Dr. Smita Nair

Professor

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Biography

Smita K Nair is a seasoned T cell immunologist with over 22 years of experience in the field of cancer vaccines and immunotherapy. She holds professorships in Surgery, Pathology, and Neurosurgery at Duke University and is a member of the Duke Cancer Institute. Nair's research focuses on innovative approaches to cancer treatment, including dendritic cell vaccines utilizing tumor-antigen encoding RNA, local immune receptor modulation, and combination therapies that integrate cytotoxic treatments with dendritic cell-based vaccines and immune checkpoint blockade. Furthermore, her work includes adoptive T cell therapy using chimeric antigen receptors and direct injections of tumor antigen encoding RNA, utilizing advanced techniques such as nanoparticles and aptamers. Throughout her career, she has been awarded numerous research grants, aiming to explore the immune responses in cancer therapy and improve therapeutic strategies against cancer metastasis. Nair has an extensive publication record that reflects her contributions to the understanding of immune dynamics in cancer and the development of targeted immunotherapeutic approaches.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2018-01-01 — Present

Duke University • Durham, NC

Leading research and clinical initiatives in immunology and cancer therapy.

Associate Professor

2012-01-01 — 2018-01-01

Duke University • Durham, NC

Focused on cancer immunotherapy techniques and program development.

Assistant Professor

2008-01-01 — 2012-01-01

Duke University • Durham, NC

Conducted research on T cell biology and therapeutic applications.

Assistant Research Professor

2005-01-01 — 2008-01-01

Duke University • Durham, NC

Contributed to experimental surgical research and immunology.

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
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  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)