The Speakers
SAY HELLO TO
OUR SPEAKERS
Maher Albitar, MD
Founder
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Genomic Testing CooperativeMaher Albitar, MD
Founder
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Genomic Testing CooperativeDr. Albitar has extensive experience in anatomic/clinical pathology, hematopathology, and molecular pathology. He also has extensive business and administrative experience as an executive leader of large laboratories, Board member, and director of large scientific and genomic diagnostic studies. Until recently, Dr. Albitar was the Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research and Development at NeoGenomics.
He is credited with transforming the NeoGenomics Laboratories from FISH testing company to a company offering the most sophisticated molecular testing. Prior to NeoGenomics, Dr. Albitar served as the Medical Director for Hematopathology and Oncology, Nichols Institute, Quest Diagnostics, and Chief R&D for Hematopathology and Oncology for Quest Diagnostics from 2003 to 2010. From 1991 to 2003, Dr. Albitar held various faculty positions at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, including Section Chief of Leukemia Section in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Department, Director of the molecular laboratory and Director of Hematopathology Fellowship program.
Dr. Albitar was a tenured full professor in Pathology and Leukemia at the time of leaving MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Albitar is certified AP/CP pathologist with fellowship training in Hematopathology and molecular pathology. After his training in Hematopathology, Dr. Albitar spent 4 years in Physician/Scientist training program at the University of Pennsylvania/Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Department of Genetics. Dr. Albitar has published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and review articles. He is the lead inventor on more than 50 different patents and patent applications.
Carmelo Alonso, PharmD
Director
US Medical Hematology Myeloid
Bristol Myers SquibbCarmelo Alonso, PharmD
Director, US Medical Hematology, Myeloid
Bristol Myers SquibbCarmelo Alonso, PharmD is a Medical Director in the US Medical Oncology organization at Bristol Myers Squibb, with responsibilities across the Myeloid Portfolio. His primary focus is to support key, ongoing clinical trials in MDS. Since joining BMS in 2016 as a PharmD Fellow, Carmelo has held positions in US and Global Medical Oncology, Field Medical Excellence, and US Field Medical. In 2024 Carmelo was recognized with the 2024 US Medical Oncology Excellence: Impact Award by his leadership and peers. He received his BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his PharmD from Wingate University School of Pharmacy.
Robert Gallo, MD
Director, USF Health Virology Institute; Director, Microbial Oncology Program
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteRobert Gallo, MD
James P. Cullison Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, USF Heath
Director, USF Health Virology Institute
Director, Microbial Oncology Program, Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute
Chairman, Scientific Leadership Board and Co-Founder, Global Virus NetworkDr. Robert C. Gallo is world-renowned for his research on HIV, most notably his co-discovery in 1984 that HIV (a retrovirus) was the cause of AIDS and his development of the HIV blood test. Previously, Gallo and fellow scientists discovered the first human retrovirus, HTLV-1, a cause of adult T cell leukemia. The discoveries of all human retroviruses (HTLV-1, HTLV-2 and HIV) were dependent on Gallo’s earlier discovery in 1976 of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a growth factor for human T cells, which enabled scientists to culture human T cells for virus isolations. IL-2 is now also used widely in all cancer cell immunotherapy. In 1986, he isolated human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), the first new human herpes virus discovered in more than 25 years. Later, others showed HHV-6 caused Roseola. In 1996, his discovery that some natural compounds known as chemokines can block HIV was hailed by Science magazine as that year’s most important scientific breakthroughs. Gallo’s current work continues to lead groundbreaking studies in infectious diseases, cancer virology, and global health. Gallo has authored over 1,300 scientific publications as well as the book "Virus Hunting - AIDS, Cancer & the Human Retrovirus." Gallo has been awarded nearly 40 honorary doctorates and was twice recipient of the U.S. Albert Lasker Award in Medicine (1982 and 1986) and many other top honors from countries from around the world. He was the most cited scientist in the world from 1980 to 1990. Gallo is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine. Gallo was previously at the National Cancer Institute from 1965 to 1995, co-founded and directed the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine from 1995-2024, and co-founded and chaired the Scientific Leadership Board of the Global Virus Network since 2011 to present, prior to joining the University of South Florida to found the USF Health Virology Institute and direct the Microbial Oncology Program at the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute in 2024.
Guillermo Garcia-Manero, MD
Chief, Section of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterGuillermo Garcia-Manero
Professor, Department of Leukemia
Chief, Section of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterGuillermo Garcia-Manero, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Leukemia and the Chief in the Section of Myelodysplastic Syndromes at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
Prof. Garcia-Manero obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Zaragoza, School of Medicine, Zaragoza, Spain. He then underwent a Clinical Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine and a Clinical Fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
For the past 15 years, Prof. Garcia-Manero has focused on improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He leads the world’s largest MDS program and directs the MDS/acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Moon Shot® program at MD Anderson. His research aims to understand the pathophysiology of these disorders and develop new treatments, resulting in over 800 publications and numerous therapeutic clinical trials.
Quinto Gesiotto, MD
Chief Fellow
Hematology/Oncology
Thomas Jefferson UniversityQuinto Gesiotto, MD
Chief Fellow
Hematology/Oncology
Thomas Jefferson UniversityDr. Quinto Gesiotto is currently a chief fellow of hematology/oncology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. His clinical and research focuses are in myeloid malignancies, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and histiocyte disorders.
After earning his M.D. degree as a member of the inaugural class at California Northstate College of Medicine in Sacramento, Dr. Gesiotto completed internal medicine residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. During his time in training Dr. Gesiotto has been credited on peer-reviewed publications and abstracts in the field of myeloid malignancies and has given oral presentations on topics in leukemia and lymphoma. He participates in the ASH Advocacy Leadership group and has travelled to Capitol Hill to directly advocate for hematology legislature at the congressional level.
Jennifer Hanle, MSN, AGPCNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy Programs
TGH Cancer InstituteJennifer Hanle
Nurse Practitioner
Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy Programs
TGH Cancer InstituteJennifer Hanle is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in multiple myeloma, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and cellular therapy. She has over 15 years of oncology nursing experience and went on to become a nurse practitioner in order to further advance her role in the care of patients with multiple myeloma. She previously worked at Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and came to Tampa in October 2022 to build the myeloma and BMT/Cell Therapy programs at Tampa General Hospital.
Maher Abdul Hay, MD
Director, Clinical Leukemia ProgramLaura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer CenterMaher Abdul Hay, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of MedicineDirector, Clinical Leukemia ProgramDirector, Transplantation and Cellular Therapy ProgramLaura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer CenterDr. Mohammed Maher Abdul Hay has always been passionate about medicine and is deeply committed to providing exceptional clinical care and teaching. His decision to specialize in hematology and oncology stems from the immense breadth of the field, which continually motivates him to expand his knowledge to better serve patients with cancer.
At NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, Dr. Hay delivers outstanding hematological care alongside a team of talented physicians and nurses. The center offers not only conventional treatments but also access to cutting-edge therapies through numerous clinical trials for acute leukemias and myelomas.
Dr. Hay is also actively engaged in translational research, focusing on transforming scientific discoveries into practical advancements in patient care. During his postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he recognized the critical role translational research plays in uncovering the intricate mechanisms of hematological and oncological diseases, paving the way for innovative treatments.
In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Hay conducts clinical trials to make novel therapies available to patients. As a dedicated faculty member at NYU School of Medicine, he has been honored as “Teacher of the Year” in the hematology program for three consecutive years, reflecting his commitment to educating the next generation of medical professionals.
Jingmei Hsu, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine
NYU Grossman School of MedicineJingmei Hsu, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Director, Cellular Therapy LaboratoryDr. Jingmei Hsu is a distinguished member of the hematology group at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, specializing in the treatment of patients with blood cancers and other blood disorders through advanced therapies such as stem cell transplantation and CAR T-cell therapies. These innovative treatments leverage the body’s immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells effectively.
Dr. Hsu's passion for medicine was profoundly influenced by family. Her father was a pioneering researcher in herbal medicine, applying modern biochemical approaches to traditional practices, while her mother served as a dedicated family physician. This familial influence, coupled with a PhD in cell and molecular biology, inspired Dr. Hsu to pursue a medical career in hematology.
In clinical practice, Dr. Hsu is deeply committed to providing compassionate care, emphasizing the importance of a strong doctor-patient relationship. When meeting patients for the first time, Dr. Hsu takes on the role of doctor-educator, explaining complex treatments such as stem cell transplantation or CAR T-cell therapy in an approachable manner.
At NYU Langone, Dr. Hsu collaborates closely with the entire hematology group, participating in regular discussions to refine patient care strategies. The team is dedicated to identifying the most effective approaches for treating both cancerous and nonmalignant blood conditions using cellular therapies.
Dr. Hsu is also a trailblazer in research, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in cancer and HIV treatment. She performed the world’s first successful CCR5 △32/△32 stem cell transplant in a patient living with HIV and acute leukemia, achieving a potential cure for both conditions simultaneously in a woman. This monumental achievement adds to the global effort to discover a cure for HIV.
Additionally, Dr. Hsu works closely with research teams to develop and implement novel CAR T-cell therapies, ensuring these cutting-edge options are accessible to patients. Her collaboration with the stem cell transplant team focuses on innovative methods to prevent graft-versus-host disease, improving outcomes for bone marrow transplant recipients.
Dr. Hsu finds immense fulfillment in being part of patients’ journeys to fight cancer, particularly during an era of remarkable advancements that offer new hope for managing and curing a growing number of cancers.
Alan Kerr, II, MD, PhD
Hematologist-Oncologist
Physician Scientist
Tampa General HospitalAlan Kerr, II, MD, PhD
Hematologist-Oncologist
Physician Scientist
Tampa General HospitalDr. D. Alan Kerr is a hematologist-oncologist and physician scientist with Tampa General Hospital, where he previously conducted continuity clinic work with a focus on malignant hematology. He specializes in benign and malignant hematology as well as solid tumor oncology.
Prior to joining Tampa General, Dr. Kerr treated patients in a private community practice at Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers (ACTC) in Brooksville, Fla., after completing a three-year hematology and medical oncology fellowship program with Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida. Before that, he completed an internal medicine residency program at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he served as a chief medical resident. In the same department, he followed his passion for teaching future medical professionals as an assistant professor from 2015-16. Dr. Kerr received his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Louisville.
Dr. Kerr is a site investigator for numerous active clinical trials and his primary clinical interests include lymphomas and myeloid diseases. Well-versed in translational research and clinical research protocols, Dr. Kerr is credited with several publications, oral presentations and abstracts on a wide range of oncology topics. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and has memberships with the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology.
Jeffrey Lancet, MD
Senior Member and Chair
Department of Malignant Hematology
Moffitt Cancer Center and Research InstituteJeffrey Lancet, MD
Senior Member and Chair
Department of Malignant Hematology
Moffitt Cancer Center and Research InstituteDr. Lancet is an experienced clinician and clinical investigator in the field of AML. He has written, led, conducted, and published many impactful clinical trials in AML, including as lead clinical investigator in the development of CPX-351 (daunorubicin/cytarabine liposome) from inception through the conclusion of the pivotal phase 3 clinical trial culminating in its FDA approval in secondary AML. In addition, he has led and published several AML clinical trials through national organizations such as ASH and CTEP. As the Chair of the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center, Dr. Lancet has experience in leading and coordinating major projects and initiatives within the field of malignant hematology. Dr. Lancet’s clinical practice focuses on the care of primarily older adults with AML and MDS.
Dae Hyun Lee, MD
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine
Cardiovascular Sciences
USF Morsani CenterDae Hyun Lee, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Internal Medicine
Division of Cardiovascular Sciences
USF Morsani CenterDr. Dae Hyun Lee is a distinguished specialist in both cardiology and cardio-oncology based in Tampa, Florida. After earning his medical degree from Inha University School of Medicine in 2012, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine followed by a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at the University of South Florida, culminating in 2023. Dr. Lee holds board certifications in Cardiovascular Disease, Cardio-Oncology, Comprehensive Echocardiography, and Nuclear Cardiology.
He is deeply committed to patient-centered care, prioritizing compassion and patient well-being as fundamental principles of his practice. Dr. Lee’s expertise lies in cardio-oncology, a niche subspecialty dedicated to managing the cardiovascular health of cancer patients. He works closely with oncologists to develop tailored cardiovascular care plans, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Ludovica Marando, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Baylor College of MedicineLudovica Marando, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Baylor College of MedicineDr. Ludovica Marando is a physician-scientist with extensive expertise in the clinical and laboratory-based investigation of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) and its progression to myeloid malignancies. Her career encompasses international training and research leadership in complement biology, hematologic disorders, and precision medicine.
She earned her MD from the University of Naples Federico II, where she conducted foundational research on Eculizumab resistance in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). She subsequently trained in internal medicine and hematology at the University of Cambridge, securing NIHR-funded academic positions and completing a Wellcome Trust-funded PhD in the laboratory of Professor Brian Huntly. Her doctoral research identified a novel interaction between DNMT3A R882H mutations and TP53, providing key mechanistic insights into clonal expansion and malignant transformation.
As a clinical lecturer in hematology at Cambridge, she contributed to genome-editing research and played a pivotal role in the development of MN Predict, a web-based CH risk calculator leveraging UK Biobank data, published in Nature Genetics (2023). In 2023, she transitioned to Mayo Clinic as an advanced myeloid fellow, integrating preclinical CH research with clinical practice. Now, as an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), she is leading the development of a comprehensive CH program that integrates genomic profiling, risk assessment, and targeted therapies. Under the mentorship of Dr. Margaret Goodell, she continues to drive advancements in precision medicine for hematologic disorders while developing independent research initiatives aimed at translating CH insights into clinical applications.
4oTiphaine Martin, MEng, PhD
Assistant Professor
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiTiphaine Martin, MEng, PhD
Assistant Professor - Computational Biologists, Bioinformatics & Biostatistics
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiDr. Martin has a diverse international background, with nearly 20 years of scientific research experience across France, Switzerland, the UK, Australia, and the USA. She has worked in various professional settings, including universities, research institutes, consortia, hospitals, startups, and private companies, and has contributed to interdisciplinary projects spanning biology, mathematics, computational informatics, robotics, and biochemistry. Her research has involved numerous local and international collaborations, and she has lived in different countries throughout her career.
As a leader, Dr. Martin has managed teams of up to nine people in multidisciplinary environments, overseeing the development and maintenance of infrastructures and bioinformatics tools. She has employed statistical methods to address biological questions within projects such as the Génolevures consortium (e.g., annotating eight yeast genomes), the GRISBI project (e.g., developing grids for the bioinformatics community), as well as during her Ph.D. and postdoctoral work. Over the past decade, she has focused on investigating the associations between biomarkers and disease status, particularly in complex diseases and cancer, and has explored interactions within large multi-omics datasets and electronic health records (EHR) from extensive cohorts.
Manja Meggendorfer, PhD
Head
Molecular Genetics
Munich Leukemia LaboratoryManja Meggendorfer, PhD
Head, Molecular Genetics
Munich Leukemia Laboratory (MLL)Manja Meggendorfer is the Head of Molecular Genetics at the MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory. In this role, she and her team are responsible for processing over 100,000 diagnostic leukemia and lymphoma samples annually. Furthermore, she oversees various research and development initiatives, including the ambitious 5,000 Genome Project of MLL, which aims to deepen the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of leukemia.
Dr. Meggendorfer earned her Master of Science in Biology from Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich and subsequently completed her Ph.D. in collaboration with the Helmholtz Center Munich, focusing on gene regulation within the architecture of the cell nucleus. Following her post-doctoral work, she transitioned to the field of hematology, joining MLL’s Molecular Genetics Department as a scientist. With her MBA in Health Care Management, Dr. Meggendorfer aspires to advance diagnostic and prognostic methodologies for routine leukemia and lymphoma diagnostics.
Her scientific expertise is centered on myeloid malignancies. Dr. Meggendorfer has authored and co-authored more than 175 peer-reviewed articles, she serves as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals.
Shyamala Navada, MD
Executive Medical Director
GeronShyamala Navada, MD
Executive Medical Director
GeronAdjunct Associate Professor
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiShyamala Navada is an Executive Medical Director on the Clinical Development team at Geron. Prior to Geron, she was at Janssen Pharmaceuticals where she was a Senior Medical Director on the Daratumumab team. Before joining the pharmaceutical industry, she was at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in NY where she was an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology. Her focus was on clinical and translational research in MDS and AML. She received her MD at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and her B.S in chemical engineering at Northwestern University.
Stephen Nimer, MD
Director
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer CenterStephen D. Nimer, MD
Director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Executive Dean for Research, Miller School of Medicine
Secondary Appointment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Professor of Chemical, Environmental & Materials Engineering
Miller School of Medicine, University of MiamiStephen D. Nimer, M.D., is the director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is also the executive dean for research and a professor of medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Nimer's career spans more than 30 years in clinical care, research, administration and leadership.
Before joining the Miller School of Medicine in 2012, Dr. Nimer held several positions at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for almost 20 years. There, he served as the Alfred P. Sloan Chair in Cancer Research, head of the division of hematologic oncology, vice chairman for faculty development and chief of the Hematology Service.
Under Dr. Nimer's leadership, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which serves more than six million people in its catchment area and sits at the “gateway” to the Caribbean and Latin America, became an NCI-designated center in July 2019. In 2024, the NCI reaffirmed Sylvester’s designation. It is the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida and the second youngest among all NCI-designated cancer centers. In 2022, U.S. News & World Report recognized Sylvester as a top-ranked cancer hospital in the nation.
As a member of the University of Miami’s Diversity Task Forces and the American Society of Hematology, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee since 2021, Dr. Nimer underscores the value of Sylvester, which offers a location with unparalleled diversity — a veritable microcosm of what U.S. demographics are projected to be in 50+ years. Dr. Nimer leads Sylvester’s research and experience with diverse community partnerships to create model approaches that address challenges and generate opportunities—all to prepare the cancer center for the future. Dr. Nimer shares this unique perspective through his service on external advisory boards for several NCI-designated cancer centers.
Through key engagements and on-site advocacy, Dr. Nimer ensures cancer research remains at the forefront of efforts at the state and federal levels in contributing to meaningful cancer-related policies, innovative community care models and funding priorities. Since 2018 he has been a member of the Association of American Cancer Institutes, Nominating Committee and in 2020, he became a member of the Science Policy and Government Affairs Committee (SPGAC) of the American Association for Cancer Research. In 2023, he was honored with the BioFlorida “Researcher of the Year” award for his exceptional dedication to advancing the understanding of leukemia and other myeloid malignancies. In 2024, he was
recognized with the “Provost’s Lifetime Achievement” award for demonstrating extraordinary contributions to his field and for enhancing the reputation of the University through his notable accomplishments. In 2024, Dr. Nimer received the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Mentor of the Year award in recognition of his many years of dedicated mentoring to colleagues and trainees.
Throughout his career, Dr. Nimer has cared for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), multiple myeloma and lymphoma and has decades of service to non-profits in their efforts to advance patient science and clinical care. He has chaired foundations including the MDS Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the AAMDSIF. Moreover, he is the chairman of the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation and Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation (MDSF), two organizations that award funding for early and senior career investigators, where Dr. Nimer performs oversight including grant reviews and convening board meetings.
Outside of his committee and foundation duties, Dr. Nimer has been continuously funded by the NIH for three decades and has served as PI on Leukemia and Lymphoma Society multi-project Specialized Center of Research awards. In his lab, Dr. Nimer focuses on understanding the genes involved in the development and progression of MDS and AML to identify novel therapeutic approaches to make hematologic cancers more responsive to treatment. Dr. Nimer holds two patents for the treatment of leukemia.
A physician-scientist in the field of hematology-oncology and cancer research, Dr. Nimer has authored more than 300 scientific publications and holds numerous awards including the Oscar de La Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, the Irma T. Hirschl Career Scientist Award and he received the E. Donnall Thomas Award in 2015 from the Bone Marrow Foundation. In April 2021, the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida inducted Dr. Nimer to recognize his outstanding contributions to the scientific community. Similarly, the American Society of Clinical Investigators and the Association of American Physicians elected him to highlight his influential role in shaping the field of oncology. Dr. Nimer is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, further demonstrating his dedication to patient care and clinical excellence.
Gustavo Rivero, MD
Director, Translational Research for Hematologic Malignancies
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteGustavo Rivero, MD
Director
Translational Research for Hematologic Malignancies
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteDr. Rivero is a hematologist oncologist and translational scientist at Tampa General Hospital. Prior to joining Tampa General, he served as an associate professor in hematology and oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and Georgetown University School of Medicine. A distinguished translational scientist, Dr. Rivero focuses on advancing treatments for myeloid malignancies, including Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN).
Dr. Rivero’s research is not just about understanding the mechanisms that initiate leukemia, but also about pushing the boundaries of what is possible. His recent discovery of a novel age-related nucleotide modification prevalent in AML is a testament to his commitment to innovation. Dr. Rivero’s team is also investigating how leukemia induces immunogenicity to develop innovative cellular and vaccine-based treatments to prevent and combat these disorders.
Dr. Rivero completed his advanced training in hematology and oncology at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland.
His board certifications include Internal Medicine and Hematology. He earned his medical degree from Francisco de Miranda University in Coro, Venezuela, and completed his internship and residency at J. Stroger Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, Illinois.
Anne Renteria, MD
Site Director, Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Program at Perlmutter Cancer Center
NYU Langone HealthAnne Renteria, MD
Site Director
Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Program, Perlmutter Cancer Center
NYU Langone HealthAnne S. Renteria, MD serves as the site director of the transplantation and cellular therapy program at Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. She received her medical degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, Hematology-Medical Oncology fellowship at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. In addition to her medical training, Dr. Renteria completed a Leadership and Management certificate program at the Wharton School, Philadelphia, PA. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York.
Dr. Renteria is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology. She is an active member of numerous professional societies including the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT); the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT); the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), , the American Society of Hematology (ASH); the American College of Physicians (ACP) among others. As a clinical research physician throughout her career, Dr. Renteria has conducted more than 40 clinical trials, focusing on Hematologic Malignancies and Hematopoietic Cell Therapies (HCT) and CAR-T cell therapies. Dr. Renteria has also held prominent leadership positions at other institutions. She has delivered lectures and presentations at numerous national and international conferences and authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, books, book chapters, and abstracts.
Sergio Rutella, MD, PhD
Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy
Nottingham Trent UniversitySergio Rutella, MD, PhD
Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy
Director of the John van Geest Cancer Research Centre
College of Science and Technology
Nottingham Trent UniversityProfessor Sergio Rutella, MD PhD, is a licensed haematologist and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath). He received NTU’s Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Researcher Award in 2019 and has been elected as a Fellow by the Royal Society of Biology on 1 April 2022 for "Haematology work and impact on the Biosciences".
Professor Rutella is the current Director of Nottingham Trent University's John van Geest Cancer Research Centre. His academic career has been predicated on the bench-to-bedside-to-bench paradigm in Haematology. Over the last 30 years, Professor Rutella has been engaged in clinical and translational research focusing on immunotherapy approaches to improve the outcome of haematological malignancies, with an emphasis on antibody-based therapeutics and haematopoietic stem cell processing and transplantation. He has an extensive track record of leading studies that involve a strong correlative component and collaborating with other investigators, both basic and clinical.
At Nottingham Trent University, Professor Rutella’s translational research program focuses on deciphering the immune ecosystem of haematological malignancies, on visualising the state of cancer-immune interactions in individual patients and on biomarker discovery, with the aim to bring rational immunotherapy approaches to the clinic, guide treatment choices and minimise toxicity. The research group nurtures the ambition to help design immunotherapy clinical trials that select cancer patients based on immune states and markers, and to test whether this strategy increases the rate of durable responses.
During his academic career, Professor Rutella has authored and co-authored 230 full-length, peer-reviewed publications (H-index = 65; i10-index = 191; times cited > 14,800; total impact factor > 2,050) and 13 book chapters, and has secured > £12M of research funding as principal investigator/co-investigator. His teaching contributions are made to Bachelors and Masters projects on the BIOL40111 MSc Research Project module, the BIOL40102 "Research Methods and Bioethics" module, and the BIOL33171 "Immunology and Virology" module.
Professor Rutella has led a REF2021 Impact Case Study entitled: ‘Improving the Management and Survival of Patients with Aggressive, Treatment-Resistant Cancers’ (https://www.ntu.ac.uk/research/impact-case-studies/ref-2021/improving-the-management-and-survival-of-patients-with-aggressive,-treatment-resistant-cancers).
David Sallman, MD
Section Head, Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
Moffitt Cancer Center & Research InstituteDavid Sallman, MD
Section Head
Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
Department of Malignant Hematology
Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
Associate Professor
Department of Oncologic Science
University of South Florida, Tampa, FLDavid Sallman, MD, is an associate member in the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center and associate professor in the Department of Oncologic Sciences at the University of South Florida, both in Tampa. Dr. Sallman is the myeloid section head of the malignant hematology department. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine and completed an internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital before completing a hematology/oncology fellowship at Moffitt Cancer Center. He is board certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine.
Dr Sallman’s clinical interests are myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and myeloproliferative neoplasms. His research interests focus on the development of novel targeted therapeutic strategies (phase 1 and 2 clinical trials) for patients with MDS and AML, based on the underlying mutational drivers of each disease. Specifically, he studies the genetic drivers of myeloid diseases to improve prognostication for patients and to allow for more personalized treatment. He has published significantly on this topic, including recently in highly regarded journals such as Leukemia and Haematologica, and these works are the foundation of clinical trials/translational studies designed to improve the quality of life and survival of patients with MDS. He is the principal investigator for multiple ongoing studies focused on higher-risk MDS. Furthermore, his recent work has focused on TP53-mutant MDS, where he and his team identified and validated that the clonal burden of TP53 mutation is strongly concordant with patient outcomes and are intimately tied with the clinical trajectory of these patients. Additionally, they have identified that serial next-generation sequencing has significant prognostic value and can be an early biomarker of outcome with novel agents. He has been the lead principal investigator (PI) for phase 1-3 trials TP53-mutant MDS and AML patients. Additionally, Dr. Sallman serves as lead PI for multiple cellular therapy trials including CAR-T and TCR therapies.
Dr Sallman has authored and coauthored numerous articles, books, book chapters, and abstracts, and serves as reviewer for multiple journals. He received the Young Investigator Grant from the MDS Foundation in 2017 and the Dresner Foundation Career Development award in 2018.
Nikesh Shah, MD
Hematologist-Oncologist
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteNikesh Shah, MD
Hematologist/Oncologist
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteDr. Nikesh Shah is a hematologist/oncologist at Tampa General Hospital who specializes in hematologic malignancies, particularly lymphomas. Prior to joining Tampa General, Dr. Shah served as a chief fellow for the hematology/oncology fellowship program at Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida in Tampa. He completed the J. Willis Hurst Internal Medicine Residency Program at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta after receiving his medical degree from the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine in Miami, FL.
Dr. Shah is dedicated to developing close relationships with his patients and their families, providing them with a full understanding of each disease and determining the best personalized care for each patient. He enjoys conducting clinical research to identify the most cutting-edge treatment options available and has been credited with several peer-reviewed publications, presentations, abstracts, and book chapters in areas of his expertise.
Dr. Shah has memberships with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, American Association for Cancer Research, Florida Society of Clinical Oncology and the Florida Medical Association.Rory Shallis, MD
Assistant Member
Department of Malignant Hematology
Moffitt Cancer CenterRory Shallis, MD
Assisant Member
Department of Malignant Hematology
Moffitt Cancer CenterRory M. Shallis, MD, is a faculty member in the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. He specializes in the care of patients with myeloid malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Dr. Shallis received his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, completed his internal medicine residency at Brown University–Rhode Island Hospital, and pursued a hematology/oncology fellowship at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He previously held an academic appointment at Yale University and was a member of the Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center.
Dr. Shallis’s research interests focus on the development and application of novel therapies through early-phase clinical trials, alongside the optimization of existing therapies through rigorous outcomes research. He has a particular focus on high-risk disease subsets, including TP53-mutated AML and MDS, and the care of older adults with myeloid malignancies—two populations that are frequently coincident and underserved. He serves as principal investigator and/or study chair for several investigator-initiated and cooperative group trials, including NCI-funded studies, with active engagement in the NCI’s MyeloMATCH initiative, SWOG, and the NCI Older AML Working Group.
In addition to clinical trial leadership, Dr. Shallis conducts extensive epidemiological and health services research aimed at identifying real-world practice patterns, healthcare disparities, and barriers to care in AML and MDS. His work has provided contemporary insights into disease incidence, prevalence, survival outcomes, and the independent prognostic impact of molecular and cytogenetic abnormalities. He continues to lead multicenter collaborative studies and cost-effectiveness analyses that inform policy and optimize patient outcomes.
Dr. Shallis has authored or co-authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, many as first author. His work has been featured in top-tier journals such as Leukemia, Haematologica, and Blood Advances. He has presented his research at major national and international conferences and serves as an ad hoc reviewer for numerous hematology journals. Dr. Shallis is also a panelist on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical guidelines committees for both AML and MDS.
David Siegel, MD, PhD
Chief, Multiple Myeloma Division
John Theurer Cancer CenterDavid Siegel, MD, PhD
Founding Director
Institute for Multiple Myeloma Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery & Innovation
Chief, Multiple Myeloma Division
John Theurer Cancer Center
Hackensack University Medical Center Hackensack, New JerseyDavid S. Siegel completed his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine. His postdoctoral training included a residency in internal medicine at New York University/Bellevue Medical Center and a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Siegel is one of the nation’s foremost authorities on multiple myeloma. His research has almost exclusively focused on multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and amyloid light-chain amyloidosis. His research and has been published in many leading medical journals, including Nature, New England Journal of Medicine, Blood, and Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Dr. Siegel served as the lead investigator of the pivotal phase IIb study involving 30 cancer centers in North America that led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s fast-track approval of carfilzomib for recurrent multiple myeloma. Dr. Siegel is one of 11 investigators nationwide who brought bortezomib to multiple myeloma patients through his clinical trials, showing that this medication slows and halts the progression of multiple myeloma. He has also been involved in clinical trials that led to the approval of several other key myeloma drugs, including thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, ixazomib, elotuzumab, and panobinostat.
Dr. Siegel and his team collaborate with other scientists and clinical researchers to pioneer critical therapies to treat patients with multiple myeloma. Dr. Siegel has led the development of a program to offer CAR T-cell therapy to patients with multiple myeloma. Dr. Siegel is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium, a unique research model developed to accelerate the development of novel, cutting-edge treatments for patients afflicted by multiple myeloma.
Iberia Romina Sosa, MD
Associate Professor
Chief, Division of Hematology
Fox Chase Cancer CenterIberia Romina Sosa, MD
Associate Professor
Chief, Division of Hematology
Fox Chase Cancer CenterDr. Sosa is an Associate Professor and Chief of Hematology disease group at Fox Chase Cancer in Philadelphia, PA. She trained in Internal Medicine and Hematology/Oncology in Vanderbilt University, Ingram Cancer Center. She completed a clinical pharmacology fellowship under the tutelage of Dr. John Oates, outlining the mechanism whereby platelets contribute to cancer metastasis and the role of aspirin and other antiplatelets in modulating the cancer microenvironment. Her clinical and research interests are in hematologic complications of cancer treatments, as well as novel therapeutics for myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Eduardo Sotomayor, MD
Executive Director
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteEduardo Sotomayor, MD
Executive Director
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteDr. Sotomayor is the director of the newly established Cancer Institute at Tampa General Hospital. He is a pioneer in the field of cancer immunology and immunotherapy and an internationally renowned expert in lymphoma research and treatment. Prior to joining Tampa General, he was the director of the George Washington University Cancer Center with responsibility and authority over all aspects of cancer care and research at GW and affiliated health systems. He was also a professor of medicine in the division of hematology/oncology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Dr. Sotomayor has returned to Tampa, where he previously had a highly productive 15-year tenure with Moffitt Cancer Center. He served as the Susan and John Sykes Endowed Chair of Hematologic Malignancies and chair of the department of malignant hematology. In addition, he was the scientific director of the DeBartolo Family Personalized Medicine Institute at Moffitt Cancer Center. He also guided future medical professionals as a professor in the University of South Florida College of Medicine’s departments of oncologic sciences, and pathology and cell biology.
David Swoboda, MD
Director, Leukemia Program
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteDavid Swoboda, MD
Director
Leukemia Program
Tampa General Hospital Cancer InstituteDr. David Swoboda is a hematologist oncologist at Tampa General Hospital who specializes in malignant hematology. Prior to joining Tampa General, he was a chief hematology-oncology fellow at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa after serving as a chief resident at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Dr. Swoboda received his medical degree from Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee, where he was the president of the Internal Medicine Interest Group.
Dr. Swoboda enjoys developing a close relationship with his patients and their families, building trust and gaining a full understanding of each disease in order to provide personalized, comprehensive care. His research is directed toward acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative disorders. He has published several entries in peer-reviewed journals and has participated in numerous scientific abstract presentations. Dr. Swoboda has memberships with the Society for Hematology Oncology, American Society of Hematology and American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Yutaka Tagaya, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Institute of Translational and Innovative Virology
University of South FloridaYutaka Tagaya, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Institute of Translational and Innovative Virology
University of South FloridaYutaka Tagaya, MD, PhD, is a molecular immunologist specialized in lymphocyte biology, cytokine and HTLV-1 biology. Dr. Tagaya had his lab at the National Cancer Institute, Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland, and recently joined the newly established Institute of Translational and Innovative Virology (with world famous virologist Dr. Robert Gallo as the director) at the University of South Florida.
In the past, Dr. Tagaya made seminal discoveries on the cytokine interleukin-15 at the NCI, in particular, have demonstrated or co-demonstrated that it is a critical cytokine for NK cell development in vivo, causes human Large-Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia (LGLL), and having a unique mode of action, not just a soluble cytokine, but rather forms a complex with a membrane-bound component and presented to neighboring cells (the IL-15 transpresentation paradigm). He later conceptualized unique mutli-cytokine peptide inhibitors that block not only one cytokine, but a few members of a cytokine family (the common gamma family) by blocking their access to a common shared receptor component. To develop clinical application of these compounds, Dr. Tagaya co-founded a company (BIONIZ Inc.) which has completed a phase I/II clinical trial treating LGLL patients with promising results. Currently, his group at the USF studies HTLV-1, is developing immunotherapy for adult T-cell leukemia, a fatal CD4 T-cell leukemia caused by human T-cell leukemia virus 1(HTLV-1). His group also studies a special subset of CD8 T-cells that is critically involved in immune disorders including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). A new therapy for GvHD by targeting these subset of T-cells is emerging, too.
Olga Timofeeva, PhD
Associate Director, UCLA Immunogenetics Center
Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLAOlga Timofeeva, PhD
Associate Director, UCLA Immunogenetics Center
Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLADr. Olga Timofeeva is a board-certified Laboratory Director in Immunogenetics and a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She earned her PhD in Biochemistry in 2000 and was awarded a prestigious Government Scholarship from the Research Council of Norway. Her postdoctoral training included work at the National Cancer Institute, NIH, followed by a faculty appointment as Assistant Professor of Oncology at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2009.
In 2016, Dr. Timofeeva joined Temple University Health System as Associate Professor at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, where she also served as Director of Molecular Diagnostics and Immunogenetics Laboratories. She returned to Georgetown University as a Professor in 2019 before joining UCLA in 2024.
Dr. Timofeeva’s clinical and research expertise lies in immunogenetics and molecular diagnostics, with a strong focus on solid organ and hematopoietic cell transplantation. She is an active member of the transplant multidisciplinary research team at UCLA and serves on multiple committees within the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI). A dedicated educator, she is passionate about training healthcare professionals in immunology and histocompatibility.She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications. Her current research centers on HLA immunogenicity in allogeneic transplantation and the use of HLA antibody testing as a predictive tool for pre-transplant desensitization and the management of antibody-mediated rejection, with the goal of improving long-term transplant outcomes.
Lacey Williams, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Dept. of Medicine/Division of Hematology
University of North Carolina
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterLacey Williams, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Dept. of Medicine/Division of Hematology
University of North Carolina
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterDr. Lacey Williams is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She specializes in the care of patients with acute leukemias and myeloid malignancies, with interests in germline syndromes and improving outcomes for minority populations. She completed her residency and fellowship at Georgetown University.
SPONSOR
Interested in sponsoring the event? Email Nigel Russell by using the link below!
