Yin, a postdoctoral associate at Sanford Burnham Prebys, received the honor in recognition of her achievements in research on cancer and aging
Shanshan Yin, PhD, was named the 2025 recipient of The Eric Dudl Endowed Scholarship at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute.
The scholarship fund was established at the institute to remember Eric Dudl, a postdoctoral researcher whose life was tragically cut short by cancer at the age of 33. Since 2007, 18 postdoctoral scientists have received support for their research from the endowed scholarship fund.
Yin is a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Peter Adams, PhD, director of the Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys. She wants to understand why the incidence of cancer increases with age. Yin studies changes in gene expression and immune system activity in breast cancer tumors as mice age.
Her research has shown that part of the reason that breast cancer is more common with age is because of an impaired immune system. Immune dysfunction due to aging allows the tumors to grow more frequently and more rapidly. Additional research on these findings may guide future preventive treatments.
Yin has garnered recognition throughout her scientific career, including the 2022 Lenka Finci and Erna Viterbi Fishman Fund Award from Sanford Burnham Prebys.
“I’m grateful for the Dudl family’s kindness and generosity,” said Yin. “I am moved by Eric’s determination, bravery and love for life and for science, and I would like to carry his example with me going forward and do my best to honor his legacy.”
“It’s been a real pleasure working with Shanshan over the years,” said Adams. “She truly does embody Eric Dudl’s commitment to and passion for science which is expressed so well by this inspirational award.”
The Eric Dudl Endowed Scholarship at Sanford Burnham Prebys was established at the institute to remember Eric, a postdoctoral researcher whose life was tragically cut short by cancer at the age of 33.
For more information on setting up a scholarship or to learn more about our philanthropy program, please contact giving@sbpdiscovery.org.