Gang Chen

Gang Chen serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He holds dual leadership roles as Director of Graduate Studies for both the Master's and PhD programs in Nutritional Sciences. His institutional affiliations include membership in the Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences (UK-CARES), Markey Cancer Center/Cancer Research Priority Initiative, Molecular and Cellular Oncology Research Program, Neuroscience Research Priority Area, and Substance Use Priority Research Area.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, West Virginia University (2005)
• Master of Science, Fujian Teachers University (1988)
• Bachelor of Science, Fujian Teachers University (1985)

Dr. Chen's research focuses on heavy metals and carcinogenesis, with particular expertise in arsenic-induced lung tumorigenesis, ethanol neurotoxicity, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. His work explores molecular mechanisms linking environmental exposures to cancer development, with emphasis on PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoint pathways, STAT3 signaling, and neuroinflammatory processes. His research portfolio demonstrates consistent funding from major NIH institutes including NIEHS, NIAAA, and NIFA.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trajectory connecting environmental toxicants (arsenic, ethanol) with cancer progression through immune modulation. His 2022-2025 work shows increasing emphasis on gut-brain axis interactions in neurotoxicity and sophisticated multi-omics approaches to studying carcinogenesis.

Scientific Awards:

• Research Scholar Grant (RSG) (2011)

Dr. Chen has secured over $1.5 million in research funding as PI or CoI across 10 major projects since 2004, with current active projects totaling $850,000 including the NIFA-funded Triple Quadrupole LC/MS acquisition. He serves as Director of Graduate Studies for Nutritional Sciences programs and participates in undergraduate research training initiatives. His research activities contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and environmental sustainability.

His laboratory work spans the Markey Cancer Center facilities and UK-CARES environmental research infrastructure, with particular focus on molecular oncology techniques, multi-omics analyses, and rodent models of environmental carcinogenesis and neurotoxicity.