UAB || Division of Human Gene Therapy

Erin Thacker, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow
Division of Human Gene Therapy
574 Biomedical Research Building II
901 19th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35294
Email: ethacker@uab.edu
Phone: (205) 975-2960
DHGT phone: (205)-934-8627
DHGT fax: (205) 975-7476
Mentor: David Curiel
Undergraduate Institution:
Louisiana State University
Entered DHGT: August 2006

Research Interests

My research focuses on the use of adenoviral vectors as therapeutic agents for the treatment of melanoma in canines. This currently includes optimizing the specific targeting of adenoviral vectors to dendritic cells for delivery of tumor antigens that will stimulate the immune system to attack the cancerous cells. Canines are an excellent model for studying the efficacy of therapeutic treatments for melanoma, as their immune system is similar to that of humans, and they also develop spontaneous melanoma.

About Erin

Before our handsome baby boy came along, my husband and I played Ultimate Frisbee, and enjoyed traveling and exploring the great outdoors with our dogs. We also had fun volunteering at wonderful organizations such as Girls Inc. and Pathways. Now we can't wait to do it all with our son!