Tuomas Tammela

Tuomas Tammela is an Assistant Professor at the Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences and an Assistant Member in the Cancer Biology & Genetics program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). His research focuses on understanding cellular phenotypic heterogeneity in solid tumors, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma.

His research interests include cancer cell plasticity, tumor evolution, cancer stem cells, and the impact of aging and exercise on cancer progression. He employs advanced methodologies such as single-cell genomics, proteomics, CRISPR-mediated gene activation, and genetically engineered mouse models to dissect the molecular mechanisms driving tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on identifying and characterizing highly plastic cancer cell states that contribute to therapeutic resistance. His work bridges molecular oncology with translational applications, aiming to develop strategies that force cancer cells into more therapy-sensitive states.

• Mark Foundation Emerging Leader Award (2021)
• American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award (2020)
• Rita Allen Scholar Award (2020)
• NCI R37 MERIT Award (2019)
• V Foundation Scholar Award (2019)
• AACR Next Generation Transformative Research Award (2018)
• Josie Robertson Young Investigator Award, MSKCC (2017)

Dr. Tammela leads an active research lab that mentors trainees and collaborates across institutions. His lab receives significant funding from top-tier organizations, as evidenced by awards such as the NCI R37 MERIT Award and the V Foundation Scholar Award, supporting innovative projects on targeting intra-tumoral heterogeneity and cancer stem cell niches.

The Tammela Lab develops and utilizes genetically engineered mouse models to study tumor initiation, progression, and response to therapy. The lab integrates molecular perturbation, lineage tracing, and single-cell analysis to understand cancer cell state dynamics and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment.