Undergraduate: Princeton University

Medical School: Temple University

Academic Development: Role of cancer stem cells in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis

Dr. Bednar is interested in the role of cancer stem cells in the process of tumorigenesis and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. His laboratory has previously isolated a subpopulation of pancreatic cancer cells that possess "stem-cell" properties and appear to play a role in resistance to chemoradiation for this lethal malignancy. Dr. Bednar studies the molecular mechanisms underlying these characteristics and how to potentially exploit/modify them to treat pancreatic cancer.
Mentor: Diane Simeone, M.D.
Institution: University of Michigan, Department of Surgery