CRS Scientist Spotlight on Dr. Sarki Abdulkadir

Dr. Sarki Abdulkadir, MD, PhD, is Vice Chair for Research, Department of Urology and the John T. Grayhack, MD, Professor of Urological Research. His work is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer initiation, progression and recurrence with the ultimate goal of developing therapies that block with these processes, with a concentration on prostate cancer.

What is your current position?

Vice Chair for Research, Department of Urology, John T. Grayhack, MD, Professor of Urological Research, Professor of Urology and Pathology, Associate Director, DEI, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

Could you describe your research?

Our research program is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer initiation, progression and recurrence with the ultimate goal of developing therapies that block with these processes. We have a special focus on prostate cancer. We study genomic and epigenomic changes as well as alterations in signaling proteins in cancer. Additionally, we track the fates of specific cancer cell populations that initiate recurrence after therapy. Our work has shed light on the cellular origins of prostate cancer, cancer gene cooperation in tumorigenesis, and has led to the development of novel therapeutic agents currently in preclinical and clinical development

What aspect(s) of CRS do you find most valuable or look forward to engaging in?

Interaction with students.

What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a scientist?

“Hands-on” training side by side with mentors, learning how to think of ideas, devise experiments and analyze the results to come up with conclusions/hypotheses.

What would you recommend to junior scientists in order for them to succeed in their scientific careers?

Find good mentors and “learn” science from them.

What do you think will be the next big contribution in your field?

Immunotherapy that works in prostate cancer.

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab?

Reading, traveling.