The following interview was conducted by Signals+ Editor Maialen Sebastian-delaCruz, Ph.D. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
At BMS, I lead a translational research lab in Summit, NJ focused on immune regulation at mucosal sites. I create the translational research, precision medicine and biomarker plans for early-stage immunology assets approaching first-in-human and proof of concept studies in inflammatory bowel and pulmonary diseases. When not in the lab, cooking, dancing, driving my station wagon, and listening to music are some of my favorite activities.
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
Aisling O’Hara Hall, PhD in Immunology, Scientific Director of the Immunology and Cardiovascular Translational Early Development Area at Bristol Myers Squibb, in Summit, NJ.
Where did you do your training?
I carried out my doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Immunology Graduate Group (NIAID), and I obtained my PhD in 2013; and my post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Columbia Medical Center and Celiac Disease Center (NIDDK) until 2016.
Briefly, what is your research about?
At BMS, I lead a translational research lab in Summit, NJ focused on immune regulation at mucosal sites. I create the translational research, precision medicine and biomarker plans for early-stage immunology assets approaching first-in-human and proof of concept studies in inflammatory bowel and pulmonary diseases.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
How can I count the ways? ICIS has been a fundamental part of my career since my early work in Chris Hunter’s laboratory on IL-27 in the late 2000s, where I was incredibly fortunate to attend the Cytokines meetings. These meetings provided a great opportunity as an early career scientist to share data, connect across institutions, and build my network in a collaborative and collegial environment. I have been fortunate to maintain those connections as I’ve advanced in my career, continuing to benefit from the larger ICIS network and Cytokines meetings. I am particularly excited to have impacted some of the clinical presentations at these meetings. In the past, I led the BMS sponsorship of translational-focused talks for the Cytokines meetings in 2022 and 2024. Another aspect I greatly appreciate about the ICIS network is the opportunity to connect with the next generation of scientists through meeting sponsorship.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
It was a pleasure this past year to connect with Dr. Scott Canna in Seoul as part of our BMS sponsorship. He is a giant ball of energy, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with him.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
It’s too dangerous to share stories. All I have to say is it was Lisbon, it was 2009, there were goblets.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
Cooking, dancing, driving my station wagon, and listening to music are some of my favorite activities. Of course, being a New Jersey mom of two kids and Muggsy, my Corgi puppy, also keeps me occupied!
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
Never underestimate the power of staying connected with mentors and colleagues who truly understand your potential.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
On the one hand, “The Home Edit” – I’m obsessed with organizing everything.
On the other hand, “Kath and Kim” – A very tacky early aughts Australian comedy that I love to have on in the background at any given time.
What is your favorite cytokine?
Duh, IL-27 but there are some close seconds.
Connect with Aisling on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aisling-hall-6617521