Industry has wooed a cache of high-level smart people, from near and far, to lead booming businesses. What will an infusion of genius do for the Port City? DR. HUNG T. KONG USA Mitchell Cancer Institute ORIGINATING NEW CANCER CURES Dr. Hung T. Khong's journey to reach the United States began in 1981, when, at age 13, he and his 15-year-old sister fled Vietnam. After Thai pirates attacked their small boat multiple times, they became refugees for two years in a series of camps in Thailand and the Philippines. While there, Khong taught himself English and math. In 1983, when they reached America, he had advanced to the 10th grade. With a B.A. in biology from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.D. from Temple University School of Medicine, Khong moved to Mobile in 2004 to become assistant professor of oncologic sciences and head of clinical immunotherapeutic research at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. This year, he also became associate director for clinical research. "I found that Mobile is a city full of charm, and the people in this region are friendly and down to earth," says Khong. "With the opening of the new cancer center, the potential for growth and advancement is enormous." Through manipulation of the immune system, Khong tries to find improved treatments, prevention and cures for cancers. He does this through lab research of cancer vaccines and immune cell therapy, as well as clinical trials. He has also developed several new treatments for cancer. One, in clinical trials, treats solid tumors (phase I) and breast cancer (phase II). The creative researcher also invented a novel approach based on a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. It potentially can be used to treat all forms of cancer. Khong is waiting for funding to bring this treatment to the clinic. Khong spends much of his time working in Bayou La Batre, where 33 percent of the population is Southeast Asian. The majority of this group is an isolated Vietnamese community. In 2007, after receiving two grants from the Community Foundation of South Alabama, Khong began to work with local Vietnamese-American women, who are five times more likely to develop cervical cancer than Caucasian women. "I have worked very hard to develop a robust clinical research program at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute," says Khong, "so that cancer patients can receive state-of-the-art treatments right here in Mobile. They do not have to leave their family and friends and travel to another state for their cancer care. In addition, clinical studies resulting from my research will offer patients, in this region, novel cancer treatments that are not available in any other parts of the country." DR. JESSICA KIRK University of South Alabama pediatrics department and Child Advocacy Center KEEPING KIDS SAFE Growing up around Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Jessica Kirk, M.D., was encouraged by her parents to give back to the community. The family volunteered in soup kitchens and for Habitat for Humanity. They even made trips to Third World countries to encounter true poverty. Kirk has not forgotten her family's values. The pediatrician, who obtained her B.S. in psychobiology from the University of Miami, and her M.D. from St. Georges University, has advanced training in child abuse detection and follow-up care. Since joining USA's medical school faculty in 2008, while completing her chief residency, Kirk has been instrumental in fusing USA and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to provide a better, community-wide child abuse treatment system. Pediatric students at USA now rotate through CAC. This creates a ripple effect, spreading awareness of abuse. In addition, children who are reluctant to talk about their experiences can now visit a skilled medical doctor in a child-friendly environment at one of the university's pediatric specialty clinics. Kirk, when not teaching, sometimes performs pediatric forensic exams there. Taken together, these changes improve abuse report response time, treatments and the prosecution of child abusers. "I've had tremendous support for what we're doing," says Kirk. SHAAN WADHWANI Prism Systems GROWING TECHNOLOGIES Four years ago, when Shaan Wadhwani, right, graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.S. in computer engineering, he traveled to Mobile to interview with Prism Systems, a Mobile-based industrial automation and software development company. "The appeal of Mobile is that it is by the water and close to the beaches," says Wadhwani, who grew up in Crossett, Ark. "The city itself is laid-back. But, it's a big city, compared to my hometown." Prism Systems' marine products division has been an integral part of Mobile's shipbuilding sector. The company offers shipboard control solutions and propulsion management systems for the international commercial marine industry. Wadhwani helps to engineer the Vessel Management System to provide an integrated, cost-effective shipboard management product. He is the leader of a project for a new vessel that is equipped with the company's alarm, power management and tank level indication systems. "As a young professional, I hope that I add value to my company and the local companies we support," says Wadhwani. "Technology companies contribute a great deal, directly and indirectly, to the economy of Mobile and its surrounding cities." BRUCE EARNEST University of Mobile PUTTING ARTS ON THE MAP In mid-August of this summer, Bruce Earnest, chair of the department of musical theater in the University of Mobile's Center for Performing Arts, and his family, officially made Mobile their home. "I hope to put Mobile and the university on the map," says Earnest, who is an internationally recognized performer and musical theater instructor. Earnest holds a B.A. in musical theater from Westfield State College and an M.M. (master of music) from the University of Miami. His goal is to build a musical theater program of national excellence and to train his students to perform at their highest levels. Before accepting the position, he achieved these two goals at two other universities: University of Central Florida and University of South Dakota. Just before moving to Mobile, Earnest spent the summer in Munich, Germany, where he taught a musical theater workshop. He was also cofounder/managing director of Music Theatre Bavaria, a professional training program, in Oberaudorf, Germany. "I think I will bring a global and international perspective to the school and students," says Earnest, who is originally from Massachusetts. "My experience in Europe can also provide a network for them and help them see who they are on a more global scale." Bruce won't be the only Earnest new to the faculty at the University of Mobile. His wife, Darla, who grew up in Kentucky, will be an adjunct professor for the Center for Performing Arts. The creative couple has a toddler son, Lukas. DRS. DONATO AND THERESA DUMLAO USA Mitchell Cancer Institute TREATING CANCER HOLISTICALLY After emigrating from the Philippines and living in various states for about 10 years, physicians Donato and Theresa Dumlao are happy to call Mobile home. Since last July, the Dumlaos have been on staff at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, where Theresa specializes in hematology/oncology and Donato focuses on hospice and palliative care. "I'm the only doctor in Mobile doing palliative care for cancer patients," says Donato, who met his wife while the pair completed their residencies at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago / Michael Reese Hospital." Donato is developing a program that will offer a holistic approach. "It will help to alleviate the suffering of patients physically, psychology, socially and spiritually." Both doctors are part of a cancer research team conducting clinical treatment trials at the cancer institute. "I take care of the suffering," says Donato, "and the oncologists - such as my wife - take care of the cure and treatments." "I love to teach," adds Donato, who will be instructing other doctors and health care professionals. "Teaching, as well as the research, is what I want to do." With their seven-year-old daughter typically setting the agenda, the Dumlaos enjoy beach excursions, museum visits and trips to the park. Donato, who is also a certified chef, says he particularly likes to shop the fresh seafood markets in the area. Theresa, on the other hand, relishes relaxing at home, if she can find some peace, between her full-time medical career and caring for her two daughters, the youngest of whom is six months old. Image information: Main: Dr. Khong Left: Dr. Jessica Kirk Center: Bruce Earnest Center: Drs. Donato and Theresa Dumlao Photos by Elise Poche