Showalter, who has been at SAU for five years, initiated the research when he was at the University of Central Florida, where he earned his Ph.D. “This is what I did in graduate school at Central Florida and working in the lab. “We looked at breast cancer and how it affects the body. We looked at treating breast cancer using nanoparticles and also trying to understand breast cancer.”

Although still early in the process, Showalter is already seeing positive results in his research.  “We’re finding that we can treat breast cancer cells that we grow in the lab.”

Dr. Puskar Chapagain, associate professor of physics, has produced the nanoparticles for Showalter’s research in a powder form.

Showalter has been encouraged by the results he has seen through the research.  “We found that nanoparticles are effective against cancer cells,” said Showalter. “Now we need to test them against healthy cells.

The SAU professor said it’s important to run the test against healthy cells to help ensure the safety of patients in the future. “I test the nanoparticles against the health cells to ensure that the healthy cells aren’t damaged by the nanoparticles.  The goal is to prevent patient side effects.”  As his research has progressed, Showalter is now collaborating with researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

His research also has another benefit – a learning opportunity for students in his classes.  “I’m starting to work it in with some of my students,” said Showalter. “I bring up my research to illustrate a point in my class lectures. It helps so we can talk about how we treat cancer. Here’s what people are doing right now.”

Jenna Helms is one student who is working closely with Showalter on his research. Helms, who just completed her junior year, presented a paper this past spring at the Arkansas Academy of Sciences at Batesville.

As the research continues, Showalter is also embracing another significant step in the process: publication of his findings.

“The biggest thing now is getting this published and to add this to the body of knowledge [about breast cancer]. Maybe that will inspire someone else to look into it and continue the studies.”

The research and cure are still in the future. However, Showalter’s research is a step toward a possible cure for breast cancer. And that’s a step that can provide hope for millions.

Source : https://web.saumag.edu/news/2025/sau-professor-conducting-research-on-fighting-breast-cancer