I joined the Princess Máxima Center as a basic researcher and pediatrician in training in June 2018. My primary research interest lies in understanding the molecular biology of pediatric soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and to use that knowledge to develop new treatment options for patients suffering from these tumors. To this end, I study establishment procedures for novel preclinical models of pediatrist STS (i.e., tumor organoid models) as well as bulk and single-cell genomics of these tumors. I am furthermore member of the molecular tumor board of the Dutch iTHER as well as the German INFORM pediatric precision medicine trial.
My hobbies include sports (running, bootcamp) and gaming (board games, tabletop role-playing games, video games). I am the proud father of a boy and a girl.
Jeff DeMartino
PhD student
The aim of my PhD projects is to improve our understanding of pediatric soft tissue sarcomas, with a focus on rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), using advanced molecular and cell biological techniques. These include using single-cell RNA-sequencing to investigate the cellular and transcriptional heterogeneity in RMS tumors, as well as CRISPR-based genetic screens to define novel therapeutic targets.
When I’m not in the lab, you can usually find me watching an NFL game, getting in an early morning workout or relaxing with a good book!