Surgery Research Laboratories
The Department of Surgery is home to a group of innovative research labs working to improve how we understand, treat and prevent disease. Our teams focus on turning scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that benefit patients—especially in cancer care.
By bringing together surgeons, scientists and trainees, our labs create an environment where new ideas move quickly from the lab to the clinic. We are also committed to training the next generation of researchers and clinicians.
Our Research Labs
Dudeja-Iyer Lab
Focused on some of the most challenging cancers, including pancreatic cancer, this team studies how tumors interact with the body’s immune system and surrounding tissue. Their work aims to uncover new treatments that help the body better recognize and fight cancer.
Guyer Lab
This lab studies how developing nerve cells can give rise to pediatric cancers such as neuroblastoma. By uncovering the biological pathways that drive tumor formation, researchers are working to identify new treatments and improve outcomes for children with cancer.
Howe Lab
With a focus on inherited and rare tumors, this team works to understand cancer risk and improve early detection. Their research helps patients and families make more informed decisions about prevention and care.
Kenny Lab
This group examines how cancer cells grow, spread and become resistant to treatment. By understanding what helps cancer survive, their research is helping identify new ways to make therapies more effective.
Weigel Lab
Centering on personalized cancer care, researchers in this lab study differences between tumors to better match each patient with the treatments most likely to work—improving outcomes while reducing unnecessary therapies.