James Han - Immunology

James HanMSc Candidate
Country of Origin
: Seoul, South Korea
Country of Residence: Mississauga, ON
Pre-MSc/PhD Education: McMaster University (B. Sc. - Integrated Science Program)

Recent Research Experience:
2014 – 2015 T Cell Activation Research, PI: Dr. P. Ohashi, University of Toronto, University Health Network

2013 – 2014 Macrophage Scavenger Receptor Research, PI: Dr. D. Bowdish, McMaster Immunology Research Centre

2012 – 2013 Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, PI: Dr. K. Ask, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health

Current Research:
Our lab studies cellular and physiological mechanisms that maintain immune tolerance or promote T cell activation, more specifically in the context of tumour immunity. Along with clinical trials in the adoptive transfer of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, we are currently exploring strategies to boost the anti-tumour immunity. One of my current projects involves understanding how T cells confer resistance against regulatory T cell-mediated suppression to further elicit more robust anti-tumour immune response.

Why Faculty of Medicine?
University of Toronto is an internationally recognized academic institution, recognized for producing talented graduate students and high-quality research. Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto offers a diverse range of research opportunities and is renowned for “bench-to-bedside” research program, which plays an integral role in shaping the future of Canadian healthcare. I came to University of Toronto to experience world-class research in cancer immunology. I aspire to become a clinician-scientist in the field of medical oncology, while establishing collaborative platforms with pharmaceutical industries.

Future Education Plans and/or Career Goals:
I aspire to pursue oncology in both healthcare and research settings. It is my hope to complete my M.Sc. or Ph.D. in my current lab, obtain professional degree, and establish my own research direction. With sincere passion in business and entrepreneurship, I also aim to establish small biotech firm or emerge myself into large pharmaceutical industries.

Contact Ambassador James Han