Celebrating Excellence: Advancing Inclusion in Cancer Immunology

This Black History Month, we proudly honor the impact of Black scientists in cancer research and immunology. At the same time, we know that there still remains a large representation gap for African Americans in life sciences, including in the field of cancer immunology. As an organization committed to advancing life-saving immunotherapies, the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) recognizes that inclusion in science is not merely a moral imperative—it is a necessity for innovation and progress.

Cancer is not one disease—it is many. And the immune system, which plays a critical role in cancer treatment, is shaped by a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle. To develop therapies that work for everyone, we need researchers from every background contributing their expertise. Studies consistently show that diverse scientific teams drive greater innovation and uncover insights that might otherwise be missed. Different perspectives lead to new questions, fresh approaches, and ultimately, more effective treatments.

This Black History Month, we are excited to highlight some of the important work that is being done by CRI-funded and affiliated scientists in the field of immunology and immunotherapy.

Dr. Kunle Odunsi, a distinguished member of CRI’s Scientific Advisory Council, has made significant contributions to cancer immunotherapy, particularly in ovarian cancer. His research focuses on identifying tumor antigens and developing immunotherapeutic strategies, including vaccines and engineered T cells, to enhance the immune system’s ability to combat cancer. Notably, Dr. Odunsi’s work on the NY-ESO-1 antigen has led to innovative treatments that harness the body’s adaptive immune response. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, he was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2018.

Dr. Lloyd Bod, a CRI CLIP Investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, focuses his research on the role of B cells in cancer. His work aims to decipher the diverse phenotypic and functional states of B cells within the tumor microenvironment, particularly in colorectal cancer. By understanding how specific B cell subsets influence tumor progression, Dr. Bod seeks to identify novel therapeutic targets to enhance anti-tumor immunity. His research has significant implications for developing new strategies to treat colorectal and other solid cancers.

Dr. Jesse Boumelha, a CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, investigates the role of myeloid cells in regulating immune responses in colorectal cancer (CRC). His research focuses on how macrophages and dendritic cells influence cytotoxic T cell generation, with the goal of developing targeted therapies to enhance immune responses and overcome immunotherapy resistance. Previously, during his PhD at the Francis Crick Institute, he studied immune evasion in KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma, contributing to novel insights into immune checkpoint blockade responses. Now, under the mentorship of CRI Scientific Advisory Council member Dr. Miriam Merad, he employs next-generation immune profiling to uncover new therapeutic targets in CRC. Dr. Boumelha is supported by a CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship.

At CRI, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable field of cancer research. We believe that scientific excellence is achieved when all voices are heard, and all talent is nurtured. The fight against cancer demands the full spectrum of human ingenuity—and that means ensuring that brilliant minds from all backgrounds have the opportunity to lead the way.

This Black History Month, and every month, we reaffirm our dedication to advancing inclusion in cancer research. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive scientific community—one that drives innovation and saves lives.

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