Research Program and Theme
Cancer Engineering and Biological Systems | Mechanistic and Quantitative Biology
Research Focus
Erik Nelson is a trained endocrinologist with specific expertise in nuclear receptor pharmacology. He has made significant contributions to the fields of reproductive physiology, pharmacology, bone biology, and cancer biology. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. For this reason, Nelson integrated his expertise in physiology, endocrinology, and in vivo models to pursue translational breast cancer research. The overarching goal of the Nelson lab’s research is to develop novel chemopreventative strategies and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality. Visit his research lab’s website for more information.
Education
- Ph.D., Comparative Endocrinology, University of Calgary, 2008
Campus Affiliations
- Associate Professor, Molecular and Integrative Physiology
- Associate Professor, Nutritional Sciences
- Associate Professor, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Affiliate, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Affiliate, Personalized Nutrition Initiative, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Program Leader, Cancer Center at Illinois, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
Select Honors and Recognitions
- Era of Hope Scholar Award, 2021