Episode Fifteen: Alicia Zhou CEO of Cancer Research Institute

Dr. Alicia Zhou is the CEO of the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), an organization at the forefront of cancer innovation. With backgrounds in academia, healthcare, and nonprofits, she brings a unique perspective to the table. Today, she's heading into the future…of cancer research—what’s changing and what’s holding it back. From advancements in immunotherapy to barriers—healthcare costs, diversity in research, and even politics, Alicia shares her real take on the opportunities and challenges. She's discussing AI’s role in early diagnosis and prevention and how data-driven tools are making precision medicine more equitable. In this episode, you’ll learn: What CRI is and how its mission is shaping the future of cancer research Dr. Zhou’s vision for CRI and where she hopes to drive impact Why this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry is a game-changer for STEM fields The differences between chemotherapy and immunotherapy—and what’s next The most significant breakthroughs in immunology that are changing cancer treatment Why early detection is critical and how screening practices need to evolve How AI and data analytics are revolutionizing cancer care and precision medicine The barriers holding back progress in immunotherapy and how to overcome them