Lisa M. Coussens

Lisa M. Coussens, PhD, is Chairwoman of the Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology and Interim Director of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where she holds the Hildegard Lamfrom Endowed Chair in Basic Science. Her research program investigates immune cell functions in solid tumor development, with emphasis on how leukocytes influence cancer progression and therapeutic responses. Using preclinical models of mesothelioma, breast, pancreatic, and head/neck cancers, her lab identifies immunotherapy targets that have advanced to clinical trials for metastatic cancers.

Education

• B.A., San Francisco State University, 1980
• Ph.D., University of California, 1993
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California San Francisco (Douglas Hanahan Lab)

Research Focus

Dr. Coussens leads a translational research program examining how immune cells regulate tumor development and therapy responses. Her work integrates molecular oncology, immunology, and preclinical modeling to identify: 1) Immune pathways co-opted by developing tumors, 2) Mechanisms of leukocyte-mediated therapy resistance, and 3) Biomarkers for immunotherapy response. Current work emphasizes spatial analysis of tumor-immune interactions using multiplexed imaging and computational approaches.

Her recent publications reflect strong emphasis on tumor microenvironment dynamics, immunotherapy mechanisms, and translational applications in pancreatic, breast, and head/neck cancers. Studies frequently incorporate spatial biology techniques, clinical correlation analyses, and novel therapeutic combinations targeting immune pathways.

Honors & Awards

• National Academy of Sciences Member (2023)
• National Academy of Medicine Member (2024)
• AACR President (2022-2023)
• Susan G. Komen Brinker Award (2018)
• Fellow of AACR Academy (2019)
• Fellow of AAAS (2018)
• Rosalind E. Franklin Award, NCI (2015)
• Honorary Doctorate, University of Buenos Aires (2018)
• Princess Takamatsu Memorial Lectureship (2018)
• European Academy of Tumor Immunology Career Award (2018)
• Gertrude B. Elion Award (2001)
• Charlotte Friend Lectureship (2012)
• Margaret L. Kripke Legend Award (2023)
• Johns Hopkins Heroine of Public Health (2024)
• Fellow of Academy of ImmunoOncology (2022)

Dr. Coussens directs translational research programs at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute and leads multidisciplinary collaborations investigating tumor-immune crosstalk. Her laboratory develops innovative preclinical platforms for evaluating combination immunotherapies.