Rakesh K. Singh, PhD
Cohen Professor
Vice Chair of Graduate Education, UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Rakesh Singh, PhD, holds the Cohen professorship in the UNMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, where he also serves as vice chair of graduate education.
His research focus is to understand the role of the tumor microenvironment in progression and metastasis.
Dr. Singh earned a bachelor's degree with honors in zoology in 1985, a master's of zoology in 1987, and a PhD in zoology in 1991, all from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India.
He completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He joined UNMC in in 1995.
- BS: Zoology, Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, with honors, 1985
- MS: Zoology, Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India,1987.
- PhD: Zoology, Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, 1991.
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 1991-94.
The overall goal of our research is to define the mechanisms that regulate the process of metastasis. We hypothesize that metastasis is a highly selective process that is regulated by interrelated mechanisms whose outcome is dependent upon both the intrinsic properties of tumor cells and the host response. Using human tumors xenografted in nude mice and murine tumor models, these studies have demonstrated the role of host-derived factors in regulating angiogenesis, immunosuppression, progression, and metastasis. Further characterization of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are currently ongoing in our laboratory. In addition, our current research activities have also been focused on designing the strategies for inhibiting tumor-induced angiogenesis and activating anti-tumor immunity with the potential for synergizing the outcome of conventional therapeutic approaches, as well as understanding the role of tumor-stromal interaction in tumor progression and metastasis.
- Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award, UNMC Graduate Student Association, 2021.
- Outstanding Faculty Mentor of Graduate Students Award, UNMC Faculty Senate, 2021 and 2015.
- Inaugural Distinguished Scientist, UNMC, 2006.
- Joseph P. Gilmore Outstanding Investigator Award, UNMC, 2006.
- American Association for Cancer Research
- Tumor Microenvironment Working Group
- Society of Leukocyte Biology
- Metastasis Research Society
- American Pancreatic Association