I am a hematologist who specializes in hematopoietic cell transplantation for patients who have been diagnosed with leukemia. I also serve as director of the Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at the OSUCCC – James. I have more than two decades of experience in developing and conducting studies in stem cell transplantation and cells of the immune system. Hematopoietic transplantation and other cellular therapies have enabled us to start thinking of therapeutic genetic manipulation to treat several diseases. But while there has been tremendous progress in cellular therapy for cancer, we are just scratching the surface. My goal is to expand clinical trials to develop new and refine existing cellular therapy approaches with the potential to move from conceptualization and testing to the clinical bedside to help patients. It’s even more exciting that the multidisciplinary nature of the OSUCCC – James cellular therapy program has strong potential benefit for other medical conditions beyond cancer, including infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. In addition to my clinical work, I have published nearly 400 manuscripts and written several textbook chapters in my field of study. I also serve as a professor in the Division of Hematology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and am a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. I have always been attracted to the scientific translational aspect of hematology and have no doubt that we are living in a time where the word “cure” will become more incorporated into our cancer conversations. I see clinical investigation as an integral part of the treatment of diseases for which a well-defined standard of care does not exist. The James offers a fantastic blend of superb clinical care and access to cutting-edge research, and I feel privileged to be part of a collegial and collaborative environment that’s dedicated to creating a cancer-free world.