Lab Members

Dalia Haydar, PharmD, PhD

Research Faculty
Principal Investigator, Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapies (CETI)

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Dalia Haydar, PharmD, PhD

Research Centers

Center for Cancer & Immunology Research

Lab

D. Haydar Lab

Research Areas

Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy
Neuro Oncology
Tumor Immunology

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Kaleem Coleman, MS

Research Technician

Kaleem Coleman, MS

Research Centers

Center for Cancer & Immunology Research

Lab

D. Haydar Lab

Biography

Kaleem Coleman, MS, is a research technician I in Dalia Haydar, PharmD, PhD's, lab at the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at Children’s National Hospital. Kaleem completed his master’s degree under Dr. Haydar’s mentorship and remained in the lab as a research technician. He currently manages the lab’s surgical core and plays a central role in all in vivo studies. His research focuses on reprogramming the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pediatric brain tumors by expressing microRNAs on CAR T cells. Kaleem also oversees in vivo supplies, coordinates and conducts in vivo experiments and provides hands-on training to new lab members. In addition to his technical contributions, he mentors junior trainees in the fundamentals of the Haydar Lab’s research workflow. Outside the lab, Kaleem enjoys swimming, playing guitar, video games and listening to music.

Lynne El Ghorayeb, PharmD

Staff Scientist

Lynne El Ghorayeb, PharmD

Research Centers

Center for Cancer & Immunology Research

Lab

D. Haydar Lab

Biography

Lynne El Ghorayeb, PharmD, is a staff scientist in Dalia Haydar, PharmD, PhD’s, lab at the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at Children’s National Hospital. Her research focuses on the translational arm of the DNMTi project, investigating epigenetic modulation to enhance CAR T cell therapies for pediatric brain tumors. Lynne’s work involves evaluating antitumor activity in human tumor models and optimizing CAR T cell manufacturing, durability and efficacy. In addition to her scientific contributions, Lynne plays a central role in managing lab operations, including ordering, inventory and day-to-day logistics. Outside the lab, she enjoys staying active through sports and spending quality time with friends.

Abigail Haffey

Graduate Research Assistant

Abigail Haffey

Research Centers

Center for Cancer & Immunology Research

Lab

D. Haydar Lab

Biography

Abigail Haffey is a graduate research assistant in Dalia Haydar, PharmD, PhD’s, lab at the Center for Cancer and Immunotherapy Research at Children’s National Hospital, in collaboration with George Washington University’s Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program. As a PhD student, Abigail’s research focuses on improving CAR T cell therapy for pediatric brain tumors through dual-targeting adoptive immunotherapy strategies aimed at enhancing CAR T cell persistence and modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Her commitment to pediatric cancer immunology began during her undergraduate research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH. Outside the lab, Abigail enjoys caring for her many houseplants and cuddling with her cat, Terra.

Khatereh Khorsandi, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Khatereh Khorsandi, PhD

Research Centers

Center for Cancer & Immunology Research

Lab

D. Haydar Lab

Biography

Khatereh Khorsandi, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at Children’s National Hospital. Her research focuses on developing CAR T cell therapy for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a highly aggressive pediatric brain tumor. She holds a PhD in biochemistry and brings deep expertise in photodynamic therapy, nanomedicine and cancer biology. Prior to joining the Haydar Lab, she studied immune responses in skin biology at George Washington University, enhancing her knowledge in cell therapy and inflammation. Outside of research, Khatereh enjoys painting, staying active through workouts and leading a healthy, creative lifestyle.

Serge Yaacoub, MD

Postdoctoral Fellow

Serge Yaacoub, MD

Research Centers

Center for Cancer & Immunology Research

Lab

D. Haydar Lab

Biography

Serge Yaacoub, MD, is a physician-scientist focused on advancing immunotherapeutic strategies in neuro-oncology at the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at Children’s National Hospital. His research aims to refine CAR T cell therapies for high-risk medulloblastoma by integrating pharmacologic and radiologic innovations. Outside the lab, Serge is passionate about the humanities—drawing inspiration from medical narratives, global literature and international cinema. He is a dedicated human rights advocate, a lifelong Chelsea FC fan, an animal welfare supporter and a devoted dog lover.

Zhongzhen Yi, PhD

Senior Scientist
Lab Manager

Zhongzhen Yi, PhD

Research Centers

Center for Cancer & Immunology Research

Lab

D. Haydar Lab

Biography

Zhongzhen Yi, PhD, is a senior scientist and lab manager in Dalia Haydar, PharmD, PhD’s, lab at the Center for Cancer and Immunotherapy Research at Children’s National Hospital. His research focuses on enhancing CAR T cell therapy for pediatric brain tumors by using DNMT inhibitor (DNMTi) pre-treatment to boost the anti-glioma activity of B7-H3 CAR T cells. This approach aims to regulate CAR T cell activation and memory differentiation during the early stages of manufacturing. Zhongzhen also leads efforts to engineer tumor and producer cell lines for the lab. As lab manager, he oversees new member training, daily lab operations, troubleshooting and organization. In his free time, Zhongzhen enjoys running, hiking, practicing yoga, listening to classical music and tending to plants.

Elton VanNoy

Graduate Research Assistant

Elton VanNoy

Research Centers

Center for Cancer & Immunology Research

Lab

D. Haydar Lab

Biography

Elton VanNoy is a graduate research assistant at the Center for Cancer and Immunotherapy Research at Children’s National Hospital, working in partnership with George Washington University’s Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program. She is currently pursuing a PhD in pharmacology and physiology, with a research focus on pharmacological modulation of cellular immunotherapies. Her work aims to enhance the efficacy and durability of CAR T cell therapy through targeted chemical and epigenetic strategies. Elton’s broader scientific interests lie at the interface of chemical biology, drug development and translational immunotherapy for high-risk and treatment-resistant diseases. Outside the lab, she enjoys running along the National Mall and immersing herself in sci-fi novels.

Our Team

Dalia Haydar, PharmD, PhD

Kaleem Coleman, MS

Lynne El Ghorayeb, PharmD

Abigail Haffey

Khatereh Khorsandi, PhD

Serge Yaacoub, MD

Zhongzhen Yi, PhD

Elton VanNoy

Research Trainees

Former Lab Members