The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) is training the next generation of cancer researchers. We offer this Q&A series “Get to Know a Cancer Scholar” to provide readers a connection with the amazing trainees who comprise the CCIL’s cohort of student-researchers. This is the sixth installment.
Cancer Scholar: Darian Tabrizi
Major: Bioengineering
What interested you in the Cancer Scholars Program?
I wanted to get involved in impactful research as soon as possible going into college. I knew the Cancer Scholars Program would give me a headstart in familiarizing myself with the technical jargon surrounding cancer research, which would help me build a strong foundation for my undergraduate research career.
What have you learned during your time in the Cancer Scholars Program?
Through the Cancer Scholars Program, specifically in courses like Frontiers in Cancer Research, I’ve developed a strong understanding of cancer terminology and the hallmarks of the disease. The program has also taught me how to effectively read and dissect scientific literature, which has been incredibly valuable for my research and classes. The program also helped me discover various undergraduate research opportunities available on campus, and played a big role in getting my research position as a freshman.
Why is doing cancer research personally meaningful to you?
While I haven’t been affected by cancer personally, I want to put my skills into making sure that as many other people as possible don’t have to go through the fight against it. I’m motivated by the opportunity to apply computational approaches to biological data and answer questions that have yet to be answered.
How would you explain your research project to a friend outside science?
In my previous work in CCIL member Susan Leggett’s lab, I helped build tiny environments known as “cancer-on-a-chip” to study how breast cancer tumors spread. While I was a fellow at the Mayo Clinic this past summer, I analyzed genetic data to understand why some benign breast tissues respond differently to tamoxifen, a hormonal therapy for breast cancer.
What are your future career goals and how has Cancer Scholars influenced these goals?
I hope to work on drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry by leveraging bioinformatic insights. CSP opened my eyes to the different areas that I can apply the skills I learn through bioengineering. I found myself most fascinated by the amount of data available for analysis and the potential impact on healthcare that it can have if properly analyzed.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in doing cancer research?
Don’t be intimidated! My best advice is to read scientific literature to figure out what specific areas actually interest you. Once you find a topic you’re passionate about, look for faculty members doing work in that space and reach out to them. It’s completely normal to not hear back, especially if you’re trying to land your first position. If you’re persistent it shows that you genuinely care and are eager to contribute.
What hobby or interest helps you recharge after a long week?
I love going to the gym and baking. I also recently picked up running this semester, and I’m currently training to run the half-marathon at the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend! (Editor’s Note: Answers provided in April 2026).
What is your favorite study spot on campus?
Definitely Grainger Library’s second floor. I always sit in the main area rather than the cubbies. It has a bunch of outlets, a great view of Bardeen quad, and just a really nice aesthetic in general. Being surrounded by other locked-in students motivates me to stay on top of my own work too.
Stay tuned for more weekly installments in our “Get to Know a Cancer Scholar” series.
Editor’s notes:
This story was written by Craig Richard, CCIL Educational Engagement Postdoctoral Scholar.