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Driving the basic science that will stop the spread of melanoma.

The Wistar Institute oversees one of the most prestigious melanoma research programs in the country.

Scientists at The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center have made huge strides in understanding the biology that underlies this disease, from basic genetics to the study of melanoma cell interaction with the microenvironment and new concepts that describe the stem cell-like abilities of melanoma to evade treatment. Wistar researchers also create new tools for melanoma research, including three-dimensional “artificial skin” that serves as a model for studying how living tumors behave, as well as a proving ground for new therapeutics.

The center serves as a hub that creates a framework of connections to bring together scientists, clinicians, the life sciences industry, and melanoma advocates to save lives through new and better therapies.


Leadership and Members

Meenhard Herlyn, D.V.M., D.Sc.

  • Director, The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center
  • Professor, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program

Jessie Villanueva, Ph.D.

  • Associate Professor, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program
  • Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, The Wistar Institute Cancer Center
  • Member, The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center
  • Scientific Director, Animal Facility

Contact Us

For more information on The Wistar Institute Melanoma Research Center, please contact:

Jessica Kohn
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-495-6883
jkohn@wistar.org