This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Feb. 24 for UNMC's 2021 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist, New Investigator and Community Service to Research Award recipients.
Distinguished Scientist Award
The Distinguished Scientist Award — which is sponsored by the chancellor — recognizes researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.
- Name: Aimin Peng, PhD
- Title: Associate professor, UNMC Department of Oral Biology
- Joined UNMC: 2010
- Hometown: Anhui, China
Research focus: DNA damage responses
Why is research important in the world today?
Radiotherapy or chemotherapy kills cancer cells primarily by inducing DNA damage. Accordingly, mechanisms that allow cells to repair DNA damage and recover from the DNA damage response are critical for tumor recurrence and ideal targets for cancer therapy. Furthermore, cancer cells often exhibit dysregulated DNA damage responses, as a necessary step toward tumor initiation and progression. Based on that, the DNA damage response pathway is of strong interests for cancer prevention and for development of specific therapeutics that exploit the intrinsic DNA damage response deficiencies in cancer.
My research will make a difference because:
Our research reveals new mechanisms of DNA damage responses and tumor resistance. We identify and characterize new drug targets and therapeutic agents that will potentially improve the efficacy of cancer therapy.
The best advice I’ve ever received is:
Chase excellence, and success will follow.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I love outdoor sports.
- My wife and I went to the same elementary, middle and high schools. We have three wonderful children.
- I am a tea lover.
Congratulation, Dr. Peng.
Congrats, Dr. Peng!
Congratulations Dr. Peng.
Many congratulations to you Dr. Peng.