Experience

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - ALSAC

• Postdoctoral Researcher

  • Jan 2020 - Present



Emory University

• Doctoral Student

  • Apr 2016 - Nov 2019

  Autologous ex vivo expanded gamma delta T cells as an effective cellular therapy: The Spencer lab uses gamma delta T cells which i) are innate immune cells, ii) do not require antigen priming, iii) have intrinsic anti-tumorigenicity, and iv) induce tumor killing via recognition of stress antigens and through mechanisms of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Our lab developed a novel serum free ex vivo expansion of gamma delta T cells. My dissertation research focused on the… Autologous ex vivo expanded gamma delta T cells as an effective cellular therapy: The Spencer lab uses gamma delta T cells which i) are innate immune cells, ii) do not require antigen priming, iii) have intrinsic anti-tumorigenicity, and iv) induce tumor killing via recognition of stress antigens and through mechanisms of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Our lab developed a novel serum free ex vivo expansion of gamma delta T cells. My dissertation research focused on the expansion of patient derived gamma delta T cells in serum free conditions and complimenting this cellular therapy by using monoclonal antibodies, such a dinutuximab (specific to neuroblastoma) and chemotherapy (temozolomide) to extend survival and reduce tumor burden.Ligand-based chimeric antigen receptors for leukemia and stem cell models: We took a unique approach to CAR therapy by replacing the scFv binding domain with the natural ligand of a receptor for CAR T cell therapy. Specifically, I worked on targeting leukemia stem cells that are positive for CD110, also known as MPL, by using its ligand, thrombopoietin (TPO) as the binding domain of the CAR. Additionally, I analyzed the ability of the CAR to play a dual function in clearing the bone marrow of patients, as well as the leukemic burden because most patients with severe disease will undergo bone marrow transplant. Principal Investigator: Trent Spencer, PhD and Shanmuganathan Chandrakasan, MD Show more Show less



Loyola University Maryland

• Researcher

  • Jan 2015 - May 2015

  Characterization of Exemestane Resistant Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Exemestane is a mechanism-based inhibitor that leads to irreversible inactivation of aromatase. Patients treated with exemestane eventually form acquired resistance and the tumor grows back more aggressive. The primary purpose of the project was to find the mechanism to which the cells were developing resistance and which pathways were upregulated in the resistant cell line.



University of Colorado

• Summer Research Fellow

  • Jun 2014 - Aug 2014

  Analysis of a potentially activating NTRK2 mutation in non-small cell lung cancer: Genomic DNA sequencing of a tumor sample from a non-small cell lung cancer patient identified a c.4940C>T mutation in the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (NTRK2). This mutation encodes a R691C amino acid substitution in the TrkB receptor tyrosine kinase. My project was to characterize this mutation. PI: Robert C. Doebele MD, PhD



Premier HealthCare Associates, Inc

• Summer Internship

  • May 2013 - Jun 2013

  Interns were exposed to patient interaction and didactic learning during patient visits and procedures in medical offices. The Internship included specialties in Family Medicine, Gastrointestinal Medicine, General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Radiology, Pain Management, Rheumatology and Pathology. The medical professionals responsible for the interns provided an introduction to anatomy and physiology of specific organ systems and their corresponding diseases, as well as an introduction to… Interns were exposed to patient interaction and didactic learning during patient visits and procedures in medical offices. The Internship included specialties in Family Medicine, Gastrointestinal Medicine, General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery, Radiology, Pain Management, Rheumatology and Pathology. The medical professionals responsible for the interns provided an introduction to anatomy and physiology of specific organ systems and their corresponding diseases, as well as an introduction to medical history taking processes of physical examinations. Show more Show less