized prevention, screening and treatment based on a person’s unique biological and behavioral characteristics.
During the tour, Lee sampled meals prepared in the research kitchen, where team members developed carefully designed cuisine that explores the connection between nutrition and cancer.
“Moffitt continues to lead the way in advancing patient-centered research, and I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with the dedicated physicians, researchers , and staff whose work is making a real difference,” Lee said.
Lee has been a staunch supporter of Moffitt's cancer research efforts, helping secure federal funding to advance its mission. She said she looks forward to continuing that support as Moffitt team members pursue new discoveries that will improve the lives of patients in Florida and across the country.
Heart of the Mission
Moffitt President and CEO Patrick Hwu, MD, accompanied Lee throughout the tour, alongside Greg Sawyer, PhD, Moffitt’s BioEngineering Department chair, and Sylvia Crowder, PhD, and Christine Vinci, PhD, researchers in the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior.
Chef Jules explains some of the meals being prepped in the research kitchen.
“Research is at the heart of our mission to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer,” Hwu said. “Facilities like PEARL bring together our team members to explore how research, nutrition and care are connected, helping translate discoveries into meaningful advances for our patients and the community.”
One of only three such facilities in the nation, PEARL’s research kitchen enables precision feeding studies, which allow investigators to understand how specific diets impact specific drivers of cancer.
PEARL also includes monitored participant assessment rooms and research-dedicated exam rooms, as well as body composition assessment through the use of novel technologies.
“Strong partnerships with our state and federal leadership help fuel lifesaving cancer research and the meaningful work taking place at Moffitt every day,” said Jamie Wilson, Moffitt’s vice president of Government Relations.
We were honored to welcome Rep. Laurel Lee for a behind-the-scenes look at the people and innovation driving our mission forward.
— Moffitt Cancer Center (@MoffittNews) July 9, 2026
During her visit, she toured Moffitt's Research Kitchen, where research is helping shape the future of cancer prevention and care.
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