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Fibroblast-mediated Extracellular Matrix Remodeling as a Driver of Radiation Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Awarded in 2025
Postdoctoral Grant
Updated Dec 3, 2025

At a Glance

The project, Fibroblast-mediated Extracellular Matrix Remodeling as a Driver of Radiation Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, led by research associate Adeel Ahmed, PhD, investigates how changes in tumor tissue structure contribute to radiation resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer closely linked to alcohol and tobacco use and nearly twice as common in Wisconsin as in the rest of the United States. With about half of patients showing limited response to standard radiation and chemotherapy, understanding why treatment fails is critical. This study examines how radiation alters the microstructure of tumor tissue and how these changes may enable cancer cells to survive therapy. David Beebe, PhD, professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UW–Madison, serves as the supervising mentor.

More Funded Projects

research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

Unraveling the Crosstalk Between Estrogen and Viral Immunoevasion in Murine Papillomavirus Infection Model

Awarded in 2025
The project, Unraveling the Crosstalk Between Estrogen and Viral Immunoevasion in Murine Papillomavirus Infection Model, led by research associate Umar Sheikh, PhD, investigates how papillomaviruses evade the immune system and persist in the body, with a particular focus on the role of estrogen in shaping these infections. Using a laboratory model that closely mirrors human papillomavirus infection, the study aims to uncover how hormonal signals and viral strategies interact to allow long-term infection and potential progression to cancer. Paul Lambert, PhD, professor and chair of Oncology and director of the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, serves as the supervising mentor.
research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

Examining Health Policy Effects on Maternal Health Outcomes in Wisconsin and Nationally

Awarded in 2025
The project, Examining Health Policy Effects on Maternal Health Outcomes in Wisconsin and Nationally, led by research associate Taehyun Kim, PhD, examines how recent changes in reproductive health policy affect maternal health outcomes in Wisconsin and across the United States. Using a large national electronic medical records dataset, the study will compare trends across states with differing policy environments to generate new evidence on how these changes influence maternal health risks, care experiences and pregnancy-related outcomes. Findings will help inform evidence-based decision-making to support the well-being of pregnant individuals and families. Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, professor and director of the Population and Reproductive Health Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UW–Madison, serves as the supervising mentor.