Nirali N. Shah, a prominent Indian American pediatric oncologist, will lead the University of Maryland’s Pediatric/Adolescent and Young Adult Cell and Gene Therapy Program starting in September.
Nirali N. Shah, a distinguished Indian American pediatric oncologist, has been appointed to lead the Pediatric/Adolescent and Young Adult Cell and Gene Therapy Program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She will officially take on her new role as Professor and Director of the program in September.
In addition to her leadership position, Dr. Shah will also serve as the Associate Director for Translational Research at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) and will provide patient care at the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital (UMGCH), as announced by the university.
Dr. Shah is recognized for her expertise in blood cancers, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, phase I clinical trials, and personalized immunotherapy for children and young adults. Currently, she holds the position of Head of the Pediatric Oncology Branch within the Hematologic Malignancies Section and serves as a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Cancer Research.
Her recruitment to UMGCH follows a significant $50 million donation from philanthropist Tom Golisano, made in October 2025. This donation marks the largest philanthropic contribution in the history of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
“Dr. Shah’s recruitment is a powerful expression of our mission to save and improve the lives of children, in Maryland and well beyond,” stated UMGCH Director Steven J. Czinn. “Her renowned work in CAR T-cell therapy for children with treatment-resistant leukemia exemplifies how discovery and compassion come together to change outcomes for our most vulnerable patients.”
Dr. Shah’s commitment to developing targeted immunotherapies for complex, high-risk blood cancers in children, adolescents, and young adults underscores the vital connection between innovative research and patient-centered care.
She has played a key role in the development of CD22 CAR T-cells, which are engineered immune cells designed to target specific cancer cells. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of the efficacy and side effects of CAR T therapy in pediatric patients. Additionally, she is the Principal Investigator for multiple active clinical trials, which encompass treatment, data analysis, and retrospective studies.
Dr. Shah has authored over 150 peer-reviewed research papers, many of which have been published in prestigious journals such as *Nature Medicine*, *Blood*, and the *Journal of Clinical Oncology*. At the NCI, she has co-chaired the Myeloid Malignancies Program Steering Committee and has served as an adjunct investigator in the Immune Deficiency Cell Therapy Program.
Her innovative contributions to the field have earned her several accolades, including the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Outstanding New Investigator Award in 2026, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2025, and the Frank A. Oski Memorial Research Lectureship from the American Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in 2024.
Dr. Shah received her medical degree from the University of Illinois and holds a master’s degree in health science with a focus on clinical research from Duke University. She completed her residency in the Harvard Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, followed by a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology through the combined Johns Hopkins University-NCI program.
She is board certified in pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatrics, and internal medicine.
According to the university announcement, Dr. Shah’s leadership is expected to enhance the capabilities of the cell and gene therapy program, ultimately benefiting countless young patients facing challenging health conditions.