Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center established the Translational Science and Therapeutics (TST) Division in 2023 to combine laboratory-based research groups that work in areas related to hematopoiesis, immunology, hematopoietic cell transplantation, immunotherapy and gene therapy. The TST Division works to advance our understanding in these research areas and to develop next generation therapies for patients with hematologic malignancies and disorders, solid tumors and infectious diseases.
Our Leadership
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Director, Geoff Hill, MD, FRACP, FRCPA
Dr. Geoff Hill is the Senior Vice President of the Translational Science and Therapeutics (TST) Division at Fred Hutch. He is also the holder of the Leonard and Norma Klorfine Endowed Chair for Clinical Research, and Director of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation at Fred Hutch, as well as a Professor of Medicine in the Divison of Medical Oncology at the University of Washington. He is the past scientific director of the Fred Hutch Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, or IIRC, and a past holder of the José Carreras/E. Donnall Thomas Endowed Chair for Cancer Research.
Dr. Hill brings a distinct suite of skills and experience to the role of division director. He is world-renowned as both a transplant physician and a translational scientist, and his laboratory insights have led to the development of multiple new drugs that are improving outcomes for patients like the ones he sees as a physician at Fred Hutch. Since becoming IIRC director in 2020, Dr. Hill has worked to strengthen the connectivity between clinical and basic research in transplantation, immunotherapy and gene therapy, making him an ideal choice to lead a new division focusing on these areas.
Deputy Director, Hans-Peter Kiem, MD, PhD
Dr. Hans-Peter Kiem is a professor at Fred Hutch and University of Washington, and the director of the Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program. He holds the Stephanus Family Endowed Chair for Cell and Gene Therapy at Fred Hutch. Dr. Kiem is the current president of the American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy and a pioneer in the development and translation of new gene therapy and gene editing approaches for genetic disorders, cancer and infectious diseases.
Deputy Director, Brenda Sandmaier, MD
Dr. Brenda Sandmaier is a professor at Fred Hutch and University of Washington. She is the current president of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Dr. Sandmaier’s research has focused on extending the benefits of transplant immunotherapy to a broader range of patients, including by developing less-toxic conditioning regimens and pioneering novel radioimmunotherapeutic approaches for treating patients with malignant and non-malignant blood disorders.
Dan Meenach, Associate Vice President
Dan Meenach helped launch the Translational Science and Therapeutics Division and oversees the administrative teams that ensure optimal support for faculty and cutting-edge programs. Dan has served in many roles since joining Fred Hutch in 2009, and is a valued colleague for his exceptional administrative and collaborative skills, and his deep dedication to the Hutch.