PhD
Kenan Distinguished Professor
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Cell Biology
Area of Interest
My interest is in dysregulated signal transduction associated with cancer. Our work is largely focused on the IKK/NF-kappaB pathway, which occurs in a variety of cancers. We were the first to show that NF-kB is activated downstream of oncogenic Ras mutations and that blocking NF-kB strongly reduces the oncogenic nature of Ras. We are currently studying an IKK-related kinase, TBK1, and its oncogenic role downstream of Ras mutations, focused on pancreatic cancer. We have found that EZH2 interacts with NF-kappaB to drive cancer-associated phenotypes in breast cancer. We collaborate with numerous investigators related to NF-kappaB signaling in cancer.
Awards and Honors
- Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award, 2022
- NCI Outstanding Investigator Award, 2016
- NF-kB and control of cell growth and suppression of differentiation
- Role of oncoprotein Bcl-3 in cell growth and oncogenesis
- Oncoprotein signaling and NF-kB: Ras- and BCR-ABL-induced pathways and NF-kB
- NF-kB and suppression of apoptosis: new therapeutic approaches for cancer therapy
- NF-kB and chromatin: novel findings regarding the involvement of IKK in controlling chromatin/histone modification
News and Stories

Baldwin honored with Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award
Albert Baldwin, PhD, is the 2022 recipient of the Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award. The award recognizes exceptional cancer research at UNC-Chapel Hill.

UNC Lineberger pancreatic cancer therapy studies backed by 5-year, $10.9 million NIH SPORE grant
The National Cancer Institute has awarded the UNC Lineberger Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence a five-year, $10.9 million Pancreatic Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant.

Leading researchers provide insights on aggressive cancers at scientific symposium
UNC Lineberger’s 45th annual Scientific Symposium featured talks on the latest research on pancreatic cancer, tumor microenvironments, metastatic disease and immunotherapy.

Student group focuses on supporting cancer research, enhancing scientific careers
The Carolina Cancer Association is an organization for students studying biology to learn more about cancer and gain access to UNC Lineberger’s resources.