Cancer immunologist Chrystal Paulos, PhD
Emory cancer immunologist Chrystal Paulos, PhD, has been named co-leader of the Cancer Immunology (CI) Research Program at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Paulos will work alongside current co-leader, Rafi Ahmed, PhD, and succeeds Madhav Dhodapkar, MBBS, in this role.
The CI Program integrates and strengthens Winship’s immuno-oncology efforts by bringing together basic, clinical and translational research in cancer immunology. As co-leader, Paulos will work with Ahmed to oversee the CI Program’s continued growth and efforts to enhance the scientific impact of Winship’s research on communities across Georgia and beyond. She will play a key role in strategic development, membership activities, pilot funding, research opportunities and other initiatives aligned with Winship’s mission and strategic plan and in support of the program’s goals.
“As a researcher, Dr. Paulos’ discoveries have elevated the field of cancer immunology. As a collaborator and mentor, she elevates those around her to reach their highest potential,” says Winship Executive Director Suresh Ramalingam, MD, FACP, FASCO. “She will be a dynamic co-leader for the CI Program, and we’re thrilled that she’s joined the leadership team.”
Paulos joined the Emory faculty in 2020. She is an associate professor in the Department of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, with a joint appointment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. She holds the David H. Lawson Professorship in Cancer Research and serves as director of translational research for cutaneous malignancies at Winship.
Combining basic and translational science approaches, Paulos’ research seeks to develop and improve the quality of T cell-based immunotherapies for patients with cancer. Her lab has contributed significant insight into the various roles of how to mount T cell memory responses to tumors, translating the most promising findings into clinical trials. She holds professional memberships with the American Association of Immunologists, International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) where she is currently serving a three-year term as a SITC at-large director.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to serve as co-leader with Dr. Ahmed and to collaborate with our program’s innovative and passionate members,” says Paulos. “The CI Program remains focused on fostering a thriving research environment and accelerating advances that will have a meaningful impact for people with cancer.”