Cai M. Roberts

Cai M. Roberts is an Assistant Professor in Pharmacology at Midwestern University, holding cross-appointments at the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and College of Graduate Studies - Illinois. His research bridges cancer metastasis, drug resistance, and therapeutic innovation through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) studies.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Irell and Manella Graduate School (2016)
  • B.S. in Biochemistry, University of California - Davis (2011)

Research Focus:

• Investigating EMT-driven DNA repair and angiogenesis changes in ovarian cancer
• Elucidating paradoxical drug sensitivity/resistance dynamics during EMT
• Screening natural products (beta carboline compounds) as EMT inhibitors
• Collaborative CRISPR knockout and tumor microenvironment studies

His work spans molecular oncology, pharmacology, and translational nanomedicine, particularly in targeting TWIST1 for therapeutic applications.

Teaching: Directs pharmacology courses for Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), and Pharmacy programs, including the Introduction to Cancer Biology and Therapy course.

Professional Activities:

• Member of American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) since 2021
• Active in AACR since 2013

Publications: 15+ peer-reviewed articles focusing on EMT mechanisms, TWIST1 targeting, and DNA repair in ovarian cancer, with citations spanning pharmacology, molecular biology, and oncology.