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Three Huntsman Cancer Institute researchers were named Distinguished Professors for the 2024–25 academic year. The faculty award is given annually to scholars at the University of Utah (the U) who exemplify exceptional research.
“Huntsman Cancer Institute leadership is delighted that these three talented researchers have received this high honor, and we offer our hearty congratulations!” says Brad Cairns, PhD, chief academic officer of Huntsman Cancer Institute, Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, and professor and chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at the U. “Their awards in their very different areas of expertise demonstrate the quality and the breadth of faculty that the institute has brought together to work in collaboration in the fight against cancer.”
Kimberly Kaphingst, ScD, co-leader of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program and research director of the Inherited Cancer Research Shared Resource at Huntsman Cancer Institute and director of cancer communication research and professor of communication at the U, focuses on making cancer and genetic information more accessible. “My team conducts studies that develop and test approaches to enhance access to cancer genetic services and information, including digital health approaches,” she explains. “Being named a Distinguished Professor is meaningful to me as it recognizes both the impact of the research that we conduct and the importance that I place on mentoring and teaching.”
“At Huntsman Cancer Institute, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery to improve the lives of those affected by cancer,” says Neli Ulrich, PhD, MS, chief scientific officer and executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute. “The Distinguished Professor designation is a testament to the groundbreaking contributions of Drs. Kaphingst, Ghandehari, and Contreras. Their dedication to research, mentorship, and innovation reflects the highest standards of excellence in our field. They embody the contribution of researchers from all disciplines to solving the challenges of cancer today—ranging from communications and law to precision drug delivery. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact of their work on cancer research and care.”
Advancing cancer treatment through precision drug delivery, Hamid Ghandehari, PhD, investigator at Huntsman Cancer Institute and George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Presidential Endowed Chair in the Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics at the U, leads a lab dedicated to ensuring medicines reach the right place in the body at the right time. “This work is particularly important for cancer patients to help reduce side effects and ultimately improve quality of life,” he says. “I am honored to be recognized by my colleagues as a Distinguished Professor.”
Bridging science, policy, and law, Jorge Contreras, JD, affiliated researcher at Huntsman Cancer Institute and associate professor of human genetics at the U, examines the intersections of intellectual property, antitrust law, technical standardization, and science policy. His work has been cited by scholars, governmental agencies, and courts worldwide and has been featured in major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Science, Nature, and STAT.
Together, these Distinguished Professors are elevating Huntsman Cancer Institute’s reputation as a leader in innovation and discovery. Their contributions, reinforced by federal funding, will continue to shape the future of cancer research and care, benefiting communities in Utah and beyond.
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
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Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
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About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to advance cancer treatments of the future beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.
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The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.