January 14, 2021

Ewan K. Cobran, Ph.D., BSHS ’06, is an assistant professor at University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. Dr. Cobran also serves as adjunct assistant professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the School of Global Public Health. He is also a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University.

“It is an honor to be affiliated with multiple outstanding academic institutions, said Dr. Cobran. “Each institution has exceptional colleagues, students and world class research programs.”

Q&A with Dr. Cobran

What are you currently working on?

I was recently awarded a five-year Early Career Development Award from the National Cancer Institute to (1) explore how men with localized prostate cancer and their caregivers comprehend prognostic genetic technology, and (2) examine how an educational video about genetics impacts patient-caregiver communication of prognostic genetic technology.

This innovative research study applies a mixed-methods community-engagement research framework to explore how African American and rural White men with localized prostate cancer, comprehend and interpret data generated from genetic technology.

My research is significant because of its potential to improve public health by (1) improving the understanding of prognostic genetics in minority, low income, and rural populations, and (2) engage and educate these diverse communities about genomics.

How did you get your current job?

I was completing a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in cancer health disparities at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. I was hired by the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy in the final year of my postdoctoral fellowship.

Who do you look up to most in your profession?

UF College of Pharmacy Affairs Associate Dean for Faculty Richard Segal, R.Ph, Ph.D., M.S.
Dr. Segal was my undergraduate mentor for the University Scholars Program at UF. He mentored me through undergraduate, graduate school, and continues to mentor me today. He is truly an exceptional Gator.

When did you first become a Gator?

I attended a Destination Gainesville event in South Florida with my parents in 2002. This was an event offered by the Office of Admissions for all students admitted to the University of Florida in South Florida. In a crowded room of students and attendees, I was asked to stand along with several other students and was notified that I was awarded a scholarship. This was my introduction to the Gator Nation and when I first become a Gator.

Any advice for graduating seniors?

Life is not a competition. Do not be in a rush to start your next academic or professional pursuit. Take a gap year. Volunteer. Discover what truly make you happy.

What is one thing someone might not know about you?

I like singing in the car with my six- and five-year old daughters.

What awards have you won in your profession?

• National Cancer Institute, Early Career Development Award (K01)
• National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Extramural Loan Repayment Program, Awardee
• Harvard Medical School Research Methods in Supportive Oncology Scholar (2020)
• Jonice A. Louden Young Investigator Award – Inaugural 2019 Recipient
• National Cancer Institute Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Summer Curriculum in Cancer Prevention and Control, Molecular Prevention 2019 Scholar
• Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, KL2 Mentored Clinical and Translational Research Scholar (2019-2021)
• National Cancer Institute Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Summer Curriculum in Cancer Prevention and Control, 2017 Scholar
• Lilly Teaching Fellowship from the University of Georgia Center for Teaching Learning (2017-2019)
• University of Oxford 2017 Summer Scholar in Real World Data Epidemiology
• Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Programs Region 2 Scholar
• National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 2015 Translational Health Disparities Scholar

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