Melanoma Research Center
Driving the basic science that will stop the spread of melanoma.
The Wistar Institute oversees one of the most prestigious melanoma research programs in the country.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center have made huge strides in understanding the biology that underlies this disease, from basic genetics to the study of melanoma cell interaction with the microenvironment and new concepts that describe the stem cell-like abilities of melanoma to evade treatment. Wistar researchers also create new tools for melanoma research, including three-dimensional “artificial skin” that serves as a model for studying how living tumors behave, as well as a proving ground for new therapeutics.
The center serves as a hub that creates a framework of connections to bring together scientists, clinicians, the life sciences industry, and melanoma advocates to save lives through new and better therapies.
Leadership and Members
Meenhard Herlyn, D.V.M., D.Sc.
Director, The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center
Professor, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program
David Speicher, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Systems and Computational Biology
Program Co-Leader, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program
Scientific Director, Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility
Jessie Villanueva, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program
Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, The Wistar Institute Cancer Center
Member, The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center
Scientific Director, Animal Facility
Advisory Board
Maury Alsher
Sr. Vice President, HUB International PA, LLC
Sam Donaldson (Honorary Member)
ABC News Network
Joe Fazio
Robert D. Fox, Esq.
Managing Partner, Manko, Gold, Katcher and Fox LLP
Joseph A. Goldblum
President, G-II Equity Investments
Marcy Gringlas, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Kate O’Neill
President, Noreen O’Neill Foundation for Melanoma Research
Bryan Weingarten
Chief Executive Officer, WP Realty
Michael Widlitz, M.D.
Contact Us
For more information on The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center, please contact:
Jessica Kohn
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-495-6883
jkohn@wistar.org