This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2020 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.
- Name: Leah Cook, PhD
- Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine
- Joined UNMC: September 2017
- Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
New Investigator Award
New Investigator Awards go to outstanding UNMC scientists who in the past two years have secured their first funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense or other national sources. New investigators also had to demonstrate scholarly activity such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.
Research focus:
- Cancer
- Metastasis
- Immunology
The goal of my research is: to identify novel immunotherapeutic approaches for treating metastatic cancer, specifically bone metastatic prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer, for improving patient survival.
My research will make a difference because: Metastasis is the deadliest aspect of cancer and therapeutic options remain dismal. In secondary tissue sites, metastatic cancer cells hijack the normal cellular processes, through several mechanisms, which results in tumor progression and inhibition of anti-tumoral immune responses. My research will identify ways to circumvent cancer immune evasion and to activate anti-tumoral immune responses to metastatic disease.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is:
Let the science lead you and define your next questions. Remember the purpose behind your work every single day.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I’m obsessed with all things zombie-related, including movies and TV shows.
- My favorite hobbies are kayaking and writing fiction.
- I’m a huge college football fan and enjoy watching and attending games.
Congratulations Leah!
Congratulations!
Congrats Leah!
Congratulations Leah!
Many congratulations Dr.Cook!
Congratulations Dr. Cook!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Dr. Cook! You're a rock star!
Awesome! Well deserved!
Congratulation, we are proud and excited for you and your accomplishments.
Jeri
Congratulations! Dr. Cook
This is wonderful Dr. Cook! Congratulations!
Well done, Leah!
Congrats, Dr. Cook!
Congratulations, Dr. Cook!