This profile is part of a series to highlight the 16 researchers and one community member who will be honored at an April 21 ceremony. The recipients include the 2013 Scientist Laureate, six New Investigators, eight Distinguished Scientists, two Research Leadership awardees, and a Community Service to Research honoree.
- Name: Pankaj Kumar Singh, Ph.D.
- Title: Associate professor, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Joined UNMC: July 2010
- Hometown: Saharanpur, India
Describe your research briefly in layman’s terms.
Pancreatic cancer is associated with high mortality. We are utilizing metabolomic tools to investigate the differences in the pathways that feed normal cells and pancreatic cancer cells. We also are elucidating the role of tumor microenvironment in providing nutrition and aiding survival of the tumor cells under harsh conditions. We plan to utilize this information to improve therapy response and design new therapies and diagnostic tests.
How does your research contribute to science and/or health care?
We are exploring novel therapies and biomarkers for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. We also are initiating clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of targeting metabolic pathways to improve chemotherapy responsiveness.
What is the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you, professional or personal?
My sister told me that I could achieve anything I want. I just need to truly desire it and work hard for it.
List three things few people know about you.
- I am a huge fan of yoga and meditation. They are an essential part of my daily routine.
- I love collecting seashells, and I am really good at conch blowing.
- I love hiking in nature whenever possible.
And Pankaj is pretty good at playing Volleyball too! Go Eppley!