New investigator: Sukhwinder Kaur, Ph.D.

This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2018 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist Research Leadership and New Investigator Award recipients.

• Name: Sukhwinder Kaur, Ph.D.
• Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Joined UNMC: 2008
• Hometown: Chandigarh, India

Research focus:
Pancreatic cancer, early detection and therapeutic targeting

The goal of my research is: To identify and characterize early diagnostic and prognostic marker(s) for GI malignancies with a central focus on pancreatic and colon cancer. Early detection not only significantly improves the patient survival, but also help us to shoo away deadly malignancies. Ultra-low levels of biomarker(s) during early stages of disease and tumor heterogeneity are major challenges for on time detection of these deadly pathologies. To address these challenges, my current research focuses on the development of combinatorial biomarker panel (proteins, exosomes and altered glycan variation) as well as development of ultrasensitive technologies for detecting low levels of markers that are differentially present during early stage of disease. Further, we are focusing on functional characterization of newly identified marker(s) for therapeutic targeting.

My research will make a difference because: The best protection from deadly malignancies is early detection and improved prognosis. My research will result in improved management of highly lethal pancreatic and colon cancer.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is:

There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream or desire a reality. A quote from Anthony Robbins was shared with me by my husband and has stayed with me ever since. With this advice, I always aim to work my absolute best to improve cancer patient outcomes.

Three things you may not know about me are:

• I tear up while laughing hard.
• I enjoy reading biographies and watching interviews of great achievers.
• I am a good listener but if I get excited about the topic then I find it difficult to stop interrupting.