Dr. Ann Marie Egloff

Lead Investigator and Assistant Professor in Academic Cancer Research

Dr. Ann Marie Egloff was born in Owosso, Michigan, where she grew up in a family that deeply valued education and community involvement. Her mother, a sixth-grade science teacher, and her father, a public school educator and administrator, influenced her to passionately pursue her academic and personal interests. Throughout her high school years at Swartz Creek High School, she excelled academically, particularly in math and science. Alongside her studies, she was active in sports, including varsity basketball, track and field, and diving on the swim team. Additionally, she participated in the student council, theater productions, and ballet with the Flint Institute of Music.

Dr. Egloff continued her education at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology. This degree laid the foundation for her career in biomedical research, particularly in cancer research and immunology, where she has made significant contributions.

The Start of a Research Career

Dr. Ann Marie Egloff began her professional career in biomedical research as a Research Assistant at Warner-Lambert Parke-Davis (now part of Pfizer) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While there, she worked on molecular cloning and the expression of therapeutic targets. She also contributed to evaluating small-molecule inhibitors used in cancer and metabolic disease departments. This experience solidified her passion for research and prompted her to pursue further education.

To deepen her knowledge, Dr. Egloff pursued a PhD in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research at Johns Hopkins focused on immunology and protein biochemistry. She completed her dissertation on immune cell signaling pathways and how they influence cellular responses, contributing to the growing cancer immunotherapy field. Her doctoral work laid the groundwork for her later research into cancer and immune system interactions.

A Shift Towards Cancer Research

After completing her PhD, Dr. Ann Marie Egloff transitioned to a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), where she studied cancer-causing gene mutations. Her research during this time earned her the prestigious NHGRI award for excellence in research. At NHGRI, she had the opportunity to witness the completion of the human genome sequence and engage in large-scale cancer genetic screening efforts, which highlighted the potential of genomics in transforming cancer treatments.

Driven to apply her research to real-world patient care, Dr. Egloff later enrolled in the NIH/NCI-sponsored Cancer Education and Career Development Program at the University of Pittsburgh. There, she earned a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology while continuing her postdoctoral work in translational cancer research. This program emphasized moving discoveries from the laboratory to clinical applications, particularly focusing on personalized cancer therapies tailored to individual genetic profiles.

Leading Innovation in Cancer Research

Her career progressed significantly when she joined the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine as a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology. She became a principal investigator, focusing on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and cancer therapeutic vulnerabilities. In this role, Dr. Egloff played a key role in early efforts to integrate genomic and proteomic data to guide personalized cancer treatments, significantly influencing personalized medicine's development. Her innovative work received significant recognition and was awarded substantial funding from major organizations, including the NIH.

Dr. Egloff also contributed to developing clinical biospecimen resources, enabling new levels of discovery through biomarker research and computational analysis. Her research has impacted cancer treatment strategies and inspired new cancer therapy approaches.

Boston and Beyond

In 2015, Dr. Egloff moved to Boston University, where she took on roles as a Research Associate Professor and Scientific Director in the Department of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. She worked on advancing translational research there, particularly in head and neck cancer. Her responsibilities included fostering mentorship, developing research infrastructure, and promoting collaboration between departments to maximize the impact of her research on patient care.

Dr. Egloff continues her research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She is also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Her ongoing research focuses on tumor immunology and precision medicine approaches to cancer immunotherapy. She leads several high-profile projects, collaborating with surgeons, physicians, and scientists to translate laboratory findings into viable clinical treatments.

A Passion for Teaching and Mentorship

Throughout her career, Dr. Egloff has been passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists. She has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers at institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh, Boston University, and Harvard Medical School. In addition to her mentoring, she has reviewed manuscripts for top scientific journals and served on grant study sections, contributing to the advancement of the scientific community.

Dr. Egloff's dedication to education and mentorship has helped launch successful careers in research and medicine for many young scientists.

Recognition and Professional Service

Her work has received numerous accolades, including the NHGRI Director's Award for Outstanding Service. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). These organizations have provided Dr. Egloff with opportunities to engage with the latest advancements in cancer research and contribute to shaping the future of the field.

A Life Rooted in Curiosity and Community

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Egloff is involved in her community in Somerville, Massachusetts. She helps organize a local community garden and volunteers for various charitable initiatives. She is also a trustee for her homeowners' association and supports multiple nonprofit organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and the National Park Foundation.

Dr. Egloff enjoys biking, gardening, reading, and playing the violin in her free time. These activities reflect her curiosity, creativity, and commitment to personal growth, which have also influenced her scientific career.

A Career That’s Personal

For Dr. Egloff, science is about making a real and lasting impact on the lives of others. She focuses on laying a strong foundation for future discoveries and improving patient outcomes through thoughtful, compassionate research. Her work in cancer immunology and head and neck cancers continues to break new ground, providing new hope for patients worldwide.

Dr. Ann Marie Egloff’s career reflects her dedication, thoughtfulness, and commitment to making a difference. Her contributions to cancer research have shaped the field and will continue to inspire future scientists.