Kandy T. Velazquez, M.S., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Kandy T. Velázquez is from Isabela, Puerto Rico. She did her bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. Then, she pursued her master degree in Medical Physiology at the Medical Sciences Campus-UPR under the tutelage of Dr. Juan Carlos Jorge. For her thesis, she studied the role of 3-alpha androstanediol on hedonic, reinforcing, and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. After receiving her PhD in Exercise Science-Applied Physiology from the University of South Carolina investigating the role of nutraceuticals on cancer cachexia under the mentorship of Dr. James A. Carson, she joined the laboratory of Dr. Angela Murphy to pursue postdoctoral training on obesity promoting cancer. Her graduate work was funded by RISE-program (UPR-MSC), PREP-Program (USC), SLOAN Scholarship (USC), SEAGEP (USC), Diversity supplement (NIH-NCI), ASPIRE (USC), Mentor/Mentee grant (SSMN), K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (NIH-NCCIH), Seed Grant from SLOAN Foundation, R43 from NCCIH-NIH, Target Faculty in the P20 from NIGMS-NIH, RDA from the Department of Veterans Affairs, R21 from NCI-NIH, and R01 from NCI-NIH. Dr. Velázquez’s lab focuses on investigating the neuro-immune mechanism by which colorectal cancer, colitis, and chemotherapy treatments promote visceral nociception (pain) and neuropathic pain, respectively. In addition, her lab studies the effects of an herbal formula as a new therapy to treat pain and cachexia. Her life outside academia is concentrated in spending quality time with friends/family and going on walks with her kids.
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Cancer Pain
Identifying the mechanism by which cancer-induced visceral pain
2013 - 2019
University of South Carolina-School of Medicine
Postdoctoral Training
Mentor: E. Angela Murphy, Ph.D.
High-Fat-Diet-Induced Cancer
Determine the mechanism by which diets rich in fats promote cancer proliferation
Cancer Cachexia
Identify therapies to hinder muscle wasting
Neuropathic Pain
Identify new treatments to alleviate neuropathic pain
2007 - 2012
University of South Carolina
Ph.D. Exercise Science, Applied Physiology
Mentor: James A. Carson, Ph.D.
2002 - 2006
University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus
M.S. Medical Physiology
Mentor: Juan Carlos Jorge, Ph.D.
1998 - 2002
University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus
B.S. Biology
Complementary Medicine
Determine the mechanism by which complementary medicine ameliorate pain, hinder muscle wasting, and reduce cancer progression
2006 - 2007
University of South Carolina
PREP Program
Mentor: Sarah Sweitzer, Ph.D.
Behavioral Neuroscience
Study the hedonic, reinforcing, and anxiety effects properties of testosterone metabolite androstanediol
ACADEMIC POSITION
University of South Carolina
2019 - present: Assistant Professor
Meet The Team
Ahmed Mohammed
B.S. M.S. Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
Originally from Iraq, he previously served as a lecturer at the University of Baghdad. Dr. Mohammed brings a strong background in immunology, with expertise in high-parameter flow cytometer and bioinformatics. Alongside his research, Dr. Mohammed has developed extensive experience in scientific teaching preparing him to mentor the next generation of scientists.
Michael Kettering
B.S.
Laboratory Assistant
Chase is conducting research in the laboratory of Drs. Enos and Velazquez. With strong interest in pursuing a medical career, he is set to begin medical school in the fall of 2025.
Cassidy Socia
B.S.
Laboratory Assistant
Cassidy works in the Laboratory of Drs. Enos and Velazquez, where she oversees the genotyping of animal colonies. She is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. and aims to build a career in pharmaceutical industry.
Jonathan Kennedy
B.S.
Jonathan is a rising second-year medical student at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Columbia, and a participant in the prestigious SOAR program. He serves as the president of the Trauma Surgery Interest Group and the student AMA chapter. Outside academics, he enjoys spending time outdoors and connecting with friends.
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Olivia Strock
B.S.
Olivia is a rising M2 medical student from Cross, South Carolina participating in the SOAR Program. She graduated from Wofford College in 2023 where she studied Biology and Studio Art. She is President of Psychiatry Interest Group, along with being the Digital Coordinator for Allies of Sistercare. In her free time, she enjoys painting, traveling, and spending time with her friends.
Former Team
Patrice Cunningham
B.S. Ph.D.
Graduated on May 2024.
Amber Johnson
B.S.
Graduated on May 2023.
Aman Sumal
B.S. M.D.
University of Miami, Neurological Surgery
Yvone Shametaj
M3 student
Yvone is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina in the BARSC-MD accelerated undergraduate-to-MD program. She received a Magellan Scholars grant to conduct research on the effects of TNF-alpha, or a lack thereof, in mice with colorectal cancer. Some of her hobbies include reading, hiking, cooking, and watching Netflix.
Ella James
Graduated from Hammond School in May 2024 and will pursue a bachelor's degree at Clemson University
Teavian Harvin
B.S.
Completed one year PREP-Program at the University of South Carolina May 2024.
Emma Patton
B.S.
Emma Patton graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2021. She worked in Dr. Velázquez’s lab from 2019-2022. She was awarded the Magellan Scholars Grant to study the effects of Ojeok-san on pain-like-behaviors in a mouse model of colitis. She is currently working in a Goverment lab
Matthew Noneman
B.S.
Matt graduated from the University of South Carolina Honors College in 2021, and is currently working as a Research Associate II at GenEdit. He received support from the USC SURF program to conduct research in the Velázquez Lab, focusing on characterization of spontaneous pain in colorectal cancer. In his free time, Matt enjoys musical performance and playing sports.
Alea Wolfe-Browne
B.A.
Completed one year PREP-Program at the University of South Carolina May 2024.
Paola Echevarria-Bonilla
B.S.
Completed one year PREP-Program at the University of South Carolina May 2024.
Gustavo Martinez-Muniz
M.S.
Obtained a Diversity Supplement Award Funded by the National Cancer Institute. Gustavo graduated with from the University of South Carolina in 2022.
Nour Shams
B.S.
Nour graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2022. Nour is a medical student at UT Memphis. He was a recipient of a Postbac Intramural Training Award (IRTA) at the University of National Institute of Health. He received a Magellan Scholars grant to conduct research on the effects of TNF-alpha, or a lack thereof, in mice with colorectal cancer. In his free time, Nour enjoys lifting, cycling, and hiking.
Akyla Aiken
Akyla is an undergraduate biochemistry student at Claflin University. She began working in the Velazquez lab in the summer of 2023 as an intern at the Columbia VA Health Care Summer Undergraduate Research Program. She is the president of The American Chemical Society student chapter at her school. On her leisure time Akyla likes to spend time with family.
Luanette Peña-Bartolomei
Luanette is a biology undergraduate student at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. She works in The Velazquez Lab as an intern at the Columbia VA Health Care Summer Undergraduate Research Program. She is a student mentor in MEDLIFE Organization and enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family on her free time.