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Three Talented Researchers Recognized as Endowed Chairs

Read Time: 3 minutes

Brad Cairns, PhD | Aik Choon Tan, PhD | Alana Welm, PhD
Brad Cairns, PhD | Aik Choon Tan, PhD | Alana Welm, PhD

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the (The U) is pleased to congratulate three of our newest endowed chairs. A chair appointment recognizes excellence, while providing academic distinction and funding for future research. , received a five-year extension in her current role as Ralph E. and Willia T. Main Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, , was named the Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor in Cancer Research, and , was named the inaugural Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research given by the 2018 Utah State Legislature.

鈥淲e are surrounded by dedicated and talented colleagues here at Huntsman Cancer Institute,鈥 says CEO . 鈥淥ur vision鈥攑assionate individuals and teams, delivering a cancer-free frontier through scientific discovery and human touch鈥攊s encompassed in the work these three individuals do every day.鈥 

Cairns is the chief academic officer at Huntsman Cancer Institute and relinquished his role as Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor of Cancer Research to move into this new position. He is also a professor and chair in the at the U. Cairns has been with Huntsman Cancer Institute since 1998. His vast and important work in has led to this inaugural appointment.

鈥淭his appointment is very special to me as it honors the vision and legacy of Jon M. Huntsman,鈥 Cairns says. 鈥淚t was given by our Utah State Legislature in recognition of his impact. His passion for cancer patients, care, and research continue to inspire me and all Huntsman Cancer Institute leadership.鈥

Tan is the senior director of data science, a professor in the department of oncological sciences, and an adjunct professor in . He joined Huntsman Cancer Institute in October 2022. Tan鈥檚 research helps find precise, individualized ways to treat cancer.

鈥淚 am honored and grateful for this recognition,鈥 says Tan. 鈥淢y work here at Huntsman Cancer Institute is just beginning. I look forward to what鈥檚 to come.鈥

Welm is the senior director of basic science at Huntsman Cancer Institute and a professor in the department of oncological sciences at the U. Her focuses on breast cancer and has paved the way to understanding its risk, outcomes, and disparities.

Endowed chairs are made possible by generous donors, including those who donate to Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

Media Contact

Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu

About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the 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鈥檚 unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.

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