Alabama State University is making strides in cancer research, with the award of 120,000 to three junior investigators through its newly established Cancer Research Center. This initiative aims to bolster ASU’s research capabilities in cancer studies.
“CRC supports three rising junior investigators each year to build and expand the research capacity in cancer research at ASU,” stated Dr. Manoj K. Mishra, director of the CRC and Freshman Biology Program. “CRC supports three rising junior investigators each year to build and expand the research capacity in cancer research at ASU.”
The funding stems from a significant $2.7 million grant awarded to the CRC by the American Cancer Society. A key focus of this grant is to facilitate pilot projects and clinical scientist development grants for junior faculty interested in advancing cancer research at the university. “It is important for me to see that the CRC is in a position to support future cancer researchers that will ultimately increase the cancer research workforce at our campus,” added Dr. Mishra, who serves as the principal investigator for this initiative.
The Junior Investigators
The selected junior investigators for the 2024-2025 academic year are pioneering innovative research that addresses critical aspects of cancer:
Mohammad Saleem, Ph.D.
Dr. Saleem, assistant professor of microbiology, will lead a project titled “Exploring Microbial-Metabolite Signatures to Trace the Development and Control of Colorectal Cancer Using Multi-Omics Approaches.”
Dawna Nelson
Dr. Nelson, associate professor of social work, will investigate “A Pilot Study of a Train-the-Trainer Intervention to Address Prostate Cancer Screening Knowledge and Medical Mistrust among Black Men via Community-Based Barbershops.”
Sanket Kanekar, Ph.D
Dr. Kanekar, assistant professor of economics, will explore “Investigating the relationship between Socio-Economic Factors, Cancer Screening Rates, and Cancer Prevalence in Underserved Screening.”
In addition to supporting faculty research, the CRC aids master’s students pursuing cancer research. The program provides stipends and tuition support for up to two years.