Nikki Delk

Nikki Delk is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Her research focuses on inflammation-driven mechanisms in breast and prostate cancer, particularly exploring how chronic IL-1 exposure induces treatment resistance via autophagy, NF-κB signaling, and gene expression changes. Delk earned a BS in Mathematics from Georgetown University and a PhD in Molecular Biology from Rice University. She has held roles including Assistant VP for Research Development at UTD’s Office of Research and Innovation and served as an Adjunct Professor at Rice University (2015–2024).

Her academic journey includes postdoctoral training at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Rice University, with research supported by NIH grants and the Cecil H. and Ida Green Professorship. Awards include the NIH Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (2012) and the George J. Schroepfer Jr. Outstanding PhD Thesis (2006). Delk’s lab investigates cancer cell survival pathways and collaborates with institutions like UT Southwestern and UNT Health Science Center to develop predictive biomarkers and therapies for treatment-resistant cancers.

Outside academia, she founded Arts for Science to bridge art and science, and her work has been featured in media for its impact on cancer research and diversity in STEM. Despite not currently accepting undergraduate students, she has mentored over 50 researchers and emphasizes mentorship for underrepresented groups in science.