Putting faith into action to cure cancer

Dr. Ansel Nalin ’14, MD, Ph.D.

Radiation Oncology Resident, MD Anderson

Major: CHEMISTRY

Minor: THEOLOGY

Though the completion of both a medical degree and doctorate already distinguishes Dr. Ansel Nalin ’14, MD, Ph.D. as exemplary in his field, he has further set himself apart with his award-winning cancer research and commitment to empowering others through relationship-centered service.

After graduating summa cum laude from Notre Dame in 2014, Dr. Nalin entered the Medical Scientist Training Program at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. As a doctoral student, his research on cancer immunology and the mechanisms of human natural killer cell development earned him a competitive National Cancer Institute F30 Grant Award as a principal investigator at the age of 26. Dr. Nalin would go on to co-author 19 research publications during his MD/Ph.D., earning him multiple honors, including the prestigious Medical Scientist Award at his commencement.

While excelling in the field of research and scholarship, Dr. Nalin also dedicated time to share his expertise and talents with others, leading tutoring services for medical and pre-medical students from underrepresented backgrounds preparing for national exams. He also committed himself to educating others in the undergraduate CAMELOT program in Cancer Mentoring, Education, Leadership, and Oncology Related Training for visiting student researchers, serving as a lead mentor for six years. His love of running led him to serve as a track-and-field volunteer with the Special Olympics, and he also volunteers in the Order of Malta Free Clinic, which provides free, on-site preventative health care services to uninsured and low-income patients.

An active member of the Catholic Medical Association, Dr. Nalin won the St. Luke’s Faith and Reason Award for his embodiment of Catholic medical practices. Most recently, Dr. Nalin matched into the top-ranked radiation oncology residency program in the U.S. at M.D. Anderson, where he continues to impact areas of cancer research and treatment.