Campus address: S228 Phar

Primary department: Pharmaceutics

Interdisciplinary program(s): Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program

Research description: Dr. Salem's research interests are primarily focused on self-assembling systems, the rational design of novel drug and gene delivery systems and on the development of vaccines that stimulate potent antigen-specific immune responses. Dr Salem's laboratory applies microfabrication techniques to develop novel drug and gene delivery devices and to optimize control over polymer-cell interactions. The group is currently exploring the synergistic application of polymer particle technology, CpG oligonucleotides, adenoviruses and heat shock protein therapy for generating sustained stronger immune responses against tumors.

Laboratory website: http://salem.lab.uiowa.edu/

Dr. Salem's role as Head of the Division of Pharmaceutics and Translation Therapeutics and his leadership of the Cancer Signaling and Experimental Therapeutics program in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the fact that drug delivery technology has been declared a priority focus of the University of Iowa, assure that mentees under Dr. Salem’s advisement will have access to a wide range of expanding resources.