Assistant Professor
School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Jeffrey Varner forged a career researching computational oncology following the untimely death, by cancer, of a close friend and mentor. He holds a PhD (1997) and an MSCheE degree (1995) in chemical engineering, both from Purdue University.
Research in Varner's laboratory focuses on potential avenues for curing cancer. Specific research areas include the development of targeted strategies for the localized generation of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents in solid and disseminated tumors, modeling and analysis of metabolic and signaling networks, immune system function, and the rational manipulation of cell death networks.
"My work holds the promise of rationalizing the development of targeted treatments for cancer," Varner explains, adding, "I hope to construct a toolbox of components and theoretical understanding that will enable us to better treat patients by shortening the time to market, lowering the cost, and lessening side effects" of potential treatments and therapies.
Varner teaches Applied Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering (CHME 751) and related material. He is focused on applied mathematics, numerical methods, and large-scale simulation techniques.
At Purdue, Varner's research was inspired and influenced by his PhD adviser, Doraiswami Ramkrishna. "If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be at Cornell," Varner says. "He gave of himself during my PhD and has left a deep and meaningful impression on me." Varner also credits Rakesh Jain, of Harvard, who "has had a profound influence on the role of engineering and engineers in oncology," he explains.
Varner's efforts already have achieved significant practical successes. Among his proudest accomplishments, he says, is "being involved in the development of cancer therapeutics that have helped patients."
Formative influences have strongly informed Varner's outlook and teaching philosophy. His advice to up-and-coming scientists? "Stay focused on the end goal and take what comes in stride. The problems we may have are small when compared to folks dying of cancer or starving to death."
