New cancer biology and therapeutics PhD program approved at UMMC

New cancer biology and therapeutics PhD program approved at UMMC

The researchers who may change the way cancer is detected and treated in the future are being trained today at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

The new cancer biology and therapeutics program, approved May 21 by the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees as the newest graduate degree program within the UMMC School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences, aims to train the next generation of cancer scientists, said Dr. Sydney Murphy, dean of the school.

"This is the first cancer-focused graduate program in Mississippi," Murphy said. "This new doctoral program will help build a stronger workforce of trained scientists who will make seminal discoveries to improve evidence-based cancer care in Mississippi and beyond."

The program is one of 10 doctoral programs in the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences at UMMC, which produces about 25 PhD graduates in a variety of biomedical fields each year. The cancer biology and therapeutics program began in 2025 as a track within the Cell and Molecular Biology graduate program, with two students recruited for the 2025-2026 academic year.

With the addition of the program, UMMC joins a handful of academic medical centers, such as Stanford and Sloan Kettering, that offer graduate programs in cancer biology. Cancer research is especially important in Mississippi, which has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the country, said Dr. Seema Singh, associate director of education and training at the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute and the degree program's new director.

"This new program represents a significant step forward for improving long-term health outcomes for cancer patients in Mississippi," Singh said. "By training the next generation of cancer researchers and physician-scientists, we are building a stronger scientific workforce and future leaders. This program is designed to advance research tailored to the needs of Mississippians, and ultimately improve patient outcomes through more effective, evidence-based cancer care."

Because these cancer researchers are being trained in Mississippi, their discoveries are more likely to be related to cancer types and risk factors most often seen in the state, Singh said.

"Our small-group, hands-on program reflects our commitment to training scientists who are prepared to tackle the difficult cancer challenges facing Mississippi and beyond," Singh said. "This immersive training model will prepare graduates who contribute meaningfully to the future of cancer research."

Landon Wiggins began his studies in the program in the fall semester, and Rhea Kishore joined him in January.

Wiggins is a Pascagoula native who graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2025 and is excited to be in the program's first cohort.

"What drew me here was the chance to work directly with motivated faculty who are deeply invested in cancer research that matters for Mississippi," he said. "I want my work to make a difference for patients in this state, and this program gives me the environment, mentorship and scientific foundation to do that."

Kishore, who completed undergraduate studies in biochemistry, botany and zoology at St. Aloysius College in Mangalore, India, and earned a master's degree in biomedical science from Nitte University in Mangalore, said she was drawn to UMMC "for the opportunity to train in a setting with a dedicated cancer center and faculty actively engaged in cancer biology research."

Her interests are in gaining a greater understanding of how normal cellular pathways become deregulated in cancer, driving disease progression.

"Understanding how these pathways are altered in cancer can reveal vulnerabilities that can be targeted for more precise and effective cancer therapies," she said. Seeing her research influence care is a career goal for Kishore. "My long-term career goal is to work in a research and development setting where scientific discoveries can be translated into real-world applications," she said. "I am open to how this may evolve during my PhD and may further shape my career direction."

The School of Graduate Studies will welcome three new students in the program this fall and will soon begin recruiting students for the 2027-2028 academic year. With employment of medical scientists projected to grow by 9% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for careers in biomedical research continue to expand.

"For those passionate about making a difference, the program offers more than a doctoral degree," Singh said. "It provides an opportunity to help shape the future of cancer research and improve outcomes for patients and communities facing the greatest cancer burden."