Dr. Batra named to research post

Surinder Batra, Ph.D.

Surinder Batra, Ph.D., has been named the College of Medicine’s new senior associate dean for research and development.

College of Medicine Dean John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., appointed Dr. Batra, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at UNMC, to the post on April 1.

Dr. Batra fills the vacancy left by Steven Hinrichs, M.D., when he was named chairman of the department of pathology and microbiology.

“Dr. Batra is one of our most talented scientists and he has a great understanding of translational research,” Dr. Gollan said. “He is a phenomenal mentor and a major contributor to all aspects of the department of biochemistry and molecular biology. He also is one of our top-funded investigators and brings impressive experience to the position of senior associate dean for research and development.

“I am confident he will make substantial contributions to the research enterprise of the College of Medicine.”

As senior associate dean, Dr. Batra plans to test new ideas for research programs and graduate training in basic and translational research. He also wants to:

• Foster collaboration between clinicians and basic researchers; and
  
• Strengthen the M.D., Ph.D. program and provide opportunities for graduate students for doing translational research.

“Dr. Batra is one of our most talented scientists and he has a great understanding of translational research.” John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D.

A native of Ambala Cantt, India, Dr. Batra brings an array of abilities and experiences to the role in regards to funding, teaching and graduate training. Three RO1s, SPORE and EDRN from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and several grants from Department of Defense (DOD) fund his research program. He has published 207 peer-reviewed papers and is involved in several NIH and DOD panels. He also is heavily involved in teaching medical, pharmacy and graduate students and in the development of graduate and summer students training programs at UNMC.

Dr. Batra joined UNMC in the fall of 1996. In his research, he identifies, develops and validates markers for the early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. These markers also are studied for their roles in the progression and metastasis of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. In addition, an innovative approach to overcome the current acquired resistance of breast cancer tumors to Herceptin-therapy is being explored in his laboratory. Herceptin is a common drug used to fight breast cancer.

In 2006, he was named one of UNMC’s Distinguished Scientists and also is among UNMC’s most accomplished inventors. In 2001, he received the Joseph Gilmore Outstanding Investigator Award. He also was nominated in 2004 and 2005 for the Alvin M. Earle Outstanding Health Science Award for Excellence in Teaching.

In announcing the change, Dr. Gollan also praised Dr. Hinrichs for his service, particularly his help to resolve complex issues involving space allocation.

“I’m grateful for the significant amount of effort, time and energy that Steve put into the position,” he said.