Alana Welm, PhD, has officially taken on the role of chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, effective immediately.
In her new position, Dr. Welm will spearhead initiatives aimed at furthering the department’s academic mission and enhancing scientific excellence.
She will also play a pivotal role in strategic leadership efforts at Huntsman Cancer Institute, collaborating closely with both the medical school’s administration and the CEO of the institute.
Welm’s charges include developing and implementing a comprehensive vision for the department, focusing on research, education, and clinical impact, with an emphasis on coordination with the institute’s leadership.
As chair, one of her primary responsibilities will be to guide the department’s research strategy, supporting faculty in their quest for external funding from notable organizations like the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Welm is also tasked with ensuring sustained investment in high-impact research that translates findings from the lab to clinical settings.
A crucial part of her role involves overseeing the department’s academic and administrative functions, which include managing graduate education programs, faculty recruitment and retention, as well as resource management.
Her appointment is accompanied by a commitment to innovation and collaboration, aimed at positioning the department for true national distinction.
Alana Welm’s aim is to foster a culture of excellence and teamwork within the University of Utah, the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the larger scientific community.
The interim dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, Sam Finlayson, MD, expressed confidence in Welm’s ability, stating, “Dr. Welm brings a rare combination of scientific vision, collaborative leadership, and deep commitment to mentorship.”
“He goes on to highlight her strengths, which include a strong track record in pioneering translational research, securing significant external funding, and establishing strong interdisciplinary teams, all of which make her exceptionally qualified to lead the Department of Oncological Sciences forward.”
Dr. Welm currently serves as senior director of basic science at Huntsman Cancer Institute and is a professor of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah.
Her research has centered on breast cancer metastasis, contributing significantly to high-impact studies that have led to better understanding and treatment of breast cancer.
Having completed her PhD in cell and molecular biology at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, Welm furthered her training with postdoctoral work at the University of California, San Francisco.
She established her laboratory at Huntsman Cancer Institute in 2007.
Mary Beckerle, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute, remarked on Welm’s exceptionalism, stating, “Alana is an extraordinary leader, not only here in Utah, but also internationally recognized as a scholar of the highest caliber.”
Beckerle praised Welm’s collaborative skills and her ability to unite students, researchers, patients, and clinicians into impactful teams, expressing enthusiasm for her new position.
Welm has received the University of Utah Distinguished Research Award as well as the American Association for Cancer Research’s Outstanding Investigator Award for Breast Cancer Research in 2023.
Additionally, she is serving as president of the Metastasis Research Society.
In response to her appointment, Welm shared her enthusiasm: “I am deeply honored to step into this role and look forward to the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and innovative community.”
She reflected on the growth of the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute over the past 18 years, highlighting their increasing international recognition for scientific achievement and patient care.
Welm underscored her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence that trains the next generation of scholars while advancing groundbreaking cancer research.
Brad Cairns, PhD, the previous chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences, made significant contributions to the department, including recruiting high-impact researchers and creating a collaborative environment.
While Welm assumes her new leadership role, Cairns will continue to play an integral part at both the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute, in addition to his position as a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator.
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