The American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) has been dedicated since 1908 to empowering specialists who bridge the gap between treating patients in the clinic and conducting research in the lab. To recognize those making notable breakthroughs early in their careers, ASCI bestows the Young Physician-Scientist Award.
Out of 172 nominees in 2026, Indiana University School of Medicine’s Steven Rhodes, MD, PhD, was welcomed into the latest class of 50 new awardees.
“Receiving this recognition feels like a high-level vote of confidence in the path I have committed to,” said Rhodes, an assistant professor of pediatrics and medical and molecular genetics at IU. “It also arrives at a meaningful moment as my research program is becoming increasingly independent, and I am focused on building a durable translational pipeline focused on transforming outcomes for patients with NF1-associated tumors.”
Rhodes’ research focuses on neurofibromatosis type 1, or NF1, a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 3,000 people worldwide. NF1 can cause tumors to grow throughout the body, including tumors known as plexiform neurofibromas. While these tumors are benign, they can be painful and potentially progress into an aggressive cancer called malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST).
Currently, the Rhodes lab is working to understand why these tumors transform and how to detect changes earlier. By studying patient samples and mouse models, they discovered that as tumors become more aggressive, they often become less “visible” to the immune system.
“Understanding why that happens gives us a chance to intervene earlier and to design therapies that help keep patients from developing these aggressive cancers or catch them early when they do occur,” Rhodes explained.
His lab has already uncovered new details about how tumors move into malignancy. He has published research identifying that the loss of the tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A is a key driver of tumor growth. This discovery recently led to the basis of a new integrated framework for diagnosing NF1 peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Rhodes hopes that someday MPNST will be a preventable disease instead of one that is diagnosed late and is often lethal.
Rhodes’ journey into this specialized field began as an undergraduate student at Wabash College. He combined his love of chemistry and math with liberal-arts training, which led him to a senior-year interview to join IU’s Medical Scientist Training Program. The interview was conducted by D. Wade Clapp, MD, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and a transformational research leader in NF1. Clapp showed Rhodes MRI images from one of the first patients treated with a targeted therapy he helped develop for NF1 tumors. The post-treatment image, taken only six months after treatment started, showed a tumor that had dramatically regressed.
“Seeing bench science translate directly into a child’s life was a defining moment for me,” Rhodes remembered. “From there, IU became home.”
After completing his MD, PhD, residency and fellowship at IU and Riley Children's Health, Rhodes joined the faculty in 2021. Today, he balances his time as a researcher and treating patients as a pediatric oncologist. His passion for science and “aha” moments of discovery in the lab are evenly matched with his love of working with children.
“They are the reason I chose this career, and they keep me grounded in what truly matters,” he said. “If a project isn’t likely to teach us something that can move the needle for patients, whether through better risk prediction, better monitoring or better therapies, I’m cautious about investing precious time and resources in it.”
As a researcher at the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research and the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rhodes works alongside a robust team of collaborators, including Clapp, who transitioned from an educator to a lifelong mentor and friend. They work closely with other cancer researchers like Steve Angus, PhD, Dana Mitchell, MD, Melissa L. Fishel, PhD, and Mark Kelley, PhD. The collaborative environment and culture at IU support the full bench-to-bedside pathway so discoveries in the lab can translate into clinical impact.
The supportive culture also motivated him to co-direct the Neurofibromatosis Multidisciplinary Program and serve as IU’s site principal investigator within the Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials Consortium.
As someone who now mentors aspiring physician scientists himself, Rhodes stresses the importance of choosing projects one is passionate about while remembering to keep patients as “the anchor” for all that is done in the lab. He also believes in the power of building lasting relationships.
“No one succeeds in this career alone,” Rhodes said. “Multiple mentors will be essential for different domains — scientific, career development, clinical growth, leadership.”
Engaging with the broader NF and medical community has greatly benefitted Rhodes’ journey. Through the Francis S. Collins Scholarship in Clinical and Translational Research, he has worked with renowned NF experts Vic Riccardi, MD, and Jaishri Blakeley, MD. He’s also learned from Brian DeBosch, MD, PhD, and Alan L. Schwartz, MD, PhD, and other senior physician scientists and advocates who have invested in his professional development.
DeBosch, a professor of pediatrics at IU and fellow ASCI member, nominated Rhodes for the Young Physician-Scientist Award.
“Anyone who knows him has the fortune of knowing a driven, energetic and visionary investigator with a passion for discovery toward pediatric disease, teaching, clinical excellence and mentorship in pediatric research,” DeBosch wrote in his nomination letter. “Dr. Rhodes embodies all that our society stands for.”
Outside of work, Rhodes enjoys spending time with his family. He credits his wife of 13 years, Carrie, as an "incredible partner" through all seasons of his life. They enjoy staying active with their German Shepherd, but their biggest milestone is one Rhodes describes as “one of the most joyful, perspective-shifting experiences” of his life. The couple recently expanded their family through international adoption, welcoming their son home from Bulgaria.
As Rhodes navigates an exciting new chapter with his family and the next phase of his prosperous career, his focus in the lab will always remain the same. His ultimate hope is to work toward a future free of MPNST and other deadly forms of cancer.
“While it’s an ambitious goal, I truly believe that with the right models, technologies, and most importantly, a collaborative team committed to the same mission, we can make this a reality.”
