The Best of the AACR Journals Collection: Author Profiles

Saba Ghassemi

Title & Affiliation:
Research Associate, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Most-cited Article:
Reducing Ex Vivo Culture Improves the Antileukemic Activity of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cells

Q: What is your primary area of study/research?
A: CAR T-cell immunotherapy.

Q: What influenced your decision to embark on a research career?
A: I knew from an early age that I wanted to be in research. I grew up in a family where education was highly emphasized. I was very lucky that my parents highly encouraged me to continue my studies after my undergraduate degree.

Q; What excites you most about your research area?
A: I really like the immediate translational impact of my work. I have seen the other side of the coin where we uncovered how cellular molecular motors sense mechanical properties of their environment at the nano-scale. I now focus on bigger questions with important clinical benefit. With these studies, one can easily see the impact of our advances in patients.

Q: What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?
A: I really enjoy the chance to travel and experience other cultures. I also enjoy attending opera any chance I get or going for a long bike ride. I have always had a flair for gardening; planting new flowers and struggling to keep them blooming! It can be equally challenging and enjoyable. Nowadays, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and showing the wonderful aspects of nature to our baby son.