Behzad Toosi is the Allard Research Chair in Oncology and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine. He holds a DVM from Ferdowski University of Mashad (2002), a PhD in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences (2009), and completed two postdoctoral fellowships at USask. His research focuses on comparative oncology, targeting cancers like lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and melanoma through Eph receptor signaling and translational models. Dr. Toosi leads the Comparative Oncology Research Group (CORG), leveraging naturally occurring tumors in dogs to accelerate human cancer therapeutic discovery. His recent publications explore PLK1 vulnerabilities, Eph receptor crosstalk, and bispecific antibodies. Research emphasizes drug sensitivity mechanisms, radiopharmaceutical delivery, and kinase-independent tumor suppression. Awards include the Allard Research Chair for pioneering comparative oncology approaches. Key article themes include receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in cancer progression (Eph/EGFR), innovative therapeutic strategies (bispecific antibodies, radiometalated peptides), and mechanistic insights into chemosensitivity. Canine models bridge translational gaps in osteosarcoma and lymphoma research.
Min Hee Oh is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Her research focuses on immune cell metabolism and its role in T cell differentiation, cancer immunity, and inflammatory responses. She investigates mechanisms such as mTOR signaling pathways, metabolic reprogramming, and cytokine regulation to understand immune cell function in health and disease. Her key research areas include T cell biology, macrophage function, and the interplay between metabolism and immune responses. Notably, her work explores how targeting glutamine metabolism or mTOR pathways can enhance cancer immunotherapy and overcome tumor immune evasion. Collaborations with Huabing Li and Richard Flavell highlight her engagement with leading immunology researchers. Recent publications (2023–2020) emphasize discoveries such as KLK1b22’s role in systemic metabolism regulation, GOT1’s dual effects on TH17/iTreg differentiation, and mTORC2’s control of CD8+ T cell differentiation. These studies underscore her contributions to understanding cellular metabolic pathways in immune contexts. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed, though her work has been funded through Yale’s institutional resources. She advises no named students but collaborates extensively on translational projects. Min Hee Oh’s lab focuses on immunometabolism and tumor immunity, with ongoing efforts to bridge basic research and clinical applications.
Dr. Matt Steensma is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at Van Andel Institute (VAI). He leads the Steensma Laboratory, focusing on developing treatment strategies for sarcomas and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). His work integrates molecular biology, translational research, and clinical insights to address aggressive cancers like bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Education: B.A. from Hope College, M.D. from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Completed residency in orthopaedic surgery and fellowship in musculoskeletal oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Joined VAI in 2010 as an Associate Scientific Investigator, later becoming a Francis S. Collins Scholar in Neurofibromatosis Research (2014). Research interests include tumor progression mechanisms in NF1, epigenetic alterations in neurofibromas, and metabolic reprogramming in cancer. His lab employs genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived explants, and next-gen sequencing. Key focus areas are identifying therapeutic targets and overcoming chemotherapy resistance. Publications highlight NF1’s role in breast cancer, sarcoma genomics, and drug response. Collaborative grants include a 2013 Wells Fargo Foundation award for rare disease research. His team includes PhD students, postdocs, and technicians addressing clinical translation challenges. Awards: Francis S. Collins Scholar (2014). Lab impact includes 122 peer-reviewed papers in 2024, contributions to VAI-SU2C clinical trials, and collaborations with institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering and Michigan State University.
Suneet Agarwal, MD, PhD, is Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Co-Program Leader for the Stem Cell Transplant Center at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. His work bridges clinical pediatrics, hematology-oncology, and translational research in bone marrow failure and telomere biology disorders. Medical School: Harvard Medical School, 2001 Internship: Boston Children's Hospital, 2002 Residency: Pediatrics, Boston Combined Residency Program (BCRP), 2003 Fellowship: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Children's Hospital Boston, 2006 Dr. Agarwal’s research focuses on telomere biology disorders , mitochondrial DNA deletion disorders , and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes . He employs induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), gene editing, and molecular techniques to model diseases and develop therapies, including small-molecule PAPD5 inhibitors for telomere restoration. His lab investigates nucleotide metabolism, telomere length control, and heteroplasmy dynamics in mitochondrial disorders. His recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on telomere regulation, stem cell biology, and hematopoietic transplantation. Key trends include the role of nucleotide salvage in telomere maintenance, molecular mechanisms of telomere disease, and clinical outcomes in stem cell transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome and telomere disorders. His work frequently appears in top-tier journals such as Nature Genetics , Cell Stem Cell , and Blood . Scientific contributions include: Discovery of PAPD5 inhibitors that restore telomerase activity in patient stem cells Mechanistic insights into TERC and TERT variants in telomere diseases Characterization of liver and vascular complications in dyskeratosis congenita Development of iPSC models for rare genetic blood disorders Dr. Agarwal leads a research lab at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's and is actively involved in mentoring and scientific innovation. He has not publicly listed specific advisees or awards, but his research program is supported by extensive publications and clinical leadership. He is not indicated to be part-time, retired, or deceased. His laboratory, the Suneet Agarwal Lab , is dedicated to understanding the molecular basis of genetic blood disorders and developing regenerative and pharmacological therapies. The lab utilizes cutting-edge technologies including single-cell multi-omics, genome editing, and stem cell reprogramming to uncover disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Dr Ruhi Deshmukh is an Honorary Research Fellow at the School of Cancer Sciences, CRUK Scotland Institute. Her research focuses on cancer metabolism, tumor biology, and molecular mechanisms driving metastasis and tumorigenesis. Her work spans diverse areas including: Metabolic reprogramming in cancer progression Role of extracellular vesicles in invasive microenvironments Epigenetic regulation of tumor suppression Physiological cell culture modeling Recent peer-reviewed articles highlight her contributions to understanding: Glioma metabolism and IDH1 signaling Lung adenocarcinoma initiation and therapeutic vulnerabilities Lipid metabolism in breast cancer metastasis Stem cell metabolic regulation Her interdisciplinary research bridges cancer biology, biochemistry, and cellular metabolism.
Professor Imran Ahmad is a Professor of Urological Oncology at the School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, and an Honorary Consultant Urological & Robotic Surgeon at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. His work bridges clinical practice and laboratory research, focusing on advanced prostate cancer mechanisms and treatment resistance. He leads the Models of Advanced Prostate Cancer research group at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute (formerly Beatson Institute). Dr. Ahmad completed his medical education at the University of Glasgow (MB ChB 2003, BSc Medical Sciences Hons 2001), followed by surgical training (MRCS 2005, FRCS Urol 2014, FEBU 2015). He earned his PhD in Bladder Cancer Biology from the CRUK Beatson Institute/University of Glasgow in 2010. His research focuses on understanding treatment-resistance mechanisms in advanced prostate cancer using in vivo models and patient samples. Key areas include PPARγ signaling pathways, lipid metabolism deregulation, Wnt signaling, mitochondrial biology, and the tumor microenvironment in prostate cancer progression. His laboratory work aims to identify novel biomarkers and drug targets for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on molecular mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression, particularly in treatment-resistant settings. His work integrates clinical observations with laboratory findings, maintaining a translational focus that connects basic science discoveries with potential clinical applications, especially in robotic surgery outcomes and novel therapeutic targets. 2022: EAU Best Paper in Fundamental Research 2018: AUA-BAUS Visiting Scholar 2017: Chairman's Award at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 2017: EAU Best Paper in Fundamental Research 2014: ARTP Award 2013: Hunterian Professorship, Royal College of Surgeons of England 2013: EAU Prostate Cancer Research Award CRUK Clinician Scientist Fellowship (2016) Starter Grant for Clinical Lecturers from Academy of Medical Sciences Professor Ahmad mentors PhD students including Poppy Brown (investigating novel immune targets in prostate cancer) and Zhangdong Jiang (studying mitochondrial contributions to prostate cancer). His laboratory, supported by CRUK funding including his Clinician Scientist Fellowship, collaborates extensively with other research groups at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute. Current projects focus on castration and enzalutamide resistance mechanisms, ARID1A loss in prostate tumorigenesis, and PPARγ signaling pathways. His laboratory within the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute operates as a multidisciplinary team combining molecular biology, in vivo modeling, and clinical data analysis. The group collaborates with other research teams across the institute, particularly those studying cancer metabolism, tumor microenvironment, and precision oncology approaches.
Professor Tom Bird is a Reader at the University of Edinburgh and Group Leader of the Liver Cancer, Disease and Regeneration group at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute (formerly The Beatson Institute). He also serves as an Honorary Consultant Hepatologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Scottish Liver Transplant Unit. His research bridges clinical practice with fundamental science to address critical challenges in liver cancer treatment and regeneration. Education: 2015: Certificate of completion of training: Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2012: Specialty Certificate, Gastroenterology, Royal College of Physicians 2011: PhD, Liver Regeneration by Hepatic Progenitor Cells, University of Edinburgh 2005: MRCP, Medicine, Royal College of Physicians 2003: MA, Physiological Sciences, Oxford University 2002: BM BCh, Medicine, Oxford University 1999: BA (1st Class), Physiological Sciences, Oxford University Professor Bird's research focuses on understanding liver regeneration mechanisms and cellular senescence in liver disease. His team has pioneered genetically engineered models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that mimic human disease progression, enabling identification of novel therapeutic pathways. They investigate how hepatocytes enter senescence in response to injury and how this state can be targeted in early cancer formation. Recent work explores precision medicine approaches for liver cancer treatment based on tumor characteristics. Analysis of Prof. Bird's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on precision oncology for liver cancer, with significant work on cellular senescence mechanisms, genetically engineered models of HCC, and the development of targeted therapies. His research increasingly integrates multi-omics approaches and advanced imaging techniques to understand liver regeneration and tumor microenvironment dynamics, with several findings directly impacting clinical trial design. Scientific Awards: UEG Rising Star award, 2019 Francis Avery Jones Medal Winner, 2019 Andy Burroughs Young Investigator Award, 2015 British Society of Gastroenterology: Young Gastroenterologist of the Year, 2015 Wellcome Trust Intermediate Clinical Fellowship, 2015 Prof. Bird leads a robust research program with multiple funding sources including Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK. He has supervised numerous students and postdoctoral researchers, with many pursuing academic careers. His laboratory team includes Principal Scientific Officers, Research Scientists, and PhD students working collaboratively on various aspects of liver cancer biology. He serves as Conference and Education lead for HCC-UK and participates in multiple steering committees. The Bird Lab at CRUK Scotland Institute comprises a multidisciplinary team including Principal Scientific Officer Stephanie May, several Research Scientists (Fiona Chalmers, Anastasia Georgakopoulou, Megan Quince, George Skalka, Toshi Suzuki, Kyi Lai Yin Swe, Danis Thomas), and PhD student Clara Mullen. The lab utilizes genetically engineered mouse models, molecular biology techniques, and bioinformatics to investigate liver cancer mechanisms and potential therapies.
Professor John Le Quesne is the Mazumdar-Shaw Professor of Molecular Pathology at the University of Glasgow's School of Cancer Sciences and leads the Deep Phenotyping of Solid Tumours research group at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute (formerly the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research). His work bridges molecular pathology, cancer biology, and advanced imaging technologies to understand solid tumor development and progression. His educational background includes an MA in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Leicester, and an MBBS with Distinction in Medical Sciences from St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath). Professor Le Quesne's research focuses on three main areas: the dysregulation of mRNA translation in tumor cells and stroma, the development of multiplexed microscopic imaging methods to reveal cellular detail in spatial context, and the improvement of biomarkers for predicting personalized treatment efficacy. His laboratory has particular expertise in lung cancer and mesothelioma, where they've developed large focused tissue collections for study. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on spatial biology, tumor evolution, and the application of artificial intelligence to cancer pathology. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature, Nature Medicine, and the Journal of Pathology, with significant contributions to understanding how molecular and epigenetic events interact with tumor morphology in early cancer development. Scientific Awards: Associate fellowship, Higher Education Academy (2018) Oakley Prize, Pathological Society (2013) Foulkes Foundation Fellowship (1999-2004) Professor Le Quesne serves on the CRUK PEACE governance Board and is a board member of the Journal of Pathology. His laboratory includes multiple postdoctoral scientists, scientific officers, and students working on various aspects of solid tumor biology. His research has important implications for understanding how morphology encodes specific survival strategies that drive tumor virulence and metastasis. His laboratory is actively involved in developing new methods for co-in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence using archival tumor tissue, as well as creating computational tools like PixlMap for cellular phenotyping in multiplex immunofluorescence images.
Professor Jen Morton is a Professor at the School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, and a Senior Staff Scientist at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute (formerly known as The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research). She serves as the Preclinical Trials Coordinator for the Cancer Research UK Glasgow Centre and leads the Preclinical Pancreatic Cancer research group. Professor Morton received her BSc (Hons. 1st) in Medical Biochemistry from the University of Glasgow in 1998 and her PhD in Veterinary Pathology from the same institution in 2001. Her career includes postdoctoral positions at the University of Glasgow, University of Massachusetts Medical School, and Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, before becoming an Associate Scientist at the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute (2010-2019). Professor Morton's research focuses on pancreatic cancer, which causes approximately 340,000 deaths worldwide annually and is predicted to become the second most common cause of cancer death in the western world by 2030. She develops genetically engineered models that mimic human pancreatic tumors in terms of genetic alterations and the development of dense desmoplastic stroma. Her work aims to determine the importance of specific genetic and transcriptomic changes, identify novel therapeutic targets, and test new therapies pre-clinically. Her research spans KRAS-driven oncogenesis, CXCR2 signaling, mTOR pathway involvement, and tumor-stroma interactions. Analysis of Professor Morton's recent publications reveals a strong focus on pancreatic cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic interventions. Key trends include investigating genetic alterations in pancreatic cancer, immune responses, metabolic reprogramming, and developing novel therapeutic strategies. Her work frequently examines the complex interplay between tumor cells and their microenvironment, with particular attention to metastasis mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Professor Morton has been actively involved in numerous collaborative research projects across multiple institutions. Her leadership in preclinical trials coordination has helped bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications in pancreatic cancer treatment, contributing significantly to the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for this challenging disease. As leader of the Preclinical Pancreatic Cancer research group at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Professor Morton oversees research that is crucial for understanding pancreatic cancer development and progression. Her work with genetically engineered models provides valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatment strategies, positioning her at the forefront of pancreatic cancer research.
Dr. Johan Vande Voorde is a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, and Associate Group Leader at the CRUK Scotland Institute. His research focuses on metabolic crosstalk between the host and tumors, with particular emphasis on gut microbiome interactions in cancer and metabolic determinants of cancer-associated cachexia. His educational background includes: PhD, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium (2013) MSc, Biological Sciences, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands (2007) Professional Bachelor (Biochemistry), KH Leuven, Belgium (2005) Dr. Vande Voorde's research investigates how cancer cells undergo metabolic rewiring to sustain proliferation and survive in hostile environments. His laboratory specifically examines metabolic interactions between the gut microbiome and host cells in colorectal cancer, and studies the mechanisms underlying cancer-associated cachexia - a wasting syndrome with no current cure. His work utilizes advanced preclinical cancer models and patient samples to identify metabolic vulnerabilities for therapeutic targeting. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong trajectory in cancer metabolism research, with increasing focus on metabolic profiling, tumor microenvironment interactions, and physiological relevance of cancer models. His recent work demonstrates expertise in spatial metabolomics, amino acid transport mechanisms, and metabolic vulnerabilities across multiple cancer types including colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers. His notable achievements include: Cancer Research UK Career Development Fellowship (2024) Lord Kelvin/Adam Smith Leadership Fellowship, University of Glasgow (2024) PhD fellowship, Government of Flanders (Belgium)-IWT (2009) HSP Huygens scholarship, Nuffic (Netherlands) (2006) Dr. Vande Voorde leads an active research team comprising postdoctoral scientists, a PhD student, and technical staff. His laboratory collaborates extensively with other research groups at the CRUK Scotland Institute, particularly those studying colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and tumor microenvironment. He has secured significant funding through his recent fellowships to advance his research program. The Vande Voorde Laboratory operates within the CRUK Scotland Institute at Garscube Estate in Glasgow. The lab maintains strong connections with Professor Owen Sansom's group and collaborates across multiple research themes including liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and mitochondrial reprogramming in cancer. His team's work bridges basic cancer metabolism research with potential clinical applications for improving cancer therapy outcomes.
Professor Chris Halsey serves as Head of School and Professor of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology within the School of Cancer Sciences at the University of Glasgow. Based at the Institute of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre in Garscube Estate, Professor Halsey leads the Childhood Leukaemia Research Group (Halsey Lab) focused on understanding childhood leukemia biology and developing improved therapeutic approaches. Professor Halsey's research primarily centers on childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with particular emphasis on central nervous system (CNS) involvement. His work investigates how leukemia cells adapt metabolically to survive in the CNS microenvironment, with significant findings regarding cholesterol biosynthesis pathways in CNS leukemia. His research also explores molecular mechanisms of leukemia cell migration to the CNS, treatment resistance in the bone marrow niche, and development of targeted therapies including immunotherapeutic approaches. His lab employs advanced techniques including hiPSC-derived models, lipidomics, and single-cell tracking to understand leukemia biology. Analysis of Professor Halsey's recent publications reveals consistent focus on CNS involvement in childhood leukemia, with particular attention to metabolic adaptations that allow leukemia cells to survive in the CNS compartment. His research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, with several recent studies identifying potential therapeutic targets for CNS-directed therapy. His collaborative work extends across multiple international research groups, with significant contributions to understanding T-cell ALL, MLL-rearranged leukemia, and treatment toxicity. Professor Halsey has secured substantial research funding from numerous prestigious organizations including Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group, Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome Trust, and others. His current grants (running through 2025-2026) focus on topics such as CRYSTAL-Immune Pump-Priming, metabolic reprogramming for CNS-directed therapy, identification of biomarkers for personalized treatment, and understanding drivers of CNS involvement in T-ALL. His research program demonstrates strong translational focus with direct implications for improving clinical outcomes in childhood leukemia. Based at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Professor Halsey leads the Childhood Leukaemia Research Group which maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions. His team utilizes state-of-the-art approaches including lipidomic analysis, hiPSC-derived models, and advanced sequencing techniques to investigate leukemia biology. The lab's work bridges basic science with clinical applications, with several ongoing studies designed to translate laboratory findings into improved patient care.
Professor Andrew Biankin serves as the Regius Chair of Surgery at the University of Glasgow and holds leadership roles including Executive Director of ICGC-ARGO (International Cancer Genome Consortium Accelerating Research in Genomic Oncology) and Specialist Consultant in Precision Oncology. With over 160 publications in major journals, he is a Cancer Research UK Clinician Scientist, Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator, and Fellow of both the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Academy of Medical Sciences. His research focuses on improving pancreatic cancer outcomes through molecular phenotyping, biomarker implementation, and early detection strategies. As a surgeon-scientist, he leads efforts to characterize genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic aberrations in pancreatic cancer, translating these findings into personalized cancer care models where molecular characteristics guide treatment decisions. His work bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical implementation across international health systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on molecular subtyping, DNA damage response mechanisms, and overcoming therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer. His team actively develops precision oncology platforms integrating genomic profiling with clinical decision-making, while addressing implementation challenges in real-world healthcare settings. Key themes include biomarker validation, therapeutic targeting of KRAS pathways, and improving access to genomic testing. Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Research UK Clinician Scientist Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator Officer of the Order of Australia (A.O.) Professor Biankin leads the PRECISION-Panc therapeutic development platform and coordinates international consortia including the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative. His research program receives substantial funding from Cancer Research UK, Wellcome Trust, and international agencies supporting genomic oncology. He actively mentors junior researchers and clinicians through formal academic appointments and collaborative networks spanning multiple continents. His laboratory work centers on the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre at the University of Glasgow, where his team integrates genomic analysis with functional validation using patient-derived models. The research environment emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration between surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, computational biologists, and basic scientists to accelerate translation from bench to bedside.
Dr. Lynn McGarry is an Affiliate researcher at the University of Glasgow's School of Cancer Sciences, based at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute (Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate). Her primary affiliation spans the CRUK Scotland Institute and University of Glasgow's cancer research ecosystem. Her research focuses on cancer metastasis mechanisms , particularly ovarian cancer progression, cell invasion dynamics, and metabolic adaptations in tumors. Key areas include ARF GTPase signaling networks, solute carrier transporters in serine metabolism, and tumor microenvironment interactions. Recent work demonstrates how PTEN deficiency creates dependencies on specific invasion pathways and how omental matrices model metastatic niches. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on metastatic drivers across multiple cancer types (ovarian, liver, pancreatic), with recurring themes in cytoskeletal regulation, lipid signaling, and therapeutic targeting of invasion modules. Her work frequently employs advanced 3D culture models and live imaging to capture dynamic cellular behaviors. No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the source material. Dr. McGarry actively collaborates across international consortia, with co-authorship on high-impact studies in Nature, Cell, and EMBO journals. Her research program receives substantial funding from Cancer Research UK and other major cancer charities, supporting investigations into metastasis-targeted therapies. She contributes to PhD training through the University of Glasgow's graduate programs. Her laboratory utilizes cutting-edge approaches including CRISPR screening, intravital imaging, and metabolic profiling to dissect invasion mechanisms. Current projects focus on targeting ARF GTPase modules and solute carriers to block metastatic progression.
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.
Professor Matt Dun is a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Emerging Leadership Fellow and Deputy Director of the HMRI Precision Medicine Research Program at the University of Newcastle. He specializes in pediatric oncology, focusing on brain cancers like diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and leukaemia. His research integrates proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and clinical translation to identify therapeutic targets. Education: PhD (Biological Science), University of Newcastle (2012); BSc (Biotechnology) and BSc (Biotechnology Honours), University of Newcastle. Research Interests: Medical biochemistry, cancer cell biology, proteogenomics, and translational medicine. His DIPG research, driven by personal motivation following his daughter's diagnosis, has led to groundbreaking work in drug discovery and combination therapies, including clinical trials involving ONC201 and paxalisib. Awards: Over 35 national/international awards, including the 2024 Australian Society for Medical Research Medallist and 2023 Mid-Career Researcher of the Year. Grants/Leadership: Secured >$19.7M in research funding, including NHMRC Investigator Grants. Leads the Cancer Signalling Research Group (CSRG) and collaborates internationally with consortia like PNOC and ANZCHOG. Labs/Teams: CSRG focuses on phosphoproteomic profiling and drug target validation. Collaborations include the Pacific Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC) and global DIPG research networks.
