The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) has more than 130 members from across the Illinois campus. Given the great variety in backgrounds, research disciplines, and experiences of our members, we offer our Q&A series “Get to Know a Cancer Researcher” to provide readers a connection with the amazing array of individuals who comprise the CCIL’s robust cancer research team. This is the eighth installment.
CCIL Member: Ratnakar Singh
CCIL Research Program: Cancer Engineering & Biological Systems
CCIL Research Theme: Comparative and Engineered Oncology Models
Faculty Position: Research Assistant Professor, Comparative Biosciences
What originally drew you to cancer research?
My initial interest in cancer research stemmed from my love for biology. I have always been fascinated by the complexity of biological systems, and how the research and innovations is helping us understand it better every day. I became fascinated by how signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation, and cellular adaptation contribute to tumor development and therapy resistance. Over time, I became especially interested in understanding how cancer cells evolve under treatment pressure and why some tumors respond to therapy while others become resistant. The opportunity to uncover molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and identify new therapeutic targets motivated me to pursue cancer research, with the goal of contributing to more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes.
What cancer problems are you seeking to address in your lab?
My work focuses on understanding the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to cancer therapy resistance, particularly to chemotherapy. A significant challenge in cancer treatment is that many tumors initially respond to therapy but later adapt and become resistant, resulting in relapses and poor clinical outcomes. We are especially interested in how signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation, and microRNA networks contribute to these adaptive responses. By studying these mechanisms, we aim to identify biomarkers that can predict treatment response and uncover new therapeutic vulnerabilities to target and overcome resistance. Ultimately, our research seeks to translate molecular discoveries into strategies that enhance treatment effectiveness and improve patient outcomes, especially for those with treatment-resistant cancers.
What keeps you going in your research? How do you recharge?
To recharge, I step away from the bench and focus on more hands-on activities unrelated to research. My family is a huge part of this balance; my partner, a proud UIUC graduate, and I cherish our outdoor adventures—whether we’re hiking, cooking up tasty meals, nurturing our garden, or enjoying movies together. Our spirited four-year-old brings so much joy and energy to our days, and he always keeps me engaged and refreshed outside of my research. What truly inspires me is collaborating with other amazing researchers in the scientific community here at the U of I. I enjoy talking about ideas with my colleagues and hearing different viewpoints.
What are fun or quirky facts about you that others may not know?
One quirky aspect of my personality is my fascination with electronics and technology. I’m naturally curious about how electronic systems work, whether it’s exploring new devices, troubleshooting issues, or taking on small DIY repairs. People are often surprised by how much I enjoy gadgets and hands-on problem-solving outside the lab. Working with technology gives me a different kind of analytical challenge, and I’ve found that stepping away from scientific problems to focus on electronics often helps me return with a clearer perspective and fresh ideas.
Can you tell us a favorite film or book of yours?
I wouldn’t say I’m much of a book person, but I am definitely a movie buff. I enjoy a wide range of films across genres, including romance, comedy, and science fiction movies. I particularly enjoy rom-coms for their humor, storytelling, and emotional depth, and I also appreciate sci-fi movies for their imagination and thought-provoking concepts.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of, and why?
Professionally, I am most proud of the opportunity to work alongside experts in my field while mentoring and nurturing the next generation of scientists and clinicians. It is especially rewarding to see the small contributions I have made in science gradually translate into clinical practice through clinical trials and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes and survival. Personally, I am proud of the growth I continue to experience alongside my son, who constantly teaches me patience, perspective, and the importance of balance in life.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped your research career?
Throughout my research career, many advisers have influenced me in various ways. However, the one piece of advice that has resonated with me the most is: research should always be data-driven—pay attention to what the data is telling you. This mindset has significantly shaped my approach to science. It has taught me to remain objective, open-minded, and willing to explore unexpected findings, even when they challenge my original hypothesis. I believe that some of the most meaningful discoveries come from carefully interpreting the data and allowing it to guide subsequent questions and directions in research.
Stay tuned for more weekly installments in our “Get to Know a Cancer Researcher” series.
Editor’s notes:
Ratnakar Singh can be reached at rsingh02@illinois.edu.
This story was written by Jonathan King, CCIL Communications Coordinator.