Tonya J. Webb

Tonya J. Webb, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She serves as Associate Director for Workforce Excellence and Development and Assistant Dean of Student Engagement & Student Life. Her research focuses on CD1d-mediated NKT cell activation for cancer immunotherapy, with emphasis on ovarian and breast cancer immune evasion mechanisms.

• Biology, Prairie View A&M University (BS, 1998)
• Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University (PhD, 2003)
• Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine (Postdoc, 2005)
• Cancer Immunology, Johns Hopkins (Postdoc, 2009)

Dr. Webb's research explores two primary axes: (1) molecular mechanisms of NKT cell dysfunction in cancer patients, particularly through VEGF/GD3 immunosuppressive pathways, and (2) metabolic regulation of CD1d antigen presentation. Her work spans immunotherapy development, lipid metabolism, and cancer health disparities, utilizing techniques like flow cytometry, lipidomics, and artificial antigen presenting cells.

Her laboratory has produced 15 recent publications covering topics from novel lipid antigens to educational interventions for underrepresented minorities. Key awards include leadership roles in the ACS Diversity in Cancer Research Program and the STAR-PREP Post-Baccalaureate initiative.

Dr. Webb's mentorship extends through her administration of student engagement programs and supervision of immunology research teams. Her lab develops translational immunotherapeutic platforms using synthetic biology approaches while addressing systemic barriers in scientific career advancement.

Current research initiatives include targeted VEGF inhibition strategies, NKT cell expansion protocols with artificial antigen presenting cells, and metabolic modulation of immune checkpoints in solid tumors.