Meet Rachel Adler – Pioneering Digital Solutions for Cancer Survivors

The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) brings together more than 130 researchers from every corner of campus. To shine a light on the people behind the science, the center runs a casual Q&A series called “Get to Know a Cancer Researcher.” This is the tenth conversation, and the spotlight lands on Rachel Adler, an associate professor in the School of Information Sciences who leads the Computational Engineering and Data Science theme.

What first pulled you toward cancer research?
Rachel says her path began with two NIH U54 ChicagoCHEC grants that tackled cancer health equity. The grants funded mobile‑health apps—one designed to ease symptom burden for Hispanic women with breast cancer, the other to help survivors with disabilities manage long‑term treatment effects. “Working on cancer projects feels personal,” she adds, recalling how her younger sister’s leukemia diagnosis during Rachel’s own undergrad years sparked a lasting commitment. Today her sister is a physician, and the two often swap perspectives on research and patient care.

Which cancer challenges does your lab focus on?
Adler’s team zeroes in on digital interventions that improve survivorship outcomes. A current project uses AI to encourage regular physical activity and to support cognitive health among cancer survivors—essentially a smart, personalized coach that nudges people toward healthier habits.

What fuels your persistence, and how do you recharge?
“My students,” she smiles. Their enthusiasm and fresh ideas keep her motivated. Outside the lab, she recharges by hanging out with family—especially her kids and sisters—who never fail to make her laugh.

Any fun or quirky facts people might not know?
Rachel is one of five sisters, and one of those sisters is her identical twin. Talk about built‑in best friends!

Favorite book or film?
She still loves Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, a childhood favorite. More recently she devoured The Family Experiment by John Marrs, a speculative tale about virtual children and the metaverse—one she discussed at length with her husband and kids.

What achievement makes you the proudest?
“Being at UI Champaign, doing meaningful work at the intersection of accessibility, health, and design,” she says, emphasizing how grateful she feels for the collaborative environment.

Best advice you’ve ever received?
Her mother, a computing professor, urged her early on to pursue the field despite being a woman in a traditionally male‑dominated arena. “That encouragement taught me that no path is off‑limits,” Rachel reflects.

Stay tuned for more weekly installments of the “Get to Know a Cancer Researcher” series, and feel free to reach Rachel at radler@illinois.edu.