The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) has created the DCP Early Career Scientist Spotlight Research Seminar Series to highlight nominated early career scientists who are advancing research within the areas supported by DCP. The overall goal of this ongoing seminar series is to increase visibility and provide recognition to these DCP Early Career Scientists.
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Key information
- Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
- Time: 1:00am EST to 2:00pm EST
- Location: Virtual via WebEx
Registration Information
Registration is required.
Speakers
Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Detection: Two Viable Strategies
Joshua Demb, PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego
Biography
Dr. Joshua Demb is a National Cancer Institute K99/R00 award-funded assistant professor at University of California, San Diego. Dr. Demb’s research interests are at the intersection of cancer epidemiology and health services research. Over the last 10 years, his work has focused on the overlapping roles of cancer screening and diagnostic work-up to maximize early cancer detection, particularly among adults under age 50 at risk for colorectal cancer (CRC).
His current K99/R00-funded project seeks an optimal CRC screening strategy among adults ages 45-49. He is leading a pragmatic trial comparing mailed fecal immunochemical test outreach to mailed Cologuard outreach among adults ages 45-49.
Dr. Demb is also investigating early CRC detection among at-risk adults ages 18-44 who present with potential red flag signs and symptoms, with the goal of risk stratifying these adults for more efficient and timely diagnostic work-up for CRC and other concerning gastrointestinal conditions.
The Perfect Pair: Engineering Drug Synergy and Nano Drug Delivery Precision for Smarter Cancer Prevention
Preshita P. Desai, B. Pharm, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences
Biography
Dr. Desai received her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2017 from the Institute of Chemical Technology, India as an INSPIRE and UKIERI Visiting Fellow (University of Bradford, UK). She joined Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, USA in 2017 as a Post-Doctoral Fellow, became Research Scientist in 2018 and transitioned to a Faculty position in 2022.
Dr. Desai’s research focuses on the identification and repurposing of chemopreventive agents, coupled with the design of smart nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems to achieve selectively enhanced and targeted cancer chemoprevention. Her laboratory has demonstrated a strong record of innovation and productivity, reflected in numerous scientific presentations, awards, peer-reviewed publications, extramural research grants, book chapters, and three granted patents. The ultimate goal of her translational research is to develop and clinically translate safe, effective, and patient-compliant chemopreventive medications.