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 6, 2026 - Our most recent publication, "Polyclonal antibodies targeting defined epitopes on cancer biomarker MUC16," has appeared in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry as part of the topical collection Emerging Capabilities in Microscale Separations and Bioanalysis. Congratulations to the multi-institutional collaborative team!
May 26, 2026 - Today we welcome Pandora Freeman, a student from Bethel College who is joining our lab for the summer as Chemistry REU student. Welcome, Pandora; we look forward to doing great science with you!
May 12, 2026 - Danielle successfully defended her master's thesis, "Breaking down the ovarian cancer biomarker MUC16: an investigation into the MUC16 cleavage event with a novel vertical agarose gel electrophoresis technique." Congratulations, Danielle!
May 9, 2026 - Several members of the Whelan lab were recognized at the Chemistry Department awards ceremony. Congratulations to Owen, Lily, Jane, Bhagya, and Anubhuti!
May 8, 2026 - Lily successfully defended her undergraduate honors thesis, "Investigating the presence of conformationally dependent epitopes of CA125." We wish her the best as she heads off to graduate school at University of North Carolina. Great work, Lily, and good luck!
May 7, 2026 - Caitlin has been selected to receive the Chaffee Fellowship, a competitive award from the KU Chemistry Department that will provide stipend support in Fall 2026. Congratulations, Caitlin!