Get to Know a Cancer Scholar: Akarsh Ellore

The Cancer Center at Illinois' (CCIL) “Get to Know a Cancer Scholar” series provides readers a connection with the amazing trainees who comprise the CCIL’s cohort of student-researchers. This installment features bioengineering undergraduate Akarsh Ellore.

What interested you in the Cancer Scholars Program?

I was drawn to the Cancer Scholars Program because it offered a rare opportunity to explore cancer in a way traditional coursework couldn’t. I wanted to approach cancer through multiple lenses, including scientific, clinical and societal perspectives at the same time. Through CSP’s focus on interdisciplinary thinking and meaningful impact, I gained the knowledge necessary to tackle medicine’s most pressing challenges from the start of my undergraduate career. The opportunity to work on real problems with real stakes, rather than waiting until graduate or medical school to do meaningful work, was what ultimately convinced me this was the right fit. It felt like a place where I could grow as both a scientist and a future leader in health innovation.

What have you learned during your time in the Cancer Scholars Program?

This program has taught me not only technical skills, but also the way I approach cancer research in general. On the research side, I’ve gained knowledge related to current-day techniques in research and how to effectively apply them to solve many issues. Beyond this, I have gained a strong introduction on thinking critically about how we can use engineering to address gaps in cancer research and treatment. With the program, I learned how to read and distill scientific literature with a critical eye and learned how to design experiments that aim to address current problems. This program introduced me to issues like disparities in research, access and trust between patients of different backgrounds. Consequently, I learned how to communicate these findings with the broader community. Overall, this program provided the perfect combination of scientific training and social awareness that has shaped the way I think about every project I take part in.

Why is doing cancer research personally meaningful to you?

Cancer research matters to me because it brings together compassion, innovation and the chance to make a lasting difference in someone’s life. Through various resources and firsthand experience in watching people I care about navigate diagnosis and treatment, I felt that the idea of cancer became very real and very urgent to me. Similarly, I have seen how cancer causes so much damage to families and communities and how uneven the burden can be. Working in this field gives me a way to positively contribute to solutions that are grounded in science and centered on people. Whether the work involves new therapies or better access to care, it feels meaningful because it has the potential to change someone’s life entirely.

How would you explain your research project to a friend outside science?

After a surgeon removes a tumor, one of the biggest challenges is making sure no cancer cells are left behind. Even a few remaining cells can cause the cancer to come back much stronger. Therefore, my research focuses on developing nanoparticles, which are incredibly tiny particles engineered at the molecular level, that can seek out and detect those leftover cancer cells after surgery. I usually describe them as tiny delivery trucks that act as a search party that’s small enough to find what the naked eye can’t see. By adjusting their size, shape and surface chemistry, we can help them reach the right cells while avoiding healthy ones. Ultimately, the goal is to give surgeons and doctors better information so they can be more confident the cancer is truly gone.

What are your future career goals and how has Cancer Scholars influenced these goals?

I hope to become a physician engineer who works at the intersection of clinical care and biomedical innovation. I want to combine both my engineering skills into medicine by designing new solutions that are scientifically strong and accessible to the communities that need them most. The Cancer Scholars Program played a major role in shaping this vision by showing me how engineering, biology and patient experience can come together in cancer research and treatment development. It also gave me the confidence and mentorship to pursue work that bridges these areas and pursue medicine with more intention and direction

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in doing cancer research?

Stay curious and be willing to explore different areas of the field. Cancer research is incredibly broad, and there are many ways to contribute. Reach out to labs, ask questions and do not be afraid to start with something unfamiliar. Most importantly, remember that cancer research is about people. Keeping patients and communities at the center of your motivation will guide you toward meaningful work. And if you have a personal reason for caring about cancer, hold onto it and cherish it. On difficult days in the lab, that motivation matters more than you’d expect.

What hobby or interest helps you recharge after a long week?

I enjoy playing basketball and taking walks around the campus. I also find weightlifting really effective for clearing my head, and I’ll put on music or a show to wind down in the evenings. These physical and mental resets help me clear my mind after a busy week and help me recharge to return to work with more focus.

What is your favorite study spot on campus?

My favorite study spot is the CIF. It is both quiet enough to focus while also being in a modern and clean space that I really enjoy working in. It is also a great location to grab some quick food or go to the CBTF if I have a test.