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
June 25, 2025 - The Whelan lab has been named as the recipients of the KU Department of Chemistry's Sutton Family Research Impact Award for May 2025. This award is given monthly to recognize outstanding research publications from our department, and our recent publication in Cancers, "Mapping the Binding Sites of CA125-specific Antibodies on a Revised Molecular Model of MUC16," is being recognized. Congratulations to the research team!
May 27, 2025 - Today we welcome three new undergraduate researchers to the group for the summer. Welcome, Lily, Spencer, and Owen! Looking forward to doing some great science together!
May 26, 2025 - Another publication! "Peritoneal cavity-derived small extracellular vesicles from aged tumor-näive hosts promotes ovarian cancer and invasion" has been accepted for publication in Cell Communication and Signaling. This work was in collaboration with Professor Sharon Stack (University of Notre Dame). Congratulations to the whole team!
May 19, 2025 - Rebecca attended the International Symposium on Microscale Separations and Bioanalysis (MSB) in Tempe, AZ. While there, she gave a talk on our recent work on CA125/MUC16, learned a lot, and met with friends old and new. The organizers did a great job putting on this meeting; thank you for the opportunity to speak!
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!