Since 2014, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has provided the opportunity for graduate students, postdocs, and assistant professors to give high-profile presentations at the AACR Annual Meeting as part of its NextGen Stars Program. This year, 11 early-career researchers were selected based on their outstanding applications.

Learn more about one of the newest NextGen Stars below, and check out the Q&As with other members of the NextGen Stars Class of 2025.

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Di Zhao, PhD
AACR NextGen Stars Class of 2025
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas

Abstract Presentation:
Decipher actionable tumor suppressor defects for personalized cancer medicine

Session Details:
AT04 – Integrating Multiomics and Spatial Technologies for Discovery and Prediction
Tuesday, April 29, 12:30-2 p.m. CT
Room S406 (Vista Ballroom), McCormick Place South (Level 4)

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What is the subject of your research?

My research focuses on functional cancer genomics, with a special interest in advanced prostate cancer. By combining state-of-the-art mouse modeling systems and single-cell multiomics, we aim to: 1) characterize the genetic determinants that drive prostate cancer development, metastatic progression, and therapy resistance; 2) determine the impact of the cancer genome on the tumor immune microenvironment and responsiveness to immunotherapies; and 3) develop biomarker-driven therapies and combinatorial strategies for personalized cancer medicine.

What sparked your interest in this area of research, and why is it important?

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Although nearly all patients respond to androgen deprivation therapy, most patients progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer with high rates of metastasis and mortality. Over the past decade, large-scale cancer genome studies have uncovered emerging genetic alterations in advanced prostate cancer. It is vital to identify and characterize genetic determinants that drive prostate cancer development, metastatic progression, and resistance to therapy.

What (or who) inspired you to apply for the NextGen Stars program?

I was inspired to apply for the AACR NextGen Stars program because of its remarkable platform for early-career investigators to share innovative research and connect with leaders in the cancer research field. My passion for understanding actionable genetic alterations, tumor-host interactions, and developing novel biomarker-driven therapies motivated me to seek opportunities that would amplify the impact of my work. I am eager to contribute to the remarkable progression of cancer research and advance the mission of improving patient outcomes through scientific discovery.

What do you hope to take away from your experience as a NextGen Star and your time at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025?

As an AACR NextGen Star, I hope to gain valuable insights from leading experts at the forefront of cancer research. This opportunity allows me to engage in productive discussions, receive constructive comments on my work, and explore emerging trends that could shape the future of my research. I look forward to networking with fellow researchers, forging potential collaborations, and broadening my perspective on how basic research can be translated into clinical impact.

Additionally, I see this experience as a step toward further establishing myself in the field, learning from pioneers, and contributing to the broader cancer research community. Ultimately, I hope to take the knowledge and connections gained from AACR Annual Meeting 2025 and apply them to advancing innovative biomarker-driven approaches for cancer treatment.