Dr. David Gutmann is one of the world’s leading laboratory scientists and clinical experts in neurofibromatosis (NF). He currently is the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor and Director of the Washington University NF Center, while also serving as Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor in the Department of Neurology. Dr. Gutmann’s research laboratory has been highly productive, generating many small-animal models of NF, which have provided critical insights into the pathogenesis of brain and nerve tumors, as well as normal brain development. Importantly, these studies have led to the discovery and evaluation of several new treatments for NF-related tumors and medical problems, some of which are currently being studied in human clinical trials. Dr. Gutmann's dream is that no one is limited by the diagnosis of NF. 

Dr. Walker is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and an Assistant in Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital.The Walker Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital focuses on the tumor-suppressor syndromes, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and schwannomatosis. Using a combination of genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches, we aim to identify new therapeutic targets for these diseases. 

Dr. R. Taylor Sundby is a Pediatric Oncologist and Francis S. Collins Scholar at Nemours Children’s Health. He serves as Clinical Director of the Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Center, Attending Physician in Pediatric Oncology, and Principal Investigator of the Cancer Interception and Tumor Evolution Lab. Dr. Sundby’s research focuses on using cfDNA fragmentomics to distinguish benign, atypical, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in NF1 patients, enabling earlier detection and intervention. He has co-authored key studies developing noninvasive assays for tumor surveillance and contributes to standardizing biosample collection and annotation in neurofibromatosis clinical trials. His work advances precision medicine for children and young adults with rare cancers.

Dr. Angela C. Hirbe is an Associate Professor of Medicine in Medical Oncology at Washington University and the Director of the Adult Neurofibromatosis Clinical Program. She is a clinician-scientist who specializes in sarcoma and NF1-associated malignancies, with a particular focus on malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Her research uses genomics, patient-derived tumor models, and biomarker discovery to better understand tumor progression, heterogeneity, and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Dr. Hirbe’s lab is actively developing ctDNA-based assays to noninvasively detect MPNST and distinguish it from benign precursor lesions, while also evaluating novel targeted therapies. In her clinical practice, she integrates her research findings into patient care, offering comprehensive and personalized treatment for individuals with sarcoma and cancer predisposition syndromes.

Dr. Jeffrey J. Szymanski is an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic and a translational researcher dedicated to advancing noninvasive cancer diagnostics. His work focuses on the use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assays and ultra-low-pass whole genome sequencing to differentiate malignant lesions from benign precursors, particularly in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). He has co-led multi-center studies that integrate fragmentomic and copy-number–based approaches to improve early detection of malignant transformation in NF1-associated peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Dr. Szymanski completed his MD/PhD training through Wayne State University’s MD/PhD program and holds dual appointments in clinical radiation oncology and translational research, where he bridges patient care with cutting-edge molecular diagnostics.

Dr. Aadel A. Chaudhuri is a physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic, where he leads the Liquid Biopsy and Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory. His research focuses on developing next-generation biomarker technologies, including cfDNA fragmentomics, immunogenomics, and liquid biopsy assays, with the goal of translating them into clinical use for cancer detection and treatment guidance. His group has developed urine- and plasma-based liquid biopsies for early cancer detection, including bladder cancer and NF1-associated peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and is expanding these approaches to systemic diseases such as sepsis. Through cross-disciplinary collaborations, Dr. Chaudhuri is advancing the clinical implementation of noninvasive assays for early detection, monitoring minimal residual disease, and informing therapy decisions.

Dr. Jack F. Shern is a Lasker Clinical Research Scholar and physician-scientist in the Pediatric Oncology Branch at the National Cancer Institute, where he leads the Tumor Evolution and Genomics Section. His research focuses on defining and therapeutically targeting the molecular drivers of pediatric solid tumors and tumor predisposition syndromes such as NF1. Using single-cell sequencing, functional genomic screens, and high-throughput profiling, Dr. Shern investigates tumor heterogeneity, evolution, and resistance mechanisms. His work integrates molecular insights with clinical trial development, with the goal of translating discoveries into precision medicine strategies for children with rare cancers. Dr. Shern earned his MD from the Medical College of Georgia and completed pediatric training at the University of Chicago and fellowship at NIH/Johns Hopkins.