Understanding Immune Hubs to Improve Immunotherapy
learn more
Our Research
Our lab studies the cellular interactions that shape immune responses in human tumors, focusing on how these responses are regulated. Using a combination of large-scale genomic analyses and tissue imaging approaches, we have identified hubs in tumor tissues where tumor cells come into close contact with immune cells. By characterizing the cells in these hubs, and the gene networks that are turned on in these cells, our lab aims to uncover novel ways to harness the immune system in the fight against cancer.
Our Partners
.png)
Our People
We are a brand new lab located at the Gladstone Institutes in sunny Mission Bay looking for passionate students and postdoctoral fellows to join us in our mission to decode the cellular interaction networks that shape immune responses in human tumors. We are excited to grow into a cross-disciplinary, collaborative and diverse lab that includes clinicians, immunologists, geneticists, cancer researchers, and computational biologists.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.png)
.jpg)
.webp)
Recent Lab News
Although August was a bit slower than most other months, things quickly picked back up before we knew it. Amelia, our newest RA, joined the lab, and we couldn’t be happier! Welcome, Amelia!
Amidst our day-to-day tasks, endless grant proposals, and several GUIGI meetings, the lab also made time for a crucial business meeting — a Spark Social Happy Hour! I guess we can call this a productive month, after all 🥂
We welcomed September with extremely exciting news — Anna was awarded an SITC Merck Clinical Fellowship, and Alisa became a Parker Scholar! Now, that's what we call two successful Pelka peas in a pod 🫛✨ Congrats to both! Additionally, we welcomed Mina, our rotation student, to our lab — happy to have you here, Mina!
Our very impressive lab members aside, Karin was off doing what she does best — keeping herself busy, obviously! She attended the Fall PICI Retreat, presented at the Stanford Spatial Profiling Workshop, served as an ImmunoX and GUIGI seminar speaker host, worked on grants, and more… are we surprised 🥱 🙌
October started off strong with an off-site Pelka Lab Retreat to Bodega Bay! Check out some of our pictures in our ‘Events’ tab 😉 I think it’s safe to say that the lab knows how to work hard and have a good time!
We also want to applaud Anna for speaking at the CRISPR Cures for Cancer Initiative and wowing us with her presentation (as expected)! As fall has kicked into full gear, the lab is preparing for another packed season of busy experiments, conferences, and more. Stay tuned for what’s ahead 🍂
