Antonina Mitrofanova is honored with the U.S. government’s highest recognition for exceptional early-career scientists and engineers
Antonina Mitrofanova, an associate professor in the Department of Health Informatics and associate dean for research at the Rutgers School of Health Professions, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) – the highest honor granted by the U.S. government to early-career scientists and engineers.
Nearly 400 researchers received the award this year from President Joe Biden.
This year’s awardees are employed or funded by 14 governmental agencies. Mitrofanova’s recognition comes from the National Institutes of Health for her development of mathematical and computational algorithms that address biologically and clinically significant problems.
“This award is a tremendous honor,” said Mitrofanova, a research member of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. “I immigrated from Ukraine to the U.S. at 21 and decided to change my career from medicine to computer science. This award represents my ‘American Dream’ and is living proof that in the U.S., you can dream big and achieve it if you put your heart into it.”
She added, “This award is testament to the incredible supportive environment that the School of Health Professions, Rutgers Health and Rutgers as a whole created for scientists like me. This award belongs to all of us.”
A pioneer in biomedical informatics, Mitrofanova specializes in identifying molecular biomarkers to predict treatment responses in cancer patients. Her work not only identifies patients at risk of developing resistance to treatments but uncovers new therapeutic targets for those who fail traditional therapies.
Her lab uses advanced mathematical models to analyze complex molecular interactions rather than relying on single-gene markers.
“This approach provides deeper insights into disease progression and uncovers alternative treatment strategies for patients at risk of treatment failure,” Mitrofanova said.
For instance, Mitrofanova’s study published last year in Nature Communications introduced computational methods to predict which patients would benefit from a widely used prostate cancer drug. The study also proposed a strategy to extend the drug's effectiveness.
Using sophisticated algorithms, Mitrofanova and her team identified why the prostate cancer drug enzalutamide (sold under the brand name Xtandi) fails for some patients and eventually stops working in others. By analyzing advanced prostate cancer patient data, they mapped interactions among molecular pathways and their upstream transcription factors – proteins that regulate multiple genes.
“Dr. Mitrofanova exemplifies the innovation and dedication that drive groundbreaking discoveries at Rutgers Health," said Brian Strom, chancellor of Rutgers Health. "Her pioneering work in computational algorithms and biomedical informatics is not only transforming cancer treatment, but also inspiring the next generation of scientists and clinicians. This well-deserved recognition underscores her remarkable contributions to science and the impact of her research on improving patient outcomes."
Mitrofanova’s lab is now expanding its research to address significant gaps in cancer biology, exploring the role of the non-coding genome in treatment response. If successful, said Mitrofanova, these approaches will help more patients receive the treatment they need and create pathways for developing non-traditional cancer therapies.
“We hope our work will guide the best therapeutic course for patients before they begin treatment, improving cancer management, outcomes and quality of life,” she said.
"Dr. Mitrofanova’s research in using computational algorithms to unravel the mechanisms and inform potential treatments for cancer and other diseases have had a profound impact in the medical field,” said Jeffrey J. DiGiovanni, dean of the Rutgers School of Health Professions. “This recognition is a testament to her exceptional contributions and underscores her remarkable journey as a researcher and valued member of the School of Health Professions at Rutgers.”
The PECASE was established by President Bill Clinton in 1996 to recognize scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers.
The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future.
