About Ty

Ty Miller, MD, PhD

Paul and Betsy Shiverick Professor of Immuno-Oncology

Assistant Professor of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Pathologist, Division of Genomic & Molecular Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Member, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Affiliate Member, Institute for Glial Sciences

BIO

Motivated by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on the world, Dr. Tyler Miller has spent the last 16 years focused on cancer research. His current work at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is dedicated to advancing immunotherapy treatments for brain tumors. As a physician-scientist, he combines his clinical expertise in molecular pathology with scientific expertise in cancer biology, genomics, and technology development to try to create innovative therapeutic strategies that significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatments.

Dr. Miller’s scientific journey began in 2006 at The Ohio State University, where his undergraduate research identified some of the first microRNAs linked to cancer treatment resistance. This work was followed by significant discoveries during his medical and graduate studies at CWRU and Cleveland Clinic, where he developed novel in vivo assays for glioblastoma target discovery and discovered a number of new potential therapeutic targets for brain tumors.

In 2018, Dr. Miller moved to Massachusetts General Hospital for a Clinical Pathology residency and to continue his research. After witnessing the limitations of targeted molecular therapies in clinical settings due to tumor heterogeneity, Dr. Miller pivoted his focus towards immunotherapy, convinced that engaging the immune system is the key to overcoming these challenges. During his residency and postdoctoral tenure at MGH and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, he advanced single-cell RNA sequencing technologies and our understanding of immunosuppressive myeloid cells in brain tumors. His current research leverages cutting-edge genomic technologies and novel ex vivo organoid models to further understand and manipulate myeloid cell states within tumors, aiming to transform these cells from tumor enablers to potent anti-cancer agents.

Beyond his scientific endeavors, Dr. Miller is dedicated to broadening access to advanced medical treatments through his Advisory role with Care Access. Here, he champions efforts to expand clinical trial access to underrepresented communities, striving to enhance diversity in clinical research and reduce health disparities. This work is part of his broader vision to ensure that cutting-edge therapies are within reach for all patients, regardless of their background or location.

As Dr. Miller continues to build his laboratory and research program at Case Western and University Hospitals, he remains committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and clinicians, fostering an environment of growth, inclusivity, and innovation. His ultimate goal is to see his research translate into effective treatments that offer new hope to patients with brain tumors, thereby creating a significant and enduring impact for these patients and their families.

Outside the laboratory, Dr. Miller enjoys boating on Lake Erie and partaking in the vibrant food, arts, and sports scenes of Cleveland with his wife of 14 years and their two young kids.

 

Awards

2023  Future Leaders Junior Fellowship Recipient – The Brain Tumour Charity


2023   Irving Cancer Immunology Symposium, Class of 2023

  • Boston, MA: 45 early career scientists globally chosen for this 3 day career development retreat with 15 top leaders in the field.

2023   Postdoctoral Cancer Immunotherapy Translational Fellowship Award – Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer and Bristol Myers Squibb


2022-23   Sparkathon 2.0 Accelerator, Class of 2022– Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer program for future leaders in cancer immunotherapy


2021   Board Certified in Clinical Pathology – American Board of Pathology


2020   Future Leaders Postdoctoral Fellowship Recipient – The Brain Tumour Charity


2020   Basic Research Fellowship Recipient – American Brain Tumor Association


2018   Wahl Memorial Fund Award – Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Award to a top graduating MD/PhD student


2018   Pathology Department Award – Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Award to top Medical Student in Pathology


2017   Doctoral Excellence Award of Pathology – CWRU Top Graduating Pathology PhD-candidate


2017   Graduate Student Award for Excellence, first place – Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute Award to Top Graduate Students


2009-10   AACR-Thomas J. Bardos Science Education Award for Undergraduate Students – American Association for Cancer Research


2009   Amgen Scholar – Massachusetts Institute of Technology


2009   Member of the  Homecoming Court – The Ohio State University


2008-10   Selected to the Honors Collegium – The Ohio State University


2008   1st Place – “Health Professions-Laboratory/Cellular” category at the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum (1 of 17 sophomores in over 400 presenters) – The Ohio State University


2008   Delegate for Brazil Research Exchange Program with the University of São Paulo  – The Ohio State University