This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on Oct. 29 for UNMC’s 2026 Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator recipients.
Ashu Shah, PhD, will receive a New Investigator Award. New Investigator Awards go to outstanding UNMC scientists who in the past year have secured their first independent funding from a national source. New investigators also must demonstrate scholarly activity such as publishing their research and/or presenting their findings at national conventions.
- Name: Ashu Shah, PhD
- Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UNMC College of Medicine
- Joined UNMC: 2017
- Hometown: Palwal, Haryana, India
Please describe your research focus in three words or less:
- Cancer-nerve interactions and therapeutics
Why is research important in the world today?
Research helps develop an analytical mindset that enables individuals to solve problems and view challenges from multiple perspectives. This skill is especially important in the era of artificial intelligence, where careful investigation and critical thinking are essential. Most importantly, research fosters curiosity and innovation, driving advancements in technology and healthcare that improve quality of life and contribute to a better world.
My research will make a difference because:
My research investigates the complex, bidirectional crosstalk between cancer cells and peripheral nerves that contributes to tumor growth and neuropathic pain in pancreatic cancer patients. As a translational cancer researcher, I focus on developing antibody-based drugs with novel, enhanced functions that offer new options for cancer patients. My research aims to identify new opportunities and strategies to prevent these comorbidities and enhance the overall quality of life for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients.
The best advice I’ve ever received is:
I’d rather have two that guide my life. First, “Work hard, keep learning, and turn every challenge into an opportunity to grow.” I grew up hearing this from my mother and mami ji (my maternal aunt), and it still echoes even after they are gone.
Second, “Be ambitious but keep Krishna (God) at the center of your life.” This wisdom, shared by my teacher, Shubhavilas Prabhu, helps me stay grounded, persevere through challenges and be kind to myself and others when things don’t go as planned.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- I have a wonderful daughter and a supportive husband, and they add so much energy to my day.
- I transitioned my research career from industry to academia much later, after completing my PhD. By God’s grace, I found a mentor (Dr. Surinder Batra) who believed in me and who completely shaped my career path, especially when the path ahead felt uncertain.
- I really enjoy singing, even if I am not very good at it. It’s a fun way to express myself and add some joy to my day.