Defne Bayik Watson

Dr. Defne Bayik Watson is an Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology at the University of Miami, affiliated with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on host regulatory pathways as targets for brain tumor immunotherapy, particularly the role of myeloid cells in glioblastoma.

Education & Training:

• B.S. in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University
• Ph.D. in Immunology, Bilkent University & National Cancer Institute (2016)
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: Cleveland Clinic (Neuro-oncology, 2021) and National Cancer Institute (Immunology, 2017)

Research Focus:
We investigate how dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) regulates immunosuppressive myeloid cell activity in glioblastoma, sex differences in myeloid-derived suppressor cell subsets driving brain tumor outcomes, and epigenetically regulated pathways determining myeloid cell functional heterogeneity. Our goal is to identify therapeutic targets for personalized immunotherapies.

Scientific Awards:

• NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
• 2023 AAI Early Career Faculty Travel Grant
• World Immunotherapy Council Scholar Award
• Forbeck Scholar Award
• Milstein Abstract Award

Labs & Teams:
Dr. Bayik leads the Bayik Lab at the University of Miami, dedicated to brain tumor immunotherapy research. Her lab explores molecular mechanisms of myeloid cell accumulation, sex-specific immune regulation, and epigenetic pathways in tumor progression.