My research focuses on developing new immunotherapies that use a patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. I am especially interested in T cells, a type of white blood cell that can be trained or engineered to find cancer with great precision. Over my career, I have worked to understand how T cells recognize abnormal cells and how we can redesign these responses to create safer, more effective cancer treatments. At Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, my team develops next-generation cellular immunotherapies, including engineered T cells (TCR-T and CAR-T cells) and bispecific T-cell engagers. We have created several technologies now used internationally, such as tools to identify the best T-cell receptors for therapy and a new signaling system (called JAK–STAT CARs) that can improve T-cell function. These innovations have led to multiple patents, partnerships with biotechnology companies, and new clinical trials. Our group launched Canada’s first T-cell receptor gene therapy program and helped initiate the first-in-human clinical trial of a JAK–STAT CAR-T therapy at Princess Margaret. This trial demonstrated a promising safety profile and early signs of antitumor activity, showing that discoveries made in our laboratory can translate into meaningful treatments for patients. Training the next generation of immunotherapy researchers is also a central part of my work. I have mentored more than 40 trainees, many of whom now lead research programs or clinical services in Canada and internationally. Through leadership roles at Princess Margaret, the Centre for Immunology to Immunotherapy, and the University of Toronto, I work to build collaborative environments that accelerate discovery and bring new therapies to patients faster. Ultimately, my goal is to create immune-based treatments that work for all patients, regardless of genetic background. By overcoming barriers such as HLA polymorphism and developing universal T-cell therapies, I aim to expand access to life-changing immunotherapies for individuals with cancers that currently have limited treatment options.