Scott Chinn
M2-P2
Professional Background
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and graduated from UCLA in 2021 with a degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. As an undergraduate, I completed my honors thesis under Dr. Maureen Su where I studied the epigenetic regulation of T cell and NK cell function at homeostasis, viral infection, and autoimmunity through basic science and computational methods with a focus on next generation sequencing applications. Following graduation, I joined Dr. Anusha Kalbasi’s lab as a research associate in the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology to develop novel treatment modalities for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma involving a combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy to reprogram the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.
My research interest lies in the multifaceted role of the immune system and the complex signals and stimuli that dictate an effective, sustained response to cancer and other diseases. I want to develop methods, through cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic approaches, to tune these signals to train immune cells to become strong effectors while minimizing off-target toxicities. Outside of the lab, I enjoy attending live music concerts, videography, and exploring new cities to find the best viewpoints. I’m looking forward to discovering new sweet spots in Kansas City!