Mentor: George Weiner, MD

My Research

My research focuses on how in situ immunization with a virus-like particle called “Vidutolimod” leads to an enhanced and prolonged anti-cancer T cell immune response. My research aims to understand how repeated treatment with Vidutolimod leads to altered activation and the development of T cell exhaustion. 

Comprehensive Exam:

Determining the effects of Vidutolimod on the anti-tumor T cell response

Presentations:

• 2024 Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Annual Retreat. "Determining the effects of Vidutolimod on the anti-tumor T cell response." (poster)
• 2023 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) conference: "Vidutolimod, an immunostimulatory virus-like particle, reduces proliferation but enhances the activation of tumor-specific T cells" (poster).
• 2023 AACR Special Conference for Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy: "Vidutolimod, an immunostimulatory virus-like particle, reduces proliferation but enhances the activation of tumor-specific T cells" (poster)

• 2023 Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Annual Retreat. "Determining the effects of Vidutolimod on the anti-tumor T cell response." (poster)

   

Award:

2021 Dean's Award for Biomedical Graduate Studies

Showcased in 2025 University of Iowa Dare to Discover campaign 

Service:

• Advocate, American Association for Cancer Research Early-Career Hill Day, February 25-26, 2025, Washington, DC
• Advocate, American Association for Cancer Research Early-Career Hill Day, February 26-27, 2024, Washington, DC
• Member, Undergraduate Outreach Committee for Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer
• Organizer, Networking Program for URG Undergraduates in STEM 2024, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer
• HCCC-OCCET Career Enhancement Advisory Committee, University of Iowa
• Senator, Graduate Student Senate, University of Iowa
• Delegate, Graduate and Professional Student Government, University of Iowa
• Member, Parking and Transportation Committee, University of Iowa
• Peer Advisory Leader (PAL), Biomedical Science Program, University of Iowa
• Member, Social Committee, Cancer Biology Program, University of Iowa
• Member, Invited Speaker Committee, Cancer Biology Program