Hong Zhou of Arkansas State University has received an Arkansas Science & Technology Authority grant of $43,374 to fund his research into early detection and prevention of skin cancer.
Zhou is an associate professor of statistics at ASU who developed a novel approach to skin cancer detection that incorporates mathematical models into the process of testing for the disease.
“In this study, we will develop innovative biological models to analyze skin cancer focusing on both genetic and environmental factors,” Zhou said.
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is one of the most lethal forms with 3.5 million cases reported annually in the U.S. Zhou will use the grant to test random models of the disease and identify the critical points where carcinogens take hold in the human body.
Previous research from Zhou successfully identified gene mutation which predicts eye cancer, according to ASTA. Zhou said the same technique could also be used to test other cancers including liver, kidney, lung, colon and brain cancers.
ASTA’s Basic Research Program supports Arkansas researchers.
ASTA is a state organization dedicated to the development, expansion and retention of high-paying knowledge-based industries through high-tech entrepreneurship, research and STEM education.
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