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Bridget Keenan, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She serves as Co-Director of the Cancer Immunotherapy Program and Medical Director of the Cancer Immunotherapy Clinic at UCSF. Dr. Keenan completed her MD and PhD at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2015, focusing on cancer vaccines to overcome immune suppression in pancreatic cancer mouse models. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at UCSF in 2017 and her Hematology/Oncology fellowship at UCSF with training in gastrointestinal oncology and cancer immunotherapy. In 2022, she completed UCSF's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training. Her research focuses on mechanisms of response and resistance to immunotherapy, particularly in gastrointestinal cancers. She clinically sees patients with solid tumor malignancies receiving cutting-edge immunotherapies including cell therapies and T cell engagers. Her work spans both basic science investigations of tumor microenvironment dynamics and clinical trials of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on gastrointestinal cancer immunotherapy, particularly CAR T-cell therapies for colorectal cancer, CD40 agonists for esophageal cancer, and mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance. She has significant contributions in biomarker development (including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios) and has recently expanded her research to include gender equity in academic medicine. Co-Director, Cancer Immunotherapy Program Medical Director, Cancer Immunotherapy Clinic Principal Investigator on multiple phase I/II clinical trials for novel immunotherapies Active participant in UCSF's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives Dr. Keenan's collaborative work spans numerous institutions and involves close partnerships with leading researchers in oncology, immunology, and bioinformatics. Her recent publications demonstrate growing leadership in both clinical immunotherapy trials and research addressing structural issues in academic medicine.

• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Gastrointestinal Oncology
• Immunotherapy Resistance Mechanisms
• +5 more

Christopher Vakoc is a Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), holding the Alan and Edith Seligson Professorship of Cancer Research and serving as Deputy Director of the Cancer Center. His work focuses on understanding how epigenetic dysregulation contributes to cancer pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on epigenetic dependencies and lineage plasticity. Dr. Vakoc's research investigates how transcription factors and chromatin regulators control gene expression in cancer cells. His lab employs high-throughput CRISPR-based genetic screens to identify critical epigenetic regulators in specific cancers. A significant finding from his work demonstrated that blood cancers are often vulnerable to targeting transcriptional coactivators like BRD4 and the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. His team showed that BRD4 inhibition has therapeutic effects in leukemia mouse models, leading to ongoing clinical trials. Analysis of Vakoc's recent publications reveals a strong focus on pancreatic cancer mechanisms, particularly basal-like identity and lineage plasticity. His work on the MED12-ΔNp63 interaction in pancreatic cancer represents a major breakthrough in understanding how cancer cells lose their original identity. Additionally, his research spans acute myeloid leukemia, sarcoma, lung cancer, and glioma, with consistent themes of epigenetic regulation and identification of novel therapeutic targets. Scientific awards recognizing his contributions include: Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research AACR Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Research Award Pershing Square Sohn Prize Long Island Excellence in Healthcare Award (2023) Burroughs Welcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists Dr. Vakoc actively mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with several former trainees now holding prominent positions in academia and industry. His research is supported by multiple grants including funding from the National Cancer Institute, Pershing Square Sohn Cancer Research Alliance, and National Institutes of Health. The Vakoc Laboratory serves as a hub for innovative cancer epigenetics research, employing cutting-edge CRISPR screening technologies to reveal new therapeutic opportunities across multiple cancer types.

• Cancer Epigenetics
• Transcription Factors
• Chromatin Regulators
• +7 more

Dean Tantin is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where his research delves into gene regulation in T cells, stem cells, and cancer. His lab investigates how transcription factors like Oct1, Oct4, and OCA-B control stem-like properties in cells, impacting immunological memory, autoimmunity, and cancer progression. Education: B.S. – University of California, San Diego Ph.D. – University of California, Los Angeles Research Interests: Dr. Tantin’s work centers on understanding how transcription factors regulate cell fate decisions, particularly in T cells and stem cells. His lab explores the roles of Oct1 and Oct4 in pluripotency and differentiation, the function of OCA-B in T cell memory and autoimmunity, and the therapeutic potential of targeting these factors in diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. A major focus is on how these transcription factors control gene expression programs that endow cells with longevity, self-renewal, and rapid response capabilities. Article Trends: Recent publications highlight a strong emphasis on transcriptional regulation in immune cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, and stem cells. Studies explore how OCA-B and Oct factors influence T cell memory formation, autoimmune responses, and cancer development. The work bridges molecular mechanisms with translational applications, including potential drug targets for autoimmune diseases and cancer. Laboratory and Team: Dr. Tantin leads an active research group at the University of Utah, supported by training grants and core facilities. His lab employs molecular biology, genomics, and in vivo models to dissect transcriptional networks. While specific student names are not listed, his mentorship is evident through his involvement in bioscience PhD programs and collaborative projects.

• Gene regulation in T cells
• T cell memory and autoimmunity
• Stem cell biology
• +4 more

John H. Stewart, IV serves as Chair of the Department of Surgery and Associate Dean of Oncology Programs at Morehouse School of Medicine, where he is a board-certified surgeon by the American Board of Surgery specializing in Surgical Oncology. His educational trajectory includes: BS in Zoology (Honors) from Louisiana Tech University MD from Howard University College of Medicine MBA from Wake Forest University General Surgery residencies at Temple University and Vanderbilt University Fellowship in Tumor Immunotherapy & Surgical Oncology at the National Institutes of Health Dr. Stewart's research program bridges Surgical Oncology, Cancer Immunotherapy, and Healthcare Disparities through innovative work in developmental oncoimmunotherapeutics and AI-driven healthcare delivery systems. He critically examines healthcare finance, policy, and operations to optimize cancer therapy access for underserved populations, with emphasis on structural barriers in treatment delivery. His publication record shows evolving focus from cytoreductive surgery techniques (2009-2012) toward contemporary immunometabolic reprogramming (2022-2023), tumor microenvironment dynamics, and bias analysis in colorectal cancer management. Recent work explores obesity-leukemia connections and cervical cancer immunology. Accolades include the 2023 Howard University Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Illinois Presidential Scholar (2018-2022), NCI Cancer Clinical Investigator Leadership Award (2013-2015), and consistent recognition in Best Doctors in America and US News Top Doctors listings. As academic administrator, Dr. Stewart directs surgical oncology programs while advancing health equity initiatives. His NCI award reflects substantial clinical investigation leadership, though specific grant details and student mentorship aren't documented in source materials. Based at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, his work integrates clinical practice, administrative leadership, and health disparities research to transform cancer care in marginalized communities through surgical innovation and policy reform.

• Surgical Oncology
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Clinical Trials
• +5 more

Jianjun Chen, Ph.D. serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Systems Biology and Director of the Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics at City of Hope's Beckman Research Institute. Appointed Chair in August 2020, he previously served as Professor and Vice Chair from 2017-2020. He also holds the Simms/Mann Family Foundation Chair in Systems Biology since 2018. Dr. Chen's research focuses on RNA and DNA epigenetic mechanisms in cancer development and therapy resistance. His laboratory has made seminal contributions to understanding RNA modifications including N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A), 5-methylcytosine (m⁵C), and 7-methylguanosine (m⁷G), and their roles in cancer initiation, progression, drug resistance, and immune evasion. The lab also studies DNA epigenetic regulation through TET proteins and develops novel therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators. His recent publications reveal trends in RNA epigenetics, cancer metabolism, immune evasion mechanisms, and therapeutic targeting of epigenetic regulators. His work spans multiple cancer types including leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumors, with emphasis on translating basic discoveries into clinical applications. Research Scholar of the American Cancer Society (2011) Scholar of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (2017) Researcher of the Year, The Pamela B. Katten Memorial Leukemia Research Foundation Award (2014) The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar CDP Achievement Award (2022) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2023) Dr. Chen's research program is supported by multiple R01 grants from the National Cancer Institute. His laboratory actively mentors researchers and has developed several small-molecule inhibitors with strong therapeutic potential in preclinical models. The Chen Laboratory is dedicated to translating fundamental discoveries in RNA and DNA epigenetics into effective clinical therapies for cancer patients. The laboratory operates within City of Hope's comprehensive cancer center, collaborating with clinical teams to bridge basic research and patient care. Current projects focus on developing prognostic systems for cancer risk stratification and creating targeted therapeutic strategies that inhibit aberrant epigenetic regulators such as FTO, IGF2BP2, YTHDF2, METTL16, and TET1.

• RNA Epigenetics
• DNA Epigenetics
• Cancer Biology
• +7 more

Hong Zheng is a dual-appointed Professor at Penn State College of Medicine, holding positions in the Department of Medicine Division of Hematology and Oncology and the Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine. She serves as a core faculty member at the Penn State Cancer Institute within the Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis program. Her educational background includes: MD in Clinical Medicine from Capital Medical University (1995) PhD in Immunology from University of Connecticut (2003) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Yale University (2007) Residency in Internal Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (2010) Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Yale University (2013) Dr. Zheng's research centers on transplant immunology and developmental therapeutics for leukemia, with particular focus on improving understanding of immune responses in leukemia pathogenesis and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Her laboratory investigates T-cell inhibitory mechanisms to enhance anti-leukemia immunity, while her clinical work involves developing early-phase immunotherapy trials. Key research areas span T-cell immunology (100% prominence), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (76%), Allogeneic HSCT (62%), Myeloid disorders (49%), and Graft-versus-Host Disease (45%). Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on translating immunological insights into clinical applications, particularly in optimizing stem cell transplantation protocols, developing novel immunotherapies, and understanding mechanisms of treatment resistance in hematologic malignancies. Her work consistently bridges laboratory findings with clinical trial implementation. Dr. Zheng is board-certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology, with clinical expertise in hematological malignancies including leukemia and lymphoma, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Her contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. She actively mentors research through her laboratory studies targeting T-cell mechanisms and participates in multi-institutional collaborations evident from her co-authorship patterns across institutions including Yale University and Penn State Health. Current research focuses on engineering cellular therapies and developing precision approaches to transplantation complications.

• Transplant Immunology
• Leukemia Therapeutics
• T-cell Immunology
• +5 more

Simon Liang serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, specializing within the Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Division. His research integrates genome editing technologies with cancer therapeutics, focusing on ADAR1-mediated RNA editing pathways in hematologic and solid tumors. Dr. Liang's research interests center on developing CRISPR-based therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, with particular emphasis on ADAR1 inhibition as a novel approach for acute myeloid leukemia and prostate cancer. His work bridges genome editing , epigenetic regulation , and RNA biology to address therapeutic resistance mechanisms. Key technical expertise includes prime editing optimization, CRISPR delivery systems (particularly AAV vectors), and methylation analysis. Analysis of his publication trends reveals a strategic evolution from foundational CRISPR methodology development (2019-2021) toward therapeutic applications in oncology (2022-2025), with increasing focus on translational models including non-human primates. His most impactful recent work demonstrates ADAR1's critical role in cancer cell survival across multiple malignancies. While specific awards aren't documented in the profile, his research has garnered significant attention with PlumX metrics showing: Multiple publications picked up by news outlets Substantial social media engagement (X, Bluesky) High Mendeley reader counts indicating scholarly impact Scopus citations accumulating rapidly for 2024-2025 publications Dr. Liang actively collaborates across disciplines as evidenced by co-authorship with experts in virology, oncology, and gene therapy. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being through development of precision cancer therapeutics. Current research directions include advancing prime editing for clinical translation and exploring ADAR1 inhibitors in combination therapies.

• Genome Editing
• CRISPR Technology
• Cancer Therapeutics
• +4 more

Seema Naik, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at the Penn State Cancer Institute. Her research focuses on hematologic malignancies and stem cell transplantation, with particular emphasis on improving outcomes for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Her primary research areas include: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) management Leukemias, particularly acute myeloid leukemia Lymphomas, including Burkitt lymphoma Novel therapeutic approaches for relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate significant advancements in post-transplant cyclophosphamide protocols, donor lymphocyte infusion strategies for relapsed malignancies, and CNS involvement in high-grade B-cell lymphomas. Her work also addresses critical psychosocial dimensions of cancer survivorship in adolescent and young adult populations. Dr. Naik contributes to the Penn State Cancer Institute's Next-Generation Therapies initiative, collaborating on multi-institutional clinical trials to enhance cancer treatment efficacy and patient quality of life through cutting-edge research in transplantation immunology and targeted therapies.

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Stem Cell Transplantation
• +4 more

Dr. Ting-Yu Shih is an Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy . His research focuses on biomaterials-based targeted therapies for precision medicine , particularly in improving cancer treatment safety and efficacy. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Bioengineering) from Harvard University under Prof. David Mooney and completed postdoctoral training at Boston University. Education : Ph.D. (2018), Harvard University M.S. (2012), Johns Hopkins University B.S. (2009), Johns Hopkins University Post-doctoral Fellow (2019-2024), Boston University Dr. Shih’s work spans hydrogels , nanoparticles , and RNA vaccines , with recent studies on self-amplifying RNA platforms, tumor extracellular matrix targeting, and mast cell stabilizers for diabetic wound healing. His research has been supported by the International Lung Cancer Foundation Fellowship Grant (2023) . Selected publications highlight innovations in ultrasound-triggered drug delivery , compression-induced adipocyte behavior , and biomaterial-enhanced immunotherapy . Collaborative efforts include injectable scaffolds for vascular grafts and bone marrow engineering. Scientific Awards : International Lung Cancer Foundation Fellowship Grant (2023)

• Biomaterials
• Drug Delivery
• Precision Medicine
• +4 more

Dr. William Temple is a clinical-translational physician-scientist at the University of California San Francisco specializing in pediatric blood & marrow transplantation (BMT), cancer immunotherapy, and pediatric oncology. As an attending physician at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in both San Francisco and Oakland, he focuses on translating novel immunotherapies from bench to bedside through first-in-human and first-in-child clinical trials for patients with aggressive malignancies. His current position is Advanced Fellow in Pediatric Blood & Marrow Transplantation and Immunotherapy at UC San Francisco (since July 2024). Temple's research interests center on developing innovative CAR-T cell therapies, particularly CD72-targeting nanobody CAR-T cells for B-cell malignancies. He is deeply engaged in correlative biology analyses to evaluate biomarkers of response and resistance to new cancer immunotherapy products. His work bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, focusing on patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies and other aggressive cancers. His publications demonstrate a clear trend toward optimizing CAR-T cell therapies through affinity maturation and framework humanization to enhance efficacy against tumors with low antigen density. His research spans both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, with particular emphasis on developing more effective immunotherapies for pediatric patients who have limited treatment options. Physician-Scientist Fellowship, California Institute of Regenerative Medicine Alpha Stem Cell Clinic Renewal (2025-2026) New Investigator Award, American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (2024-2026) Center of Excellence Scholar, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (2024-2025) Physician-Scientist Fellowship, California Institute of Regenerative Medicine Alpha Stem Cell Clinic (2024-2025) Clinical Research Training Institute Scholar, American Society of Hematology (2023-2024) Temple serves as Principal Investigator on multiple significant research grants from the National Institutes of Health, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, American Society of Hematology, American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. His current projects include CD72 nanoCARs for treatment of relapsed/refractory B cell malignancies and research on Alpha Stem Cell Clinic physician-scientist fellowships. He also contributes to research on pharmacokinetic modeling to optimize drug dosing in pediatric transplantation.

• Pediatric blood & marrow transplantation
• Cancer immunotherapy
• Pediatric oncology
• +4 more

Thomas M Braun, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. He serves as a Member of the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA) and teaches graduate-level biostatistics courses. Dr. Braun is an internationally recognized expert in Bayesian adaptive clinical trial design, with primary focus on cancer treatment and prevention research. Dr. Braun's educational background includes: PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Washington, Seattle (1999) MS in Biostatistics from the University of Washington, Seattle (1996) BBA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison (1990) His research expertise spans adaptive clinical trials, Bayesian statistical methods, longitudinal data analysis, oncology, rare diseases, dyadic analyses, and mobile health technology. Dr. Braun has developed novel Bayesian clinical trial designs for discovering safe and effective chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens for cancer treatment. He is also pioneering methods to incorporate patient preferences into randomized clinical trials and sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMARTs). Analysis of Dr. Braun's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong concentration on small n sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (snSMARTs), Bayesian methodology for rare disease research, mobile health interventions for cancer patients and caregivers, and innovative approaches to merging electronic health records with clinical trial data. His work consistently bridges theoretical statistical methodology with practical clinical applications in oncology and transplantation medicine. Dr. Braun has secured significant research funding from: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for developing Bayesian clinical trial designs for rare diseases The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) for developing Bayesian methods incorporating patient preference in SMARTs He actively collaborates on multiple research projects examining cancer treatment disparities, immunotherapy regimens for melanoma and other cancers, and the Roadmap mobile health platform for improving outcomes in stem cell transplant recipients and their caregivers. His work often focuses on dyadic patient-caregiver relationships and developing innovative statistical methodologies for complex clinical trial designs.

• Adaptive clinical trials
• Bayesian methods
• Longitudinal data
• +4 more

Dr. Yulia Nefedova is an Associate Professor in the Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program at The Wistar Institute's Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center. She joined Wistar in 2013 as an assistant professor in the Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis program, was promoted to associate professor in the Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis Program in 2017, and transitioned to her current position in the Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program in 2024. Dr. Nefedova's research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms by which the bone marrow microenvironment promotes tumor survival and progression, with particular emphasis on multiple myeloma. Her laboratory investigates how interactions between bone marrow neutrophils and multiple myeloma cells promote disease progression and chemoresistance, with specific interest in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and the S100A9 protein. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on neutrophil biology within the tumor microenvironment, particularly their role in promoting cancer progression and therapy resistance. Her work spans immunology, cancer biology, and molecular oncology with increasing emphasis on therapeutic targeting of neutrophil-mediated processes. Dr. Nefedova's laboratory includes Research Assistant Melissa Haddadi and Lab Assistants Hsuan-Yu Lin and Hannah Lee. She maintains active collaborations with prominent researchers including Dr. Dmitry Gabrilovich, as evidenced by their frequent co-authorship.

• Cancer Immunology
• Tumor Microenvironment
• Multiple Myeloma
• +5 more

Eapen K. Jacob, M.D. is a Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He serves as Chair of the Cell Therapy Fellowship Directors Working Group and is actively involved in multiple committees including the MW Cellular Molecular and Bispecifics Steering Committee and the DLMP Clinical Practice Committee. Dr. Jacob received his medical degree from Mayo Medical School in 1998. His extensive training includes fellowships in Transfusion Medicine (2009) and Hematopathology (2007) at Mayo Clinic, a Visiting Clinician position in Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy at University of Minnesota Hospital & Clinic (2008), and multiple residency programs in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Surgical Pathology, and Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Jacob's research focuses on Transfusion Medicine, Hematopathology, and Cellular Therapy. His work spans stem cell transplantation, immunohematology, blood banking, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. He has made significant contributions to understanding cold agglutinin disease, stem cell processing techniques, and CAR-T cell therapy. His research often bridges laboratory medicine with clinical applications, particularly in the context of bone marrow transplantation and blood disorders. Analysis of Dr. Jacob's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cellular therapy, stem cell transplantation, and transfusion medicine. His work addresses critical challenges in cell processing, cryopreservation techniques, and the immunological aspects of transplantation. There is a clear trend toward innovative approaches in CAR-T therapy and the optimization of stem cell transplantation protocols, reflecting the evolving landscape of hematologic malignancy treatment. 2025 DLMP Innovation and Leadership in Education Award Consultant Faculty Nomination 2024 DLMP Innovation and Leadership in Education Award Consultant Faculty Nomination 2020 Innovation Award DLMP Translational Research, Innovation and Test Development Office 2017 Excellence Through Teamwork Award 2005 Best Case Presentation College of American Pathologists National Meeting 2004 Co-Chief Resident 2004 Gastrointestinal Pathology Society Award for clinical research Dr. Jacob plays a significant role in medical education as Chair of the Cell Therapy Fellowship Directors Working Group and has been instrumental in developing fellowship training programs for cellular therapy laboratory directors. His leadership extends to multiple committees focused on cell therapy, transfusion medicine, and laboratory pathology. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, his extensive publication record and leadership roles suggest substantial research funding support. Dr. Jacob is actively involved with Mayo Clinic's Cellular Therapy Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine services. He collaborates with the Bone Marrow Transplant Program and works closely with the Translational Research, Innovation and Test Development Office (TRITDO). His work impacts patient care through innovations in stem cell processing, blood product management, and cellular therapy applications.

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematopathology
• Cellular Therapy
• +7 more

Henry VanBrocklin, PhD, is a Professor in Residence and Director of the Radiopharmaceutical Research Program in the Center for Molecular and Functional Imaging (CMFI) at the University of California, San Francisco. He also serves as a Joint Faculty Scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and is a core faculty member for the Master's in Biomedical Imaging (MSBI) program. Dr. VanBrocklin received his educational training from: Doctor of Philosophy: Washington University, St. Louis - Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry Postdoctoral Fellow: University of Illinois, Urbana Dr. VanBrocklin's research focuses on radiopharmaceutical chemistry and molecular imaging. His work centers on developing novel radiotracers for PET and SPECT imaging applications, with particular emphasis on cancer imaging (prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancer) and neurological imaging. His laboratory specializes in short-lived radioisotope production and the creation of fluorine-18 and carbon-11 labeling chemistry strategies for new radiotracer preparations. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on prostate cancer imaging and therapy using PSMA-targeted agents, CD46-targeted theranostics, and novel nanocarrier systems for enhanced tumor penetration. There's also significant work on T-cell imaging using [18F]F-AraG for applications in infectious disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer immunotherapy monitoring. Dr. VanBrocklin has received numerous prestigious awards: Paul C. Aebersold Award, SNMMI, 2023 Western Pioneer Award, Western Regional SNMMI, 2022 Fellow, Society of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, SRS, 2021 Michael J. Welch Award, RPSC, SNMMI, 2020 MSBI Outstanding Teacher Award (2019, 2021, 2023) Distinguished Investigator, Acad Radiol & Biomed Imag Res, 2018 Fellow, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, SNMMI, 2018 As Director of the Radiopharmaceutical Research Program at UCSF's CMFI, Dr. VanBrocklin oversees a major research operation that develops and produces radiotracers for both basic science and clinical research. His laboratory has secured significant funding for developing novel imaging agents and therapeutic approaches, particularly in the area of targeted alpha therapy for prostate cancer. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Imaging (2011-2025) and has been instrumental in advancing regulatory frameworks for PET drug development. Dr. VanBrocklin leads the Radiopharmaceutical Research Program at UCSF's Center for Molecular and Functional Imaging, which includes radiochemistry laboratories, imaging facilities, and a team of researchers focused on developing novel radiotracers and imaging methodologies. His program collaborates extensively with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he holds a joint appointment, facilitating access to advanced isotope production capabilities.

• Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
• PET Imaging
• SPECT Imaging
• +5 more

Dr. Yong-Mi Kim is a Professor of Pediatrics and Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and serves as an Investigator in Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly examining the interactions between leukemia cells and their protective bone marrow microenvironment. Dr. Kim completed her medical education at Heinrich-Heine-University in Duesseldorf, Germany, followed by an internship and residency at Children's Hospital in Duesseldorf. She furthered her training with a fellowship at Harvard University and earned an MPH from Harvard University School of Public Health. Her research program investigates four key areas: novel imaging studies of drug-resistant leukemia microenvironment, integrin-mediated adhesion of ALL cells, apoptosis regulation through survivin, and self-renewal pathways involving Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Her lab has pioneered cutting-edge imaging approaches to study drug resistance in real time, moving beyond static histological images. Analysis of Dr. Kim's recent publications reveals a strong focus on understanding the physical and molecular characteristics of drug-resistant leukemia cells, particularly examining integrin-mediated adhesion, metabolic adaptations, and novel therapeutic approaches targeting these resistance mechanisms. Her work spans from basic mechanistic studies to translational applications. NIH R01CA172896 St. Baldrick's Foundation Scholar Hyundai Hope on Wheels Scholar V-foundation William Lawrence and Blanche Hughes Foundation Couples Against Leukemia Whittier Foundation Nautica Dr. Kim actively mentors numerous students and researchers including Eun Ji Gang, Stephanie Shishido, Yann Duchartre, Etai Adam, Hye-Na Kim, Sandra Gonzalez, Ki Jun Lee, Samantha Hurwitz, and Heather Ogana. Her collaborative network includes prominent researchers such as Nora Heisterkamp, Michael Kahn, Steve Mittelman, and Scott Fraser. Her laboratory continues to advance understanding of leukemia biology and develop novel therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance.

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Childhood cancer treatment
• Immunology
• +7 more