Sacha Robert earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Rennes 1, France, and a PhD in Biology in 2016. After completing his doctoral training, he pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota and joined the laboratory of Julia Davydova in 2020. He currently serves as a Researcher 5 in the Department of Surgery.
His research focuses on the development of novel cancer immunotherapies based on oncolytic adenoviruses for the treatment of therapy-resistant breast cancer. By integrating molecular biology, virology, and preclinical animal models, he investigates how tumor-selective viruses can be engineered to both eliminate cancer cells and stimulate antitumor immune responses. His work is particularly focused on overcoming therapeutic resistance and improving treatment options for patients with metastatic breast cancer through translational research approaches.
Outside of the laboratory, Sacha enjoys spending time with his family, collecting trading cards, watching movies, and exploring nature, with a particular interest in wildlife and animal behavior.
Personal Statement
I am passionate about developing innovative therapies that can improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. My research focuses on harnessing the unique properties of oncolytic adenoviruses, tumor-selective viruses capable of both destroying cancer cells and stimulating antitumor immunity, to create more effective treatment strategies for breast cancer.
What motivates me most is the opportunity to bridge fundamental biological discoveries and clinical application. By combining virology, cancer biology, and immunology, I aim to better understand how engineered viruses interact with tumors and the immune system, and how these interactions can be leveraged to overcome therapeutic resistance and metastatic disease. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the development of safer and more effective immunotherapies that can advance from the laboratory to the clinic and make a meaningful difference for patients.
