Anna Vilgelm, MD, PhD
Position: Laboratory Principal Investigator
About me: During the last year in medical school I took a research emersion training at the Fox Chase Cancer Center that inspired me to pursue a career in cancer research. Upon completion of my PhD in molecular biology, I joined a team of professor Ann Richmond at Vanderbilt as a postdoctoral fellow where I studied the role of chemokines in anti-tumor immunity and therapeutic response. As an independent scientist, I use clinical specimens to uncover cancer vulnerabilities and translate this knowledge into effective novel treatments.
In addition to science, I enjoy: Hiking, adventures with my kids, and making soap.
About me: During the last year in medical school I took a research emersion training at the Fox Chase Cancer Center that inspired me to pursue a career in cancer research. Upon completion of my PhD in molecular biology, I joined a team of professor Ann Richmond at Vanderbilt as a postdoctoral fellow where I studied the role of chemokines in anti-tumor immunity and therapeutic response. As an independent scientist, I use clinical specimens to uncover cancer vulnerabilities and translate this knowledge into effective novel treatments.
In addition to science, I enjoy: Hiking, adventures with my kids, and making soap.
Vijaya Bharti, PhD
Position: Postdoctoral Fellow
About me: My postdoctoral research involves the identification of novel synergistic drug combinations to treat melanoma and breast cancer, and gain mechanistic insight into their activity on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. I utilize clinically relevant models such as PDXs (patient-derived xenografts) and PDOs (patient-derived organoids). I also investigate the mechanisms underlying drug-induced immunogenicity to develop novel approaches for augmenting immunotherapy through rational combinations. My research is supported by the Pelotonia Fellowship Award for the years 2021-2023.
In addition to science, I enjoy tracking, cooking, and reading non-fiction books.
About me: My postdoctoral research involves the identification of novel synergistic drug combinations to treat melanoma and breast cancer, and gain mechanistic insight into their activity on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. I utilize clinically relevant models such as PDXs (patient-derived xenografts) and PDOs (patient-derived organoids). I also investigate the mechanisms underlying drug-induced immunogenicity to develop novel approaches for augmenting immunotherapy through rational combinations. My research is supported by the Pelotonia Fellowship Award for the years 2021-2023.
In addition to science, I enjoy tracking, cooking, and reading non-fiction books.
Amrendra Kumar, PhD
Position: Research Scientist
About me: I am an immunologist with extensive experience studying innate lymphocytes, such as NK cells, and innate-like T cells, such as NKT cells and MAIT cells. Of significant therapeutic importance in infectious, autoimmune diseases and cancers, my research has identified molecular and metabolic pathways associated with tolerance induction in innate-like T cells. My long-term research goal is to develop therapeutic approaches that will allow us to modulate host immune response, specifically to overcome anergy and hypo-responsiveness to improve patient outcomes.
About me: I am an immunologist with extensive experience studying innate lymphocytes, such as NK cells, and innate-like T cells, such as NKT cells and MAIT cells. Of significant therapeutic importance in infectious, autoimmune diseases and cancers, my research has identified molecular and metabolic pathways associated with tolerance induction in innate-like T cells. My long-term research goal is to develop therapeutic approaches that will allow us to modulate host immune response, specifically to overcome anergy and hypo-responsiveness to improve patient outcomes.
Chengli Shen, MD, PhD
Position: Biostatistician
About me: I am a research scientist who has taken a leadership role in analyzing biostatistical and biomedical research studies from several translational research groups. With my extensive experience in clinical and biological research, I bring nationally recognized expertise in data analysis to the team. My specialties include machine learning, data mining, and bioinformatics, including clustering, classification, bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, viral origin, and evolution analysis.
About me: I am a research scientist who has taken a leadership role in analyzing biostatistical and biomedical research studies from several translational research groups. With my extensive experience in clinical and biological research, I bring nationally recognized expertise in data analysis to the team. My specialties include machine learning, data mining, and bioinformatics, including clustering, classification, bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, viral origin, and evolution analysis.
Nikhil Roychowdhury
Position: Undergraduate Student
About me: I am a 3rd year pre-med neuroscience student at OSU. I started as a research volunteer at Vilgelm Lab in January.
In addition to science, I enjoy playing piano, chess, and reading.
About me: I am a 3rd year pre-med neuroscience student at OSU. I started as a research volunteer at Vilgelm Lab in January.
In addition to science, I enjoy playing piano, chess, and reading.
Calvin Barber
Position: Undergraduate Student
About me: I am an undergraduate student volunteer doing research under Dr. Vilgelm's lab and studying biology here at OSU.
In addition to science, I enjoy going on long walks, playing sports with friends on campus, and reading any book that interests me.
About me: I am an undergraduate student volunteer doing research under Dr. Vilgelm's lab and studying biology here at OSU.
In addition to science, I enjoy going on long walks, playing sports with friends on campus, and reading any book that interests me.
Emma Helkey
Position: Undergraduate Student
About me: I’m a second-year Psychology major on the pre-med track. I joined the lab in February 2022.
In addition to science, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and photography.
About me: I’m a second-year Psychology major on the pre-med track. I joined the lab in February 2022.
In addition to science, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and photography.
