Tiffany King Peoples, Ph.D.
Biography
With nearly 20 years of biomedical research experience, a PhD in cell and developmental biology from Rutgers University, and extensive postdoctoral training in immuno-oncology from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Tiffany King Peoples brings a strong background in mastery of biological concepts. Co-mentored by renowned leaders in the field, her postdoc focused on developing CAR T cell therapies for solid tumors.
Tiffany’s expertise spans pre-clinical studies, translational research, and the strategic application of novel cellular therapies, combining deep scientific knowledge with hands-on technical proficiency. During her time as a Field Application Scientist at MaxCyte, Inc., she supported both commercial biotechnology companies and academic clients in enhancing gene-edited cellular products and biomolecule manufacturing.
Throughout her career, Dr. King Peoples has shown a commitment to cross-functional collaboration, strategic thinking, and mentorship. She has led initiatives to foster diversity and professional development within the postdoctoral community, served on numerous advisory and leadership committees, and contributed to publications, patent inventions, and presentations in cutting-edge cellular therapies.
Spelman students deserve educators who are dedicated to excellence in teaching, and who are leaders in their field. Dr. King Peoples is particularly drawn to the Lecturer role because she sat in those same seats 17 years ago as a biology major.
As a proud Spelman College graduate, she knows what it means to uphold the legacy and rigor that has afforded Spelman the #1 ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities for 19 consecutive years – and counting!
Learn More about Tiffany King Peoples
Classes Taught
- BIO 489 Biological Chemistry
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA – PERELMAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE 2017 - 2022
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Cancer Immunotherapy (Center for Cellular Immunotherapies)
Research Mentors: Avery D. Posey, Jr., Ph.D. and Carl June, M.D.
Philadelphia, PA
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY – ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON MEDICAL SCHOOL 2009 - 2015
Doctor of Philosophy, Cell and Developmental Biology
Thesis Title: “The Identification of Genetically Distinct Pioneer Cells in Drosophila Dorsal Vessel Formation, and the Role of Enabled During Cardiac Fusion;” Thesis Advisor: Sunita G. Kramer, Ph.D.
New Brunswick, NJ
SPELMAN COLLEGE 2005 - 2009
Bachelor of Science
Atlanta, GA
Publications
King-Peoples, T.R., Keane, J.T., Lewis, H.S., Liu, F., Dagher, O., Paravathaneni, K., Gardner, B., Ahmed, A., Furth, E., Lal, P., Posey, A.D. (Under Review) CAR T Cells Targeting O-Glycosylated Fibronectin Exhibit Potent Cytolytic Activity to Synergize with Tumoral Toll-Like Receptor Agonism to Overcome Tumor Resistance. Cancer Immunology Research
Liu, F., Kean, J.T., Lewis, H.S., King-Peoples, T.R., June, C.H., Posey, A.D. (2026) CD2 costimulaiton bridges potent CAR-induced cytolysis and durable persistence. J Immunother Cancer. 14(1): e013208. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2025-013208. PMID: 41571300; PMCID: PMC12829372.
Sumen, C., King Peoples, T. (2023) Embracing Diversity to Advance Science and Clinical Care. Technology Networks Cell Science. https://www.technologynetworks.com/cell-science/articles/embracing-diversity-to-advance-science-and-clinical-care-370760.
King-Peoples, T.R. and Posey, A. D., Jr. (2021) Splitting signals drives CARs further. Nat Cancer. 2, 873–875.
doi:10.1038/s43018-021-00257-x