T32 Integrative Scholars Training Program
Rafael Romero
Mentors: DongKyun Kang, PhD, and Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski, MD
Project: A cross-polarized microscopy device for visualizing individual pigmented cells in human skin non-invasively to enhance diagnostic
Rafael Romero has spent the last year refining his prototype of an affordable, handheld skin cancer detector the size of a large cell phone that can be used on patients by merely pressing it against their skin.
He is now taking that novel device into the clinic for testing under the guidance of Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski, MD, Co-Principal Investigator of the NCI T32 Integrative Scholars Training Program, co-director of the University of Arizona Cancer Center Skin Cancer Institute and professor at the U of A College of Medicine.
Through the Integrative Scholars Training Program, Romero, a graduate student in biomedical engineering, will train in the translational optical imaging lab of DongKyun Kang, PhD a U of A Cancer Center member and associate professor in optical sciences, biomedical engineering and the BIO5 Institute.
Romero considers this unique mentorship program crucial to his future career.
“I've been fortunate to have mentors like Dr. Kang and Dr. Curiel who have helped me understand my work's clinical implications,” Romero said. “Having this mentorship ensures that my research focuses on real-world applications that improve patient care.”
In addition to working as a graduate research assistant for Kang in the Translational Optical Imaging Lab, Romero is a graduate research assistant for Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud with advisor David Garcia, PhD. Where he works with more than 500 participants from the local Hispanic community to provide health resources on diabetes and liver diseases.
Romero's interest in cancer research started from personal experience. Watching his family, especially his grandmother, battle breast cancer made me realize how urgently we need better tools for early detection and treatment. He knew he wanted to use my background in biomedical engineering to make a difference. Over time, he became increasingly passionate about creating technologies that could help those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. This journey has only strengthened my dedication to advancing cancer research and improving patient care.