Training Program in Brain Tumor Biology

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health
• T32NS121721

The Training Program in Brain Tumor Biology at UAB is an interdisciplinary predoctoral training program designed to prepare PhD and MD/PhD students for careers in basic and translational brain tumor research, with a focus on improving the understanding and treatment of brain tumors. Leveraging the expertise of faculty mentors across 11 departments, the program provides comprehensive training in areas such as tumor biology, therapeutic resistance, immunotherapy, imaging, and drug development through specialized coursework, hands-on research, and experiential learning opportunities. Its goal is to develop the next generation of scientists capable of advancing innovative therapies and improving outcomes for patients with brain tumors.

This program supports 3 predoctoral trainees each year and 1 institutional support.

Leadership

Current Trainees

07/01/2026 – 06/30/2027

Beierle, Andee (Institutional Support)
Mentor: Christopher Willey, M.D., Ph.D.
Title of Project: Preclinical Assessment of Tumor Treating Fields as a Therapeutic Strategy for Pediatric High-Grade Glioma: Subtype-Specific Efficacy and Combinatorial Treatment in H3K27-Altered Diffuse Midline Glioma

Hashemi, Melika
Mentor: Andrea Comba, Ph.D.
Title of Project: Investigating the Role of Collagen I in Modulating Astrocyte Reactivity Within the Glioblastoma Microenvironment

Iwaloye, Opeyemi
Mentor: Satoru Osuka
Title of Project: Tumor-Collagen Binding IL-12 Immunotherapy for Recurrent Glioblastoma Following Irradiation Therapy

Lee, Benjamin (Benji)
Mentor: Anna Sorace, Ph.D.
Title of Project: Immune PET imaging to evaluate the effects of radiation and immune checkpoint blockade on IL-12-expressing oncolytic virotherapy for high-grade glioma

Past Trainees