Zhijian Qian, Ph.D., an accomplished molecular oncologist who holds an endowed professorship in cancer research, has received the UF College of Medicine’s Outstanding Research Scientist Award in Basic or Translational Sciences.
Qian, the Pierre Chagnon Professor of Cancer Research in the division of hematology and oncology, received the award during the UF College of Medicine’s Celebration of Research on Feb. 13.
This summer, Qian was elevated to serve as co-leader of the UF Health Cancer Center’s Mechanisms of Oncogenesis research program.
His research focuses on two main areas: cancer stem cell biology and RNA biology. His lab seeks to understand how the normal hematopoietic stem cell can turn into leukemia stem cells, with the premise that how RNA works might play a significant role in this change. Through this research, his lab has identified several potential molecular targets for eliminating leukemia stem cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
“My curiosity to unravel the mystery of cancer and understand why cancer is still so challenging to combat fuels my daily commitment to this work. I’m truly honored to receive this outstanding research award. Receiving this award motivates me even more to strive for excellence in basic and translational research science.”
Zhijian Qian, Ph.D.
Learn more about his research in the video below.
