Dr. John D. Carpten, chief science officer for the City of Hope and director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center and director of the Beckman Research Institute, will be the keynote speaker at Keck Graduate Institute’s commencement ceremony on May 17, 2025.
“Dr. Carpten exemplifies the leadership and passion for healing and uplifting our local and global communities, which personifies KGI’s mission,” said President Mohamed Abousalem. “I look forward to the message he will share with our outstanding graduates who are the next generation of ethical and innovative leaders in biotechnology, healthcare, and research.”
Dr. Carpten’s expertise spans a very broad range of research disciplines, including genome science, tumor profiling, cancer cell biology, functional genomics, health disparities, and precision medicine. His work has impacted the understanding of a variety of cancer types, particularly those that disproportionately affect underrepresented groups. Dr. Carpten has co-authored over 200 peer reviewed publications.
Dr. Carpten has received numerous awards and was inducted into the AACR Fellows of the Academy in 2021. In October 2021, Dr. Carpten received an appointment from President Biden to serve as Chair for the National Cancer Advisory Board. He earned his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University with a focus on human genetics.
KGI’s commencement will be held at the Gardiner Spring Auditorium at Chaffey High School. An estimated 250 students will participate in the ceremony, which will begin at 2 p.m.