Overview

Research in my laboratory focuses on both the basic science and clinical translation of cell and gene therapy technologies for pediatric blood disorders and cancers. Specifically, we are interested in both the optimization and/or customization of gene transfer technologies as well as the bioengineering of improved transgenes and transgene products (e.g. coagulation factors and chimeric antigen receptors). Current areas of focus include: 1) gene therapy of hemophilia A using both liver-directed adeno-associated viral vectors and hematopoietic stem cell-directed lentiviral vectors, 2) bioengineering coagulation factors through ancestral sequence reconstruction, 3) understanding the immune response to the factor VIII in the setting of gene therapy, 4) genetic and cellular immunotherapy for pediatric brain cancer, neuroblastoma and T cell leukemia, and 5) development of novel technologies that improve gene transfer and cell transplantation (e.g. microfluidic transduction devices and stem cell immunotoxins).

Academic Appointment

• Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Tenured), Emory University
• Member, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine

Education

Research