My interests include tumor immunology and clinical therapeutic development with the goal of improving outcomes, preventing and
overcoming treatment resistance, and limiting toxicity with a major focus on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). My
laboratory utilizes peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), tissues samples, and patient-derived models to 1) identify relevant
biomarkers based on our investigator initiated clinical trials, 2) identify mechanisms of immunotherapy and radiation resistance and 3)
test novel therapeutic combinations. Specifically, we utilize novel HNSCC patient-derived primary monolayer and 3D cell cultures
and matched tumor and isolated immune cell ex vivo and in vivo models to examine the immune cell anti-tumor response.
In addition to my translational work, I have been PI on several industry, cooperative group and investigator initiated clinical trials primarily focused on
HNSCC including rare disease types, and novel early phase therapeutics and was a Head and Neck disease focused clinical
investigator (DFCI) for the Early Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network (ETCTN) through the UPMC LAO. Importantly, I led a pivotal
phase II clinical trial investigating peri-operative pembrolizumab in surgically resectable HNSCC patients which led to Keynote 689
and eventual FDA approval.
M.D. - University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 6/2010
Post-doctoral Fellowship - Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 07/2008
Fellowship - University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 06/2015
Residency - University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 06/2012
Ph.D. - University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 03/2008
