The Whelan Lab
Research in the Whelan lab is motivated by the need to detect and treat ovarian cancer in its early stages. We approach the problem of ovarian cancer detection with a diverse tool kit drawn from bioanalytical chemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and nanoscience.
Recent Whelan Group News
May 10, 2025 - Several members of the Whelan lab were recognized at the Chemistry Awards & Scholarships Recognition Ceremony. Congratulations to Chien-Wei, Anubhuti, Caitlin, and Trisha!
May 7, 2025 - Rebecca had the opportunity to record an episode of the Bench to Bedside podcast with Dr. Roy Jensen, Director of the KU Cancer Center. A link to the podcast can be found here. Thank you to Dr. Jensen and to KUCC for the opportunity to share our group's work!
April 26, 2025 - Our group's latest paper, "Mapping the Binding Sites of CA125-Specific Antibodies on a Revised Molecular Model of MUC16," has been published in Cancers. It is a particular honor to be included in a special issue focused on Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Technologies. Congratulations to the collaborative team!
April 25, 2025 - Rebecca paid a visit to the Chemistry Department at Kenyon College in Gambier, OH. In addition to giving a guest lecture on applications of capillary electrophoresis (a favorite topic!), Rebecca enjoyed giving a seminar on our group's latest work, having great conversations with faculty and students, and reconnecting with Professor Katie Mauck. Thank you to Professor Mauck for the invitation and coordinating a wonderful day!
March 13, 2025 - Third-year graduate student Caitlin McEntee has been selected to participate in the Cold Spring Harbor Course on Expression, Purification & Analysis of Proteins and Protein Complexes. Her attendance at this intensive two-week course will be supported in part by the Alumni Fund for Graduate Research in Chemistry. Congratulations, Caitlin, and thank you to the Chemistry Department for the generous support!
March 7, 2025 - Our first-year Bioengineering graduate student Danielle Dotson has been selected for the Self Graduate Fellowship. This highly competitive fellowship provides generous financial support and professional development activities to future leaders among KU graduate students. Congratulations, Danielle!
February 28, 2028 - Rebecca gave an invited seminar to the Chemistry Department at Iowa State University. It was great seeing some old friends and meeting new possible collaborators. Many thanks to Professor Robbyn Anand for the invitation and being a great host!