Ida Deichaite

Dr. Ida Deichaite is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences at the University of California, San Diego. With a background in virology and molecular biology, she applies genomics analysis to identify susceptibility targets for aggressive cancers using a bed-to-bench approach that integrates real-world genomics with clinical data. Prior to her faculty appointment in November 2019, she collaborated with UCSD Moores Cancer Center leadership, private sector partners, and grant agencies to develop translational programs that resulted in FDA-approved therapeutics.

Education

• B.Sc. in Horticulture, Hebrew University, Jerusalem (1983)
• M.Sc. in Virology, Weizmann Institute (1985, Cum Laude)
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Princeton University (1991)
• Postdoctoral Training in Molecular Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (1993)

Research Focus

Dr. Deichaite's research program focuses on identifying actionable targets and mechanisms for oncology diagnostics and therapeutics. Her work spans cancer genomics, pan-cancer analyses, neuro-immunology of cancer, and translational oncology, with particular expertise in head and neck cancers, prostate cancer, and radiogenomics. She employs genomic analysis to overcome limitations of experimental models and accelerate clinical translation.

Publication Focus

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on cancer biomarkers, immunotherapy response prediction, radiation toxicity mechanisms, and immune evasion in prostate cancer. Earlier work established foundations in molecular virology and protein biochemistry, while current research emphasizes clinical applications of genomics in oncology.

Awards and Honors

• 1st Prize - Best Poster Presentation, International Cancer Education Conference (2018)
• Employee of the Year, UC San Diego (2014)
• Fellowship Award, Princeton University (1986)
• M.Sc. Cum Laude, Weizmann Institute (1985)

Professional Contributions

Dr. Deichaite contributed to the development of FDA-approved therapeutics including Daurismo (glasdegib) and INREBIC (fedratinib), and participated in high-value acquisitions such as VelosBio's acquisition by Merck. She maintains active collaborations across institutions and industry partners to advance translational oncology programs.