Education
- PhD, 1971, Harvard University
- BA, 1964, Biology, Harvard University
Research Summary
Nancy Hopkins became an assistant professor at MIT’s Center for Cancer Research in 1973. She used genetics to map RNA tumor virus genes, identifying genes that determine host range and the type and severity of cancers mouse retroviruses cause. These genes included capsid protein p30 and transcriptional elements now known as enhancers. Hopkins switched research areas more than a decade later, developing tools for zebrafish research and devising an efficient method for large-scale insertional mutagenesis. Using this technique, her lab identified and cloned 25% of the genes essential for a fertilized zebrafish egg to develop into a swimming larva. These genes included known and novel genes that predispose fish to cancer. Currently, Hopkins works on advocacy for cancer prevention and early detection research.
Awards
- STATUS List, 2025
- Biomedical Innovation Award, STAT, 2021
- American Association for Cancer Research Academy, Fellow, 2021
- Xconomy Lifetime Achievement Award, 2018
- Harvard Centennial Medal, 2014
- Margaret L. Kripke Legend Award, MDAnderson, 2012
- AACR Women in Cancer Research Award, 2006
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2004
- UCSF Medal, 2003
- National Academy of Medicine, Member 1999
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1998