Dr. Beverly Torok-Storb studies the stem cells that generate the body’s blood and immune systems and the microenvironment of bone marrow that helps regulate their function. Her work has contributed to advances in transplantation techniques that have saved the lives of patients with leukemia and other blood cancers. In one of her major contributions, Dr. Torok-Storb demonstrated the importance of the interactions between blood stem cells and the supportive cells in the marrow. She showed that these supportive cells send signals that tell the stem cells how to develop and are vital to the success of a transplant. She continues to identify more signals that help regulate stem cells — discoveries that will continue to improve transplant methods and save lives in the future.

An award-winning mentor and advocate for STEM education, Dr. Torok-Storb pioneered two research internship programs at Fred Hutch for local high school students from low-income communities or who are members of underrepresented minority groups. She also created Fred Hutch’s two training labs, where young scientists can gain hands-on research experience.