At the Bafor Lab, every milestone marks a step toward understanding how the immune system protects, and sometimes harms, the reproductive landscape. Here, we share moments of discovery, recognition, and growth as our team builds a new home for reproductive immunology at the University of Florida. From awards and talks to lab launches and new collaborations, these highlights reflect our ongoing mission to transform fundamental insight into real-world impact.
At the Bafor Lab, every milestone marks a step toward understanding how the immune system protects, and sometimes harms, the reproductive landscape. Here, we share moments of discovery, recognition, and growth as our team builds a new home for reproductive immunology at the University of Florida. From awards and talks to lab launches and new collaborations, these highlights reflect our ongoing mission to transform fundamental insight into real-world impact.
At the Bafor Lab, every milestone marks a step toward understanding how the immune system protects, and sometimes harms, the reproductive landscape. Here, we share moments of discovery, recognition, and growth as our team builds a new home for reproductive immunology at the University of Florida. From awards and talks to lab launches and new collaborations, these highlights reflect our ongoing mission to transform fundamental insight into real-world impact.
Lab Launch at the University of Florida
Lab Launch at the University of Florida
Lab Launch at the University of Florida
The Bafor Lab officially begins operations in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Our new home provides access to state-of-the-art flow cytometry, imaging, and molecular biology cores, setting the stage for next-generation research on immune tolerance in the ovary and uterus. Lab setup is underway, and recruitment for research associates, technicians, postdoctoral and graduate positions is open.
Fellowship and Mentorship Milestone
Fellowship and Mentorship Milestone
Fellowship and Mentorship Milestone
Dr. Bafor completed her NIH Pathway to Independence (K99) phase and transitioned toward her R00 independent research award, establishing the foundation for the Bafor Lab’s translational agenda. She continues to mentor early-career scientists through NIH and UF programs focused on scientific resilience, leadership, and innovation in women’s health.
Keynote Lecture at the NCI CCR FYI Colloquium
Keynote Lecture at the NCI CCR FYI Colloquium
Keynote Lecture at the NCI CCR FYI Colloquium
Dr. Bafor delivered a keynote lecture at the National Cancer Institute’s Fellows and Young Investigators Colloquium, where she discussed the parallels between immune privilege in reproductive tissues and tumor immune escape. The talk introduced the concept of “tolerance-engineered immunotherapy”, a framework for harnessing tolerance pathways in cancer treatment. She attended the Colloquium with postbac Toni Martin.
Dr. Bafor Awarded the NIH/NCI Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award
Dr. Bafor Awarded the NIH/NCI Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award
Dr. Bafor Awarded the NIH/NCI Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award
Before transitioning to UF, Dr. Enitome (Tome) Bafor was recognized by the NIH Center for Cancer Research for her work on T cell reprogramming in reproductive immunology. The award highlights her innovative approach to understanding how immune tolerance mechanisms in the ovary can be adapted for ovarian tumor immunotherapy.
