The major goal of the laboratory is to dissect and pharmacologically target intracellular proteins to induce cancer cell death and manipulate the immune response. We are currently applying new research tools and prototype therapeutics that we, and others, have developed to target the BCL-2 family of proteins and other cell signaling proteins in immune cells.
A large part of our lab focuses on using portions of the actual proteins, or peptides, as drugs and biological tools to uncover specific molecular pathways in diseased and normal cells. Peptide-based therapeutics have enormous potential for immune modulation and direct cancer treatment but have traditionally lacked efficient stabilization and delivery within patients, and thereby, have had limited clinical applications. To are working to overcome these barriers within the lab and through collaboration with nanotechnologists and chemical engineers.
Overall, we are committed to translation of our findings to pediatric and adult patients with cancer and immune system disease. While performing research at the University of Chicago, we are in close proximity to scientists, clinicians, and patients and are deeply committed to working collaboratively with these groups to make significant inroads in treating those suffering from refractory disease.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/BCH
Boston, MA
Postdoctoral fellowship, Walensky Lab - Cancer Chemical Biology
2012
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/BCH
Boston, MA
Clinical Fellow - Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
2009
Boston Children's Hospital (BCH)
Boston, MA
Intern/Resident - Pediatrics
2006
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
MD/PhD - Medicine/Immunology
2003
Lawrence University
Appleton, WI
BA - Biology
1994
Low-Strength Type I Interferon Signaling Promotes CAR T-Cell Treatment Efficacy.
Low-Strength Type I Interferon Signaling Promotes CAR T-Cell Treatment Efficacy. bioRxiv. 2025 May 20.
PMID: 40463198
Venetoclax Induces BCL-2-Dependent Treg to TH17 Plasticity to Enhance the Antitumor Efficacy of Anti-PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade.
Venetoclax Induces BCL-2-Dependent Treg to TH17 Plasticity to Enhance the Antitumor Efficacy of Anti-PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade. Cancer Immunol Res. 2024 Aug 01; 12(8):1074-1089.
PMID: 38810242
The Role of Structural Flexibility in Hydrocarbon-Stapled Peptides Designed to Block Viral Infection via Human ACE2 Mimicry.
The Role of Structural Flexibility in Hydrocarbon-Stapled Peptides Designed to Block Viral Infection via Human ACE2 Mimicry. Pept Sci (Hoboken). 2024 Nov; 116(6).
PMID: 39866902
Combination fedratinib and venetoclax has activity against human B-ALL with high FLT3 expression.
Combination fedratinib and venetoclax has activity against human B-ALL with high FLT3 expression. bioRxiv. 2024 May 06.
PMID: 37333339
FLT3 inhibitor maintenance after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.
FLT3 inhibitor maintenance after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Ann Transl Med. 2024 Jun 10; 12(3):49.
PMID: 38911560
Curative Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease.
Curative Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease. Pediatr Ann. 2024 Feb; 53(2):e56-e61.
PMID: 38302122
Targeted Polymersome Delivery of a Stapled Peptide for Drugging the Tumor Protein p53:BCL-2-Family Axis in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
Targeted Polymersome Delivery of a Stapled Peptide for Drugging the Tumor Protein p53:BCL-2-Family Axis in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. ACS Nano. 2023 12 12; 17(23):23374-23390.
PMID: 37688780
CRISPR-Cas9 Editing of the HBG1 and HBG2 Promoters to Treat Sickle Cell Disease.
CRISPR-Cas9 Editing of the HBG1 and HBG2 Promoters to Treat Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med. 2023 08 31; 389(9):820-832.
PMID: 37646679
Dual Targeting of Apoptotic and Signaling Pathways in T-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Dual Targeting of Apoptotic and Signaling Pathways in T-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res. 2023 08 15; 29(16):3151-3161.
PMID: 37363966
Small but mighty: T-replete cords for myeloid disease.
Small but mighty: T-replete cords for myeloid disease. Blood Adv. 2023 05 23; 7(10):2153-2154.
PMID: 37171829
Hyundai Hope on Wheels Scholar Award
2018
Hoogland Lymphoma Pilot Project Award
2016
AbbVie-UChicago Collaboration in Oncology Award
2016
Comer Children's Hospital Development Board Award
2015
United-4a Cure Research Award
2014
Hyundai Hope on Wheels Scholar Award
2014
James B. Nachman Fellow
2013
Cancer Research Foundation Young Investigator's Award
2012
AACR-Aflac Scholar-in-Training Award
2011
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Special Fellow Award
2010
Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation Research Award
2007
Senior Resident Teaching Award
2006
Proctor and Gamble Teaching and Tomorrow Award
2004
First Place, Research Trainee Award
2001
Botanical Society of America Merit Award
1994
Phi Sigma Award in Biology
1994
Engstrom Scholars Award
1992