The Society of American Asian Scientists in Cancer Research recognized nine Indian American researchers for their significant contributions to cancer research during the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego.
SAN DIEGO, CA – The Society of American Asian Scientists in Cancer Research (SAASCR) honored nine distinguished Indian American researchers at the recent American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting held in San Diego. The awards celebrated their impactful contributions to various aspects of cancer research, including diagnosis, treatment, prevention, immunotherapy, and population health.
Many of the awardees are also engaged in collaborative efforts with institutions in India, focusing on research partnerships, technology transfer, and initiatives aimed at improving cancer care.
The awards were presented on April 19 by Dr. Rajvir Dahiya, president of SAASCR and professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, along with Dr. Dharam Pal Chauhan, secretary of SAASCR and retired professor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
Founded in California in 2004, SAASCR is a non-profit organization that comprises over 5,000 researchers of Asian descent who are actively involved in cancer research across the United States and Canada.
The following researchers were recognized for their outstanding work:
Dr. Gagan Deep, a professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, was honored for his pioneering work in extracellular vesicle-based liquid biopsy technologies aimed at enhancing precision medicine. His research emphasizes minimally invasive diagnostic methods for cancer and age-related diseases.
Dr. Muthusamy Thangaraju, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, received recognition for his research on breast and colon cancer prevention and treatment. His studies focus on the roles of metabolites and DNA methylation in cancer biology.
Dr. Natarajan Aravindan, a professor of physiological sciences at Oklahoma State University and the Kerr Endowed Chair for Biomedical Laser and Bio-photonics Research, was acknowledged for his contributions to molecular oncology and radiation biology, particularly regarding tumor resistance and pediatric cancers.
Dr. Suresh K. Alahari, the Fred G. Brazda Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, was honored for his significant contributions to cancer biology and molecular medicine. He is also affiliated with the LSU-LCMC Cancer Center.
Dr. Manjeet K. Rao, a professor and deputy director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute at UT Health San Antonio, was recognized for his translational research in immune-oncology, cancer vaccines, and drug development for both pediatric and adult cancers.
Dr. Erxi Wu, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine and the chief of neuro-oncology research at the Baylor Scott & White Health Neuroscience Institute, was honored for his research in cancer biology and neuro-oncology, particularly in cancer target discovery initiatives.
Dr. Sattva Neelapu, a professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, was recognized for his work in cancer immunotherapy and the clinical development of CAR T-cell therapies for lymphoma treatment.
Dr. Rafi Ahmed, a professor and director of the Emory Vaccine Center at Emory University School of Medicine, was honored for his research in immunology, focusing on memory T-cell differentiation and antiviral immune responses.
Lastly, Dr. Shobha Srinivasan, a senior advisor in the Office of the Director at the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, was recognized for her efforts in cancer-control programs and community-based health initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities.
These awards highlight the significant contributions of Indian American researchers in the field of cancer research and their ongoing commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer.
According to India-West, the recognition of these researchers underscores the importance of diversity and collaboration in the fight against cancer.