<p>Dr. W. Martin Kast, holds the Walter Richter Cancer Research Chair at the Keck School of Medicine. He is co-leader of the tumor microenvironment program at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on developing effective new therapies for cervical cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma.</p>
<p>Professor of molecular microbiology and immunology, Dr. Kast was named the 2010 Eminent Scientist of the Year and North American Immunologist of the Year by the International Research Promotion Council. Professor Kast received the Millenium Golden International Award for his life’s research of human papillomavirus, which is linked to cervical and other forms of cancer.</p>
<p>Thomas Koilparampil, the council’s chief international coordinator, traveled from India for the sole purpose of presenting the award to Professor Kast and stressing the importance of his work.</p>
<p>Dr. Kast has been at USC since 2003.</p>