University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center researcher Nathan Vanderford, Ph.D., has been named a fellow of the American Association for Cancer Education (AACE), joining an elite group of cancer education leaders.

Vanderford, an associate professor in the UK College of Medicine’s Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, was selected through a peer-review process that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to cancer education and training.

Vanderford, who serves as assistant director of pathway programs and student success at UK Markey Cancer Center, leads several initiatives including the Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) Program, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded program that provides cancer-focused career training to Appalachian Kentucky students. Vanderford is also site director of Markey Cancer Center’s Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) in Oncology Program, which introduces students to cancer careers through hands-on learning.

The AACE, founded in 1947, has evolved into an international organization dedicated to promoting equity in cancer care and reducing the global cancer burden. Fellows of the organization work to identify trends in cancer education, steer advances in the field, and mentor the next generation of cancer educators. Fellows must demonstrate sustained scholarship, leadership in national or international organizations, and effectiveness as mentors.