Smarter Cancer Detection Starts Early.

Explore how AI and cancer research can help detect cancer earlier and healthcare more accessible to people in rural Arizona.

AI. Research. Early Detection. Better Access.

Mission

Use AI and cancer research to support earlier detection and better access to care.

Community

Share simple cancer awareness and screening information with families, especially in rural Arizona.

Resources

Make cancer, screening, and AI in healthcare easier to understand through clear educational content.

Collaborate

Connect with doctors, researchers, students, and community groups working toward better cancer care.

About Me

My name is Anish Thirukumaran

I’m Anish, a high school senior interested in cancer research, medicine, and artificial intelligence.

My work has included computational cancer research at the University of Arizona, where I studied miRNA and quiescent cells under Dr. Guang Yao. I also completed NASA GeneLab research using omics data to study how spaceflight affects the spleen.

Outside research, I have spent significant time in clinical settings through NICU volunteering at Banner Desert Medical Center and physician shadowing with Dr. Austin Traasdahl. These experiences helped me understand both the science behind disease and the real needs of patients and families.

I also participated in the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp, where I worked on an AI-based medical diagnosis and treatment app.

Together, these experiences shaped my interest in one area: how technology and research can help detect cancer earlier and improve access to care.

Research

Computational Cancer Research — University of Arizona

Through the KEYS Research Internship, I conducted computational cancer research under Dr. Guang Yao. My work focused on miRNA regulation in quiescent cells and how disruptions in these processes may contribute to cancer development.

NASA GeneLab Research

Through NASA GeneLab for High Schools, I completed a capstone research project using omics-based data to study how spaceflight affects the spleen. This experience strengthened my understanding of how large biological datasets can be used to study complex changes in the human body.

Arizona State Science Fair Project

Modeled how lung cells may detoxify 6-Nitrochrysene, a cancer-causing environmental pollutant, using molecular docking. Used AI-based programming, PyRx, and molecular modeling tools to study how the carcinogen interacts with lung cells and found evidence of multiple defense mechanisms involved in detoxification.

Juggling & Neuroplasticity Research

conducted a neuroscience study to explore how learning to juggle may affect brain development and neuroplasticity. My experiments examined changes linked to repeated practice, with results suggesting that juggling can help strengthen neural connections and support the brain’s ability to adapt.

AI-Based Healthcare Project

Through the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp, I worked on AI-based healthcare projects and developed an AI-powered medical diagnosis and treatment app. The project showed me how artificial intelligence can support earlier detection, improve decision-making, and expand access to healthcare.

Leadership

Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp

Served as a student ambassador in an alumni network of more than 3,000 students. Worked on an AI-based medical diagnosis and treatment project.

Taekwondo

As a 3rd Degree Black Belt and paid instructor, I have taught and mentored classes of up to 30 students.

Math & Science Tutoring

As a Schoolhouse tutor, I ranked in the top 10% of international tutors and helped learners across five countries.

Healthcare and Medical Experience

1 / NICU Volunteer

Volunteer at Banner Desert Medical Center, supporting NICU patients and their families. My experience has exposed me to the emotional side of healthcare and the needs families face during difficult moments.