Abu Khatib, a Philadelphia native whose journey into cancer research began as he grappled with the loss of his mother to the disease. Driven by a desire to understand and combat this formidable illness, Khatib embarked on a path of scientific inquiry. Starting with a personal quest to comprehend the complexities of cancer, he delved into research, ultimately contributing to the field through his groundbreaking work. Khatib’s passion for discovery, coupled with his hometown resilience, propelled him to become a leading figure in the fight against cancer, inspiring hope and progress in the quest for a cure.