Pharmacy alumna leaves scientific legacy of perseverance and dedication

The University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy mourns the loss of Samar Alanazi, a dedicated researcher who faced both personal and scientific battles with unwavering strength.

Alanazi's journey in the lab of UC's Joan Garrett, PhD, exemplifies resilience, determination and an enduring commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, even in the face of personal adversity.

Alanazi joined the Garrett lab in 2017, embarking on a doctoral research journey focused on identifying HER3 binding partners in HER2+ breast cancers. Collaborating with Dr. Rosalin Mishra, PhD, she made a groundbreaking discovery, pinpointing non-muscle myosin IIa (NMIIA) as a HER3 binding partner. Furthermore, she revealed that NMIIA levels increased upon HER2 inhibition, opening new avenues for understanding breast cancer pathways.

Despite her own battle with cancer, Alanazi tirelessly worked in the lab, confirming her findings and generating new cell lines. Her dedication culminated in the publication of her first-author work in the journal PLOS One in April 2023, and she defended her doctoral thesis remotely while undergoing cancer treatment in May 2023. Tragically, Alanazi passed away in July 2023.

Alanazi's impact lives on through her research, as the Garrett lab now co-targets the NMIIA pathway and HER2 in HER2+ breast cancer. Her legacy inspires fellow researchers to persist in the pursuit of knowledge.

Alanazi's scientific journey ran parallel to her personal battle against a rare type of breast cancer, phyllodes, diagnosed in 2014, just two months after giving birth to twins. For years, she received treatment at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, never complaining and working to the best of her ability. Her strength and determination serve as a testament to her character, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her.

In her own words in the acknowledgment section of her thesis, Alanazi reflected on the dual battles she faced, expressing confidence in the enduring impact of her scientific contributions. 

"While I may not lay claim to victory in the battle against cancer within my body, the scientific journey at Dr. Garrett's lab endures, even beyond my passing," she wrote. "I am confident that this perpetual battle will ultimately emerge victorious, and science will prevail in the end. I urge everyone who encounters this message or hears my story to persist in their battles on every front."

Alanazi expressed deep gratitude to those who played pivotal roles in her journey, including Garrett, her mentor, her homeland of Saudi Arabia and her husband, children and extended family.

Featured photo at top of Samar Alanazi, far left, and colleagues in a College of Pharmacy laboratory. Photo provided.