Erik Nelson

Research Program Leader, Cancer Center at Illinois

Professor, Molecular & Integrative Physiology | CRAG Co-Leader

Areas of Research

Animal Models, Breast Cancer, Cancer Survivors, Endocrinology (Basic Science), Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Thyroid Cancer

Research Program and Theme

Program: Cancer Engineering and Biological Systems
Theme: 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.

Learn more about Erik Nelson’s lab.