News

University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center researcher Ren Xu, PhD, was recently awarded a major National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant to support his research on the interplay between cancer cells and platelets. A total of $2 million will support Xu’s research over the next five years.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is excited to announce that faculty, staff, learners, and trainees will have free access to a leading online resource for medical Spanish proficiency.

Na’Tasha Evans, PhD, MEd, is a researcher, published author, champion for female empowerment, and our new vice dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Learn more about her goals, her past work, and more in the following Q&A.

Congratulations to the following basic science and clinical faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine! These individuals were honored with promotions and tenure in fiscal year 2023.
Names are organized alphabetically by department.

A recent University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center study published in The Journal of Rural Health sheds light on Appalachian Kentucky’s alarming cancer burden, revealing striking disparities compared to non-Appalachian Kentucky and the rest of the country.

Following an extensive national search and interviews with highly qualified individuals, the College of Medicine is excited to welcome Na’Tasha Evans, PhD, MEd, as the new vice dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and associate professor in the department of behavioral science.

A day-long spotlight event May 12 highlighted the latest advancements in cancer research underway at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center.

A new University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center study reveals more about changes that happen to cancer cells when they metastasize and identifies a promising target for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center researchers identified a protein that plays an important role in prostate cancer progression as well as resistance to enzalutamide, a common prostate cancer treatment.

Nearly three years ago, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine launched the Alliance Research Initiative to promote collaboration and mentorship through interdisciplinary research teams. With members spanning across UK departments and colleges, these teams were established to address Kentucky’s most urgent health needs.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is pleased to announce the faculty, staff, and learners who were winners of the annual Mission, Vision, Pillar, and Enabler Awards.

Matt Devalaraja, PhD, is a scientist and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. He is also a UK College of Medicine alumnus with plentiful knowledge on the wide span of career possibilities that can stem from a biomedical education.
Kristin Miller, a UK College of Medicine graduate student in toxicology and cancer biology, is leading the effort to expand mentorship opportunities for women through Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS).

The UK College of Medicine is excited to welcome Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MD, as the visiting professor delivering this year’s Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Humanities Lecture.
Kentucky has the highest rate of cancer incidence and mortality in the country, with the Eastern Appalachian region bearing the highest burden due to health, socioeconomic and education disparities.

The University of Kentucky’s ninth annual Healthy Hearts for Women Symposium will bring in nationally recognized experts to raise awareness about the dangers of heart disease and educate attendees on prevention techniques.


During Indigenous Peoples’ Month, the UK College of Medicine is highlighting historical figures who paved the way for an equitable future in medicine.

For the second consecutive year, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine has received the 2022 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.

To enable the University of Kentucky College of Medicine to succeed in its mission for a healthier Kentucky, leadership must prioritize the wellness and well-being of faculty, staff, and learners. Lisa Williams, MSSA, is serving in the college’s new leadership position, associate dean for wellness and well-being, to help us excel in this goal.