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journey into cancer research began unexpectedly, but with deep personal and professional connections. As a young woman passionate about science, she had always envisioned a future in health care, but not necessarily as a researcher. Her high school courses in biology and chemistry sparked an initial interest, but it wasn’t until she arrived at the as a research assistant that her path became clear.
“At first, I thought I’d end up in clinical work, but when I began solving research problems and connecting with patients, it all made sense,” she shares. “Being able to interact with people with cancer, understand their experiences, and try to improve their quality of life— that was a turning point.”
Caroline's work has always been rooted in practical application like the PEP study and ColoCare research. Her predoctoral focus was on obesity and physical activity's role in cancer prevention and prognosis, particularly for colorectal and lung cancer patients. She became deeply engaged with cancer survivorship, intrigued by how people with cancer, especially those with prostate and colorectal cancers, showed a greater interest in understanding how they developed the disease and how lifestyle changes could help improve their outcomes. This connection solidified her dedication to improving not just survival rates but also the quality of life for people with cancer.
“I enjoy working with cancer patients because of the bonds health care providers and patients form,” she says. “They are so invested in improving their health and quality of life after diagnosis. That personal connection is something I cherish.”
“I’d love to see my research implemented in clinics, directly impacting patient care and health. The transdisciplinary work here makes that possible.”
Caroline Himbert
Over the years, Caroline’s research has expanded. During her postdoctoral fellowship, she became heavily involved in prostate cancer survivorship, utilizing extensive cohort studies like and the . This work revealed to her a critical issue facing these men: cardiovascular disease (CVD). Particularly for those with advanced prostate cancer or in areas with limited access to care, CVD remains a leading cause of death.
“I’m currently working on a grant aimed at improving cardiovascular disease prevention for prostate cancer patients. It’s one of the main causes of death for these men, and we can’t afford to neglect their primary care.”
Her time at Mass General Hospital and Harvard University deepened her interest in cardiovascular comorbidities, including diabetes, and how they affect people with cancer. She credits her mentor, , chief scientific officer and executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute, with shaping her path, especially when it came to securing grants and navigating the complexities of research funding. “Neli’s passion is infectious. She challenges all of her trainees to think deeply about how their research can lead to meaningful clinical impact. I’ve learned so much from her.”
As Caroline continues her career at Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah, she’s excited about the future. The collaborative environment, where clinicians and researchers work side-by-side, makes it easier to transition research from the lab to patient care.
“I’d love to see my research implemented in clinics, directly impacting patient care and health. The transdisciplinary work here makes that possible.”
Caroline plans on teaching in the Clinical and Translational Epidemiology track in the Population ǿմý Sciences Department within the , further broadening her impact. She’s particularly excited about mentoring students, helping them discover their own research passions, and encouraging them to embrace innovation.
“I’ve always cherished the freedom to pursue my own research interests, and I want to give that same freedom to my students. Whether it’s leveraging new technology like AI or developing novel interventions, the possibilities are endless.”
Reflecting on her journey, Caroline acknowledges the challenges she’s faced—learning a new language while also learning the intricacies of research, navigating grant systems, and constantly evolving in her field. But her passion and dedication have driven her forward.
“I’ve learned it’s okay not to know everything. That’s why we collaborate, why we keep asking questions, and why we keep pushing to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.”