By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University’s Cancer Research Center (CRC) has awarded $80,000 in competitive pilot research funding to two early-career faculty investigators whose projects seek to advance the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.
Funded through the American Cancer Society (ACS), the 2026 Pilot Research Grants provide two awards of $40,000 each to support promising research while helping investigators generate preliminary data needed to pursue larger external grants.
The 2026 recipients are:
- Dr. Harish Chandra, Assistant Professor of Microbiology in ASU’s Department of Biological Sciences, received $40,000 for “AHR-Driven Transcriptomic Responses to PAHs and Microbial Metabolites as Early Indicators of Lung Cancer Risk.” His one-year study will examine molecular pathways that could identify early indicators of lung cancer susceptibility and progression.
- Dr. Md Afsar Ali, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, received $40,000 for “A Digital Twin Mathematical Model for Personalized Breast Cancer Therapy.” His project will use mathematical modeling to explore approaches for developing more personalized breast cancer treatment strategies.
“These awards represent an important investment in the next generation of cancer researchers at Alabama State University,” said Dr. Manoj Mishra, founding director of the Cancer Research Center and professor of biology. “We are giving promising investigators the resources to turn innovative ideas into meaningful research, build the evidence needed for competitive external funding, and address some of the most pressing challenges in cancer.”
The pilot grant program is designed to strengthen ASU’s growing cancer research enterprise by supporting basic, translational, and community-engaged research. In addition to advancing scientific discovery, the program expands opportunities for student research and workforce development while fostering collaboration across disciplines.
The investments also align with the Cancer Research Center’s commitment to addressing cancer disparities and improving health outcomes among underserved and disproportionately affected populations.
“Research of this caliber demonstrates the impact of strategic investment in our faculty and our research mission,” Mishra said. “These projects have the potential to generate new knowledge while helping position Alabama State University for greater national impact in cancer research.”
Since its establishment, the ASU Cancer Research Center has expanded research infrastructure, cultivated collaborative partnerships, and pursued innovative approaches to understanding and addressing cancer disparities. Through external funding and strategic partnerships, the center continues to create opportunities for discovery, faculty development, and student engagement in biomedical and cancer research.
About the Alabama State University Cancer Research Center
The Alabama State University Cancer Research Center advances cancer research, education, outreach, and workforce development through interdisciplinary collaboration. The center supports investigators studying cancer biology and developing innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and the reduction of cancer health disparities among diverse populations.