Today, we are Marching for Change with Dr. Triparna Sen, a scientist, leader, mentor, and global advocate, a daughter, a woman in science, and a force in translational cancer research whose work is redefining how we understand and treat lung cancer.

Dr. Sen is a tenured Professor and Max Morehouse Chair in Cancer Research in the Division of Medical Oncology at The Ohio State University, where she also serves as Associate Director of Research and Director of the Lung Cancer Preclinical Therapeutic Platform. A scientist at the intersection of discovery and clinical impact, she has built a globally recognized research program focused on the biology of lung cancer, therapeutic resistance, and the identification of actionable vulnerabilities that can be rapidly translated into better outcomes for patients.

Her work has transformed the field of small cell lung cancer. Dr. Sen was among the first to establish DNA damage response pathways as critical therapeutic targets in this disease, demonstrating that their inhibition not only suppresses tumor growth but also activates antitumor immunity through innate immune signaling. She has also led pioneering efforts to uncover how non small cell lung cancer evolves into small cell lung cancer under treatment pressure, a major clinical challenge, laying the foundation for new therapeutic strategies. Her discoveries have directly informed multiple clinical trials and biomarker driven approaches, shaping how we think about combination therapies and precision medicine in lung cancer.

With more than 80 high impact publications and sustained funding from NIH NCI, Department of Defense, Lung Cancer Research Foundation, and IASLC, Dr. Sen is a leading voice in translational oncology. She serves as a Board Member of IASLC and has held key leadership roles across major international conferences, including conference co chair and program committee member across multiple global meetings.

Beyond the lab and clinic, Dr. Sen is deeply committed to mentorship, building teams, and creating pathways for the next generation of scientists and physician leaders. She is a passionate advocate for equity and opportunity in STEM, using her platform to elevate and support women and underrepresented groups in science.

Born and raised in India, Dr. Sen brings a global perspective to everything she does. She speaks English, Hindi, and Bengali, and carries with her the cultural depth and resilience that continue to shape her journey. Outside of science, she is a trained classical dancer and finds balance and strength through yoga, embodying both discipline and creativity in every aspect of her life.

This is not just a career. It is a mission to transform cancer care, to push boundaries, and to create lasting change. Listen to Dr. Sen’s inspiring story.

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