This Pitt senior and cancer researcher is one to keep watching

While many student researchers dream of having a radical impact by say, curing cancer, Richard Su Fang is actually on the road to do so.

The David C. Frederick Honors College student began his quest to better understand human health and the underlying mechanisms of cancer as a first-year student. Over the last three-and-a-half years, his studies combined with hours of research exploring specific cancer cells and mutations helped Fang recognize the disease’s diversity — and how much work remains to find a cure.

At the core of his hope to make a meaningful contribution, he said, is people.

“Pathologist Rudolf Virchow famously said, ‘medicine is a social science.’ Throughout my time and experience, I’ve realized how so many different things contribute to how people — notably across ethnic groups — interact with the health care system, and how those systems help or harm people,” Fang said.

“You cannot practice medicine without considering these things, and integrating those with science will drive a lot of future innovation. That’s why I’ve been pursuing all these different disciplines; I see it as a way to bring about the most impact.”

His approach has resulted in many successes, including being a Goldwater scholar, a Rhodes finalist, a Brackenridge Research Fellow and Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Fellow. He will graduate in December with bachelor’s in sociology and molecular biology, minors in computer science and chemistry and a certificate in Global Health.

[Why Fang has been one to watch since his first year at Pitt.]

Now, Fang is on his way to becoming a physician-scientist, a position that will enable him to both work directly with patients and continue his research. He’s already received interview invites from 17 MD/PhD programs.

“I want others to know what’s possible at Pitt,” said Fang. “Pitt is a wonderful institution that can support you in doing whatever you want to do, given all the resources and people here. I have amazing mentors.”

Among them are Katherine Aird, Naveen Tangudu, Andrea Berman, and Nick Rogers, who empowered Fang over the last four years to pursue impactful research related to cell deterioration and cycles associated with aging and cancer.

During this time, he also discovered intersections between his medicine and advocacy work.

Through an opportunity with the Global Studies Center, Fang worked with Physicians for Criminal Justice Reform, advocating for the elimination of medical co-pays for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania. He and other volunteers were challenged to research and write op-eds about the policy.

“Mine was published in the Post-Gazette. It was a great opportunity that was solidified by an integration of my sociology coursework, clinical experiences and research experiences in Dr. Aird’s lab.”

Fang credited Pittsburgh for the unique experiences that have expanded his perspectives on an interdisciplinary approach to health care and humanity during his time at the University. He noted, for example, interacting with members of the city’s Uzbekistan population when volunteering at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and taking sociology classes on how housing and zoning policies impact health care access.

Yet, he said the confidence forged in the Frederick Honors College and his relationships with leaders like Dean Nicola Foote, Director of National Scholarships Lesha Greene and scholar-mentor Dave Fraser that have encouraged him to stand resolute in his value, advocacy and science efforts.

“Richard is one of the most talented and motivated students I have ever had the privilege to work with,” Foote said. “Richard is a star with a commitment to excellence and represents the very best of the FHC and Pitt.”

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining passion for what you do.

“I want people to be confident and not undersell themselves, to seek opportunities, talk to everyone you can, learn and apply to things. Doing that, especially here at Pitt and in Pittsburgh helped me discover my passions, interests and further my understanding.”

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski