Overview
I am a physician-scientist with a background in medical oncology and neuro-oncology, with affiliations to multiple departments, research, and training programs at Duke.
I lead a Tumor Immunology Lab where we use various wet and dry lab techniques to understand the interactions between tumors and the immune system. Our goal is to identify vulnerabilities that can be targeted for novel therapies.
I serve as the Deputy Director of the Center for Cancer Immunotherapy at the Duke Cancer Institute where we are tasked to facilitate clinical research and translate promising discoveries made by scientists across various departments and cancer types at Duke, particularly in the field of immune and T cell-based therapies.
My team and our laboratory operate in an environment that enables the transition from bench-side basic scientific discoveries to clinical trials, and back to the bench ensuring the evaluation of new treatments for cancer patients.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
In the News
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Recent Publications
Antigen-specific CD8 T cells are generated and reactivated in the bone marrow following viral brain infections and impact the bone marrow niche.
Journal Article bioRxiv · December 26, 2025 Bone marrow is the primary immune organ responsible for stem cell maintenance and hematopoiesis. However, the contribution of the bone marrow niche for the generation of adaptive immune responses is less well-understood. We therefore assessed the capacity ... Full text Link to item CiteLeveraging Single-Cell Profiling in Early-Phase Trials to Guide Rational Therapy Development.
Journal Article Neuro Oncol · December 5, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteThe promise of TIL therapy for glioblastoma.
Journal Article Trends Cancer · November 13, 2025 Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy has demonstrated efficacy in refractory melanoma and durable responses in lung cancer. Glioblastoma presents distinct challenges for immunotherapy, including profound tumor heterogeneity, low T cell infiltration, ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
McCain/Bayh Glioblastoma Consortium
Clinical TrialCo-Project Leader · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2025 - 2029A Phase 3, open-label, randomized 2-arm study comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of niraparib with temozolomide in adult participants with newly-diagnosed, MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma
Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by NeuroTrials, LLC · 2025 - 2029Glioblastoma Immunotherapy Advancement with Nivolumab and Relatlimab
Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company · 2024 - 2029View All Grants