
Three outstanding scientists lead cutting-edge research to unlock the complexity of cancer

Throughout September and October, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is highlighting women researchers and faculty who are teaching, mentoring and leading others in academic medicine.
The special coverage is part of Women in Medicine and Science month (September), an initiative of the American Medical Association, which is highlighting advocacy of women physicians and scientists and health issues impacting female patients. The theme is “Celebrating Our Legacy, Embracing Our Future.”
Suwon Kim, PhD, unravels the complexity of cancer cells by focusing on the molecular makeup of malignant cells. Working with scientists at multiple institutions, she is developing new treatments using precision medicine. Aparna Sertil, PhD, wants to know how cancer reappears after a patient has been cured. Karen Taraszka Hastings, MD, PhD, studies how the body’s immune system reacts to skin cancer cells. She hopes to figure out how use a patient’s own body to fight off cancer cells. All three understand the importance of collaboration, and with a disease as pervasive as cancer, they recognize the value of teamwork.

Learn more about these exceptional women scientists and physicians and their important work:
Suwon Kim, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
Dr. Kim’s research focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms of cancer in order to develop better therapy and prevention strategies. Dr. Kim’s lab is located in the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) where she uses leading-edge technology, including whole genome/RNA sequencing and single cell analysis. She is the lead principal investigator on several multi-institutional grants addressing precision medicine initiatives, for which she works closely with clinicians at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, Dignity Health and Baylor Scott & White Research Institute in Texas. Dr. Kim joined the college’s founding faculty in 2007. Together with Karen Taraszka Hastings, MD, PhD, she established the inaugural Hematology-Oncology Block in 2008. She also launched the Personal Active Learning (PAL) block in 2014. Dr. Kim is PAL block director, teaches cancer in the preclinical curriculum and participates in K-12 education outreach activities. She received the college’s Educator of the Year award in 2013.
“Being an academic scientist is like juggling many balls all at once and continuously,” Dr. Kim said. “I think we women are natural at multi-tasking and thrive on ‘getting things done.’ ”

“Growing up in India, where women don't get the same opportunities as men, I am intimately aware of the challenges and obstacles we women face in academic science,” Dr. Sertil said. “I tell all my mentees not to take for granted the opportunities that come their way and to accept challenges as opportunities for growth.”

“My advice for the next generation is to follow your passion and be persistent in following your dreams,” Dr. Hastings said. “I find great fulfillment in my career through advancing scientific knowledge, providing specialty clinical care and training future physicians and scientists – all with the goal of improving patients’ lives.”
If you would like more information about the Women in Medicine and Science group, please contact Julie Parrish. For information about the Phoenix chapter of Graduate Women in Science, contact Sandra Maria Hinz.
Special September/October Content
Features with women in leadership at the College of Medicine – Phoenix:
- Ella Nikulina, PhD; Shalini Sharma, PhD; Theresa Currier Thomas, PhD.
- Rebecca Fisher, PhD; Amelia Gallitano, MD, PhD; Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz, PhD.
- Maria Manriquez, MD; Susan Kaib, MD, Cheryl O’Malley, MD.
- Taben Hale, PhD; Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, MD, Michelle Dorsey, MD.
- Suwon Kim, PhD; Karen Hastings, MD, PhD; Aparna Sertil, PhD.
About the College
Founded in 2007, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix inspires and trains exemplary physicians, scientists and leaders to advance its core missions in education, research, clinical care and service to communities across Arizona. The college’s strength lies in our collaborations and partnerships with clinical affiliates, community organizations and industry sponsors. With our primary affiliate, Banner Health, we are recognized as the premier academic medical center in Phoenix. As an anchor institution of the Phoenix Bioscience Core, the college is home to signature research programs in neurosciences, cardiopulmonary diseases, immunology, informatics and metabolism. These focus areas uniquely position us to drive biomedical research and bolster economic development in the region.
As an urban institution with strong roots in rural and tribal health, the college has graduated more than 1,000 physicians and matriculates 130 students each year. Greater than 60% of matriculating students are from Arizona and many continue training at our GME sponsored residency programs, ultimately pursuing local academic and community-based opportunities. While our traditional four-year program continues to thrive, we will launch our recently approved accelerated three-year medical student curriculum with exclusive focus on primary care. This program is designed to further enhance workforce retention needs across Arizona.
The college has embarked on our strategic plan for 2025 to 2030. Learn more.