UNMC researcher Surinder Batra, Ph.D., talks about his work life and interests.
NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the researchers who were named UNMC Distinguished Scientists for 2006. Each of these researchers will be profiled in UNMC Today leading up to a March 12 ceremony to recognize their achievements.
- Name: Surinder Batra, Ph.D.
- Title: Professor, College of Medicine
- Joined UNMC: Oct. 1, 1996
- Hometown: Ambala Cantt, India
Describe your research in 25 words or less.
The overall objective of our research program is to identify, develop and validate markers for the early diagnosis of lethal pancreatic cancer. The newly-identified markers also are being studied for their roles in the progression and metastasis of these cancers.
When did you realize you were interested in research?
During post-graduation, I developed a love for biochemistry and ended up doing my Ph.D. in it.
What are the greatest challenges in research today?
Funding for unproved and high-risk ideas.
Best advice for new researchers?
Work hard and have lots of patience.
When an experiment stalls, what drives you to continue on?
I go with more force to find or fix the problem.
Who has been your greatest teacher?
I am very lucky to have been taught by many great mentors, including Drs. Hollingsworth (UNMC), Metzgar (Duke) and Bigner (Duke). Dr. William L. Miller from North Carolina State University, where I first went in 1983 from France, is my greatest teacher. He taught me how to do research, how to accept others’ ideas and finally how to teach in the classroom. Above all, he taught me how to be a good human and appreciate others.
Tell us about your family and hobbies outside the lab.
My wife, Sunita, graduated in music and is a housewife. My eldest son, Rishi, is in college and is majoring in biochemistry and younger son, Rahul, is in high school. We travel together and have traveled to lots of places in and outside the United States.
Globally, describe the most notable research achievement ever?
After the genetic code, polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) is the most notable breakthrough in medical science.
Clarify a common misconception about research?
That it’s fast paced and planned. Most of the novel discoveries were not planned and took a long time.
What would you tell a student interested in a research career?
There should be a reason or commitment for making research a career. In many portions of the world, they have limited choices. In the United States, we have lots of choices and there should a commitment or reason for coming to research.
List three things few people know about you.
- I play a musical instrument every day (Dholki);
- I received poor grade in the first year of college; and
- I have never tasted alcoholic beverages.