HU Proton Therapy Institute joins network researching imaging tools for cancer diagnosis

Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute was accepted as an associate member of the quantitative imaging network at the National Cancer Institute.

The network promotes research, development and clinical validation of imaging tools and methods for cancer diagnosis, said Bill Thomas, HU associate vice president of governmental relations.

Additionally, the university said it landed a $2 million contract from the Virginia Department of Health to further develop research resources at the Proton Therapy Institute in support of various projects, including MRI imaging capability.

The Proton Therapy Institute’s research in quantitative imaging is focused on improving industry standard methods and technologies, according to a news release. The institute also collaborated with HU’s Skin of Color Research Institute and Simplicity Hair Oil to propose a research program to study prevention, reduction, and recovery of radiation-damaged skin from side effects of radiation therapy. That program would also use quantitative MRI imaging analysis.

HU grad opens pharmacy

Hampton University graduate Henry Kyle Ranger opened a pharmacy called The Prescription Shoppe LLC at 5223 Monticello Ave. in Williamsburg earlier in March.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for years; it’s always been a dream of mine,” Ranger said in an HU news release. “I really feel that customer interaction is lost when you go to the big chains, but when you come here, it’s more a one-on-one experience.”

Ranger graduated from HU in 2011. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/RxShoppeVA.

York, Gloucester businesses of the year

Both York and Gloucester counties honored local businesses in their annual awards.

The York economic development office and Economic Development Authority awarded the Snow Companies with the 2019 William Rogers “Poor Potter” award for significant investment in the county. The company recently expanded into and renovated the office building at 133 Waller Mill Road and has added more than 100 jobs since the move.

William Rogers of Yorktown was a successful entrepreneur in the 1700s who established a pottery in violation of British law to sell goods throughout the colonies and the West Indies.

The York County Chamber of Commerce also named Body by D gym and fitness center as its Small Business of the Year.

The Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce named Kelsick Specialty Market as its Small Business of the Year, Samantha George Smith of Split Enz salon as its Professional of the Year, Northern Neck Popcorn Bag as the Best New Business of the Year and The Fairfield Foundation as its Nonprofit of the Year. Blown Away Salon in Hayes was given the Love Gloucester award.