OUR TEAM

We are an interdisciplinary group of scientists working to develop next-generation immunotherapies for solid tumors through cellular engineering, tumor microenvironment research, and translational cancer immunology.

Meet the PI

Stefanie R. Bailey, PhD

Dr. Stefanie Bailey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Virginia studying next-generation immunotherapies for solid tumors. She received her PhD from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her postdoctoral training in cancer immunology and cellular therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Her research focuses on engineering CAR-T cells capable of overcoming the immunologic, metabolic, and stromal barriers that limit treatment efficacy in solid tumors. The Bailey Lab integrates cellular engineering, tumor microenvironment biology, focused ultrasound, and systems immunology to develop programmable therapies for pediatric and adult cancers.

Dr. Bailey is passionate about mentorship, interdisciplinary collaborations, and training the next generation of translational cancer immunologists. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Meet the Team

  • Joe Bailey - honorary lab member

    While not technically employed by the Bailey lab, the lab would not exist without Joe’s support for Stefanie and their boys. He is the best human being and the lab’s biggest fan.

  • Morgan Dixon - Undergrad Researcher

    Morgan is leading a project on novel antigen-targeting in AML and solid tumors. In her free time, Morgan enjoys reading, visiting museums, and being with friends.

  • Steve Feins, MS - PhD Student

    Steve is exploring how cytokine signaling shapes CAR-T metabolism in neuroblastoma. Outside the lab, he enjoys working out, reading, dancing, and exploring with friends.

  • Megana Kumar - Undergrad Researcher

    Megana is working to improve CAR-T efficacy for pediatric patients. Outside the lab, Megana loves reading, drawing, writing stories, biking, going on walks, & crafting.

  • Alexa Kuyvenhoven - PhD Student

    Alexa is using ECM modulation and programmable therapies to improve CAR-T cells in TNBC. In her free time, she loves to hike, chat with friends at run club, and be with her cat, Krispie.

  • Sandra Makar - PhD Student

    Sandra is designing CAR-T cells to stimulate endogenous immunity in neuroblastoma. Outside the lab, she enjoys baking, going to the gym, dancing, and spending time in nature.

  • Selin Ustel - Research Technician 2

    Selin is using miRNA to improve CAR-T in rhabdomyosarcoma. Outside the lab, she likes cooking, crafting, playing tennis, and spending time with friends, family, and her rabbit, Harmony.

  • Mya Vader - Lab Specialist

    Mya is working to improve CAR-T metabolism in pancreatic cancer. Outside the lab, she enjoys cooking, being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband and their dog.