The Best of the AACR Journals Collection: Author Profiles

Rebecca Richards-Kortum

Title & Affiliation:
Professor of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas.

Most-cited Article:
In Vivo Multimodal Optical Imaging: Improved Detection of Oral Dysplasia in Low-Risk Oral Mucosal Lesions

Q: What is your primary area of study/research?
A: I develop new medical technologies to improve cancer prevention and newborn health in low-resource settings.

Q: What influenced your decision to embark on a research career?
A: I had the opportunity to do research as an undergraduate student and really fell in love with it. I am so grateful to the advisors who allowed me to work in their labs at that early stage of my career.

Q; What excites you most about your research area?
A: The opportunity to use technology to make health care more affordable and more accessible.

Q: What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?
A: I love to run. My favorite race is the Marine Corps Marathon, which I have run the last six years. I have six kids and keep myself busy following their activities, including track, softball, basketball, and music.