Meet the Team

  • Stefanie Bailey, PhD - PI

    Dr. Bailey is a classically trained Immunologist who fell in love with cell therapy during her training at the Medical University of South Carolina and Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital. As a CAR-T enthusiast and new PI, she is excited to leverage this training to improve cell therapies for patients with solid tumors. When she’s not nerding out over data in the lab, Stefanie enjoys reading, working out, being outside and spending time with her husband and two sons.

  • Joe Bailey, BA - honorary lab member

    Joe graduated from Texas A&M University (Gig ‘em, Aggies!) with a degree in Communications and now works as a technical recruiter in the online education realm. He’s also a T-ball coach, dad of the year and husband extraordinaire. Joe isn’t technically employed by the Bailey lab, but the lab would not exist without his support for Stefanie and their boys. He is the best human being and the lab’s biggest fan.

  • Morgan Dixon - Undergraduate Researcher

    Morgan is a second-year Biology student at the University of Virginia. She is eager to begin her career in research as part of the Bailey team. She is passionate about hematological cancer research and finding strategies to improve treatment efficacy for patients. In her free time, Morgan enjoys reading, visiting museums, and spending time with friends.

  • Steve Feins, MS - Graduate Student

    Steve graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and Master’s in Medical Sciences. During this period, he developed a deep passion for cell therapy research and began investigating predictive attributes of CAR T cell therapy response in the clinic for hematological malignancies at Celgene/BMS, but is now interested in combatting the challenges posed by solid tumors. Outside of work and student life, he enjoys working out, reading, dancing, and exploring Virginia with his friends.

  • Megana Kumar - Undergraduate Researcher

    Megana is a first-year student at the University of Virginia, intending to major in global public health. She is deeply interested in improving CAR-T therapy efficacy for pediatric patients and is excited to join the team at the Bailey Lab. Outside of the lab, she loves reading, drawing, writing stories, biking, going on walks, and crafting.

  • Maeve Laurie - Undergraduate Researcher

    Maeve is a dedicated undergraduate researcher in the lab and a third-year Biology student at the University of Virginia. She is deeply passionate about advancing pediatric cancer research and closing the gap in treatment options for young patients. Outside the lab, Maeve enjoys exploring the outdoors on long walks, practicing Pilates, and discovering new restaurants with friends.

  • Selin Ustel, BS - Research Technician 2

    Selin has a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology along with a Minor in Bioethics from The Ohio State University. She is passionate about children and the field of research, especially immunology with T cells, which she has been working on for a few years. When she is not in the lab, she enjoys making new recipes, crafting, and playing tennis, along with spending time outside with friends and family and hanging out with her rabbit Harmony.

  • Mya Vader, BS - Lab Specialist

    Mya graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Biochemistry. She has a deep passion for science, and a goal to make a positive impact on patient care and medical advancements. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and trying new foods, being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband and their dog.