What is your hometown?

Columbus, Georgia

When did you join the UI faculty?

1997

How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?

I’ve been Interested in science since high school. I studied primarily a science curriculum

What interested you to pursue a career in medicine?

Over time I saw much suffering by individuals with cancer and I wanted to help by better understanding the disease and by developing new treatments.

Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shape your career?

Several mentors influenced me in different ways. One helped me see the beauty and excitement of science, one helped me understand how to be a good scientist, and a third helped me see the fruit of dedication, hard work, and productivity.

How or why did you choose the UI?

I was influenced by the wonderful reputation of the institution and by my respect for faculty in my department.

What kinds of professional opportunities or advantages does being a faculty member at Iowa provide? What about challenges?

Iowa is recognized for its scientific excellence. As a faculty member, this provides opportunity because recognition of excellence helps in many ways. Iowa also has great institutional support, which provides necessary infrastructure for success. Thirdly, the culture of collaboration at Iowa contributes to rapid progress.

Please describe your professional interests.

I focus on the development of new treatments for prostate and bladder cancer through activation of the immune system (immunotherapy). I use gene transfer to activate the immune system in a way that enhances its ability to attack cancer cells. I also study the mechanisms by which cancer cells escape detection by the immune response.

What are some of your outside interests?

I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the Rockies, canoeing, ocean kayaking. I also enjoy reading, collecting wine, and cooking.

Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?

I have a simple goal and that is to improve our understanding of cancer and its treatment.

If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?

I would like to see more uniform funding for research. Currently, funding is very cyclic.

What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?

The molecular revolution. Immunology has moved from a descriptive science to a quantitative science because of our understanding and use of molecular tools.

What one piece of advice you would give to today's students?

Pursue your passion and take advantage of each opportunity.

What do you see as "the future" of medicine?

Medicine’s future lies in helping people. It always has and always will.