Our lab is committed to transforming cancer treatment by integrating translational research, clinical trials, and systems biology to challenge traditional therapeutic approaches. We focus on unraveling the complex interactions between cancer and the immune system, using both wet and dry lab methods, including computational modeling, in vitro systems, and in vivo models, to investigate how tumor- and immune-intrinsic factors drive disease progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance.

Our preclinical discoveries directly inform the design of clinical trials evaluating innovative immunotherapies, such as neoadjuvant checkpoint blockade, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viral therapies. Through comprehensive tissue sampling and multimodal analysis, we work to identify predictive biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets. A major area of emphasis is advancing personalized tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, optimizing TIL selection and engineering strategies to enhance persistence, functionality, and anti-tumor activity within the highly immunosuppressive glioblastoma microenvironment.

As part of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center and the Duke Health System, we are embedded in a vibrant network of scientists and specialized infrastructure, enabling us to rapidly translate discoveries from the lab to patient care and develop innovative, patient-centered therapies.