From Research to a Rock Band

What do cancer research, rock bands, and the University of Minnesota Medical School all have in common? Faculty member Yoji Shimizu, Ph.D., an outstanding center researcher.

Shimizu joined the University in 1994 and seven years later inaugurated his weekend-warrior band, The Outliers. Today, he is a professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and serves as a mentor to grad students and post-doctoral fellows. Along with teaching and mentoring, the sometimes lead singer and guitar player also is the Immunology Research Program leader at the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota, where he conducts groundbreaking research in immunology and cancer biology.

"We study a type of white blood cell known as the T-lymphocyte," says Shimizu, "and this is one of the major white blood cells in the body that responds to infections from bacteria or viruses and helps the immune system eliminate those infections."

If he and his lab team can better understand the biochemical events that occur inside these cells, they can potentially target and manipulate them to alter the immune system response. In other words, they may be able to boost the immune response so the cells can respond more efficiently to the affected site.

When Shimizu and his fellow band mates aren't collaborating in the lab or in the classroom, they can be found preparing for upcoming shows. The group has been seen at private events and benefits like the March of Dimes and the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance. 

"We probably play three or four times a year," says Shimizu, who relishes helping worthwhile organizations. "It's definitely a non-profit, heavily subsidized activity." The Outliers is a cover band, which means it plays songs by other artists. Popular requests include hits by Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and The Rolling Stones. 

With all this talk about research and music, one can't help but wonder which came first. "I've only been playing guitar for about 10 years, so I'm not a very accomplished musician," says a modest Shimizu.

Tom Petty aside, Shimizu is committed to his research. After losing his sister to cancer five years ago, he is determined to discover more about the disease. Shimizu recognizes the University Minnesota¿s legacy in clinical and basic research, and he continues to make strides in the lab.   

It has been 14 years since Shimizu secured his niche within the University, and the only relocating in his near future may be a new practice site for the band. "We got kicked out of the garage," says Shimizu with a laugh. "We were a little too loud for the neighbors, so now we're down in my basement."
--Emily Jensen