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.
Saraswathi Viswanathan, PhD, will receive a Distinguished Scientist Award. Distinguished Scientist Awards, which are sponsored by the chancellor, recognize researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.
- Name: Nicholas Woods, PhD
- Title: Associate professor, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases.
- Joined UNMC: 2014
- Hometown: Fairfield, Nebraska
Please describe your research focus in three words or less:
- Cancer Proteomics
Why is research important in the world today?
Research is essential to improving public health. It provides insight into the causes of diseases and is essential to the development of effective strategies that prevent, diagnose and treat them. Molecular biology research provides the foundation for this progress by revealing how cells function, the molecular determinants of disease and new therapeutic interventions that translate into healthier lives and improved outcomes for all patients.
My research will make a difference because:
Cancer remains a leading cause of death, but its burden is not shared equally across populations defined by genetic ancestry. My research integrates proteomics with functional studies in organoids and xenograft models to define the molecular mechanisms that drive pancreatic cancer biology, treatment resistance, and disparities in patient outcomes. By identifying biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities that may be overlooked when diverse populations are underrepresented in research, my work has the potential to inform more effective treatments and help ensure that advances in pancreatic cancer care benefit patients from all backgrounds.
The best advice I’ve ever received is:
If you can’t handle dealing with blood, you should just get a PhD.
Three things you may not know about me are:
- Nebraska native
- Two famous relatives in music history
- Hobbyist woodworker