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), and a K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (NIH-NCCIH). Dr. Velázquez’s lab focuses on investigating the neuro-immune mechanism by which colorectal cancer and colitis promote visceral nociception (pain). 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
Postdoc
High-Fat-Diet-Induced Cancer
Cancer Cachexia
Neuropathic Pain
2006 - 2012
University of South Carolina
Ph.D. Exercise Science, Applied Physiology
2002 - 2006
University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus
M.S. Medical Physiology
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
Meet The Team
Patrice Cunningham
Patrice Cunningham completed her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Political Science at the University at Buffalo in New York. Through Dr. Joseph Gardella's mentorship, she conducted research exploring hydrogel's property and characterizing hydrogel as a drug delivery system that increases active protein release. While at the University, she was actively involved in the Student Organizations on campus and presided as President of the Caribbean Student Association. Currently, Patrice is conducting research at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Kandy Velazquez. During her leisure time, she enjoys going to the gym.
Aman Sumal
M2 Student, Research Assistant
Emma Patton
Emma Patton is a senior biology major from San Francisco, California. She has been working in Dr. Velázquez’s lab since October 2019. Under the mentorship of Dr. Velázquez, Emma has been able to explore her interests in research and is excited to continue learning more about the field. She was awarded the Magellan Scholars Grant in April of 2020 which has funded research into the effects of Ojeok-san on pain-like-behaviors in a mouse model of colitis. She is currently working on finishing a report of her findings. Outside of the lab, Emma enjoys reading and hanging out with her cat.
Gustavo Martinez-Muniz
Graduate Research Assistant
Yvone Shametaj
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Yvone is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina in the BARSC-MD accelerated undergraduate-to-MD program. She has 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.
Matthew Noneman
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Matt is a student at the University of South Carolina Honors College, and is currently working towards completing a B.S. in Biological Sciences. He has received support from the UofSC 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.
Nour Shams
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Nour is an undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina, and is currently working towards completing a B.S in Molecular Biology. He has 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 and hiking.