As a member of the Translational Therapeutics Program at the OSUCCC – James, I devote my research broadly to the tumor-host interaction, cancer immunology, cancer biology and the tumor microenvironment. More specifically, I focus on the role of tumor-derived factors in hematopoietic development, immune cell differentiation and function.

My lab aims to understand the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, immune suppression, hematopoietic/immune development in cancer and the mechanisms by which tumors convert tumor-infiltrating cells from protective to tumor-supporting factors.

The strength of my laboratory relates to its extensive expertise in tumor animal models, cancer immunology, experience in work with genetically modified animals and related methodology. The ultimate goal is to develop and validate novel combinatory therapeutic strategies targeting the identified mechanisms to correct tumor-induced aberrant hematopoietic differentiation and immune deficiency in lung cancer.

I have authored or co-authored over 50 publications in such well-respected publications as Clinical Cancer Research, Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer, Scientific Reports and Oncotarget.