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Alex Ritter

Altos Labs Senior Scientist

Alex Ritter is a thoughtful and creative immunologist and cell biologist with a strong background in investigating cytotoxic T cell function through advanced microscopy techniques for over 12 years.

Their research focuses on applying quantitative imaging approaches to visualize and measure the impact of perturbations on biological systems, particularly in the context of live cell imaging of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) killing of cancer cells.

With extensive experience in data acquisition and analysis, Alex has worked with various cutting-edge imaging modalities, including live cell imaging techniques like Lattice light sheet, spinning disc microscopy, TIRF imaging, and widefield fluorescence, as well as fixed standard- and super-resolution microscopy such as SIM and PALM.

They have developed a quantitative approach to measure real-time killing of targets by T cells in both 2D and 3D tumor cultures, and have identified novel mechanisms through which cancer cells evade cytotoxic T cell killing.

Alex has also established quantitative imaging techniques to observe the subcellular dynamics of organelles and cytoskeleton in CTLs during the destruction of cancer cells. Their work has been widely used in scientific presentations, textbooks, online platforms, and television to showcase cytotoxic T cell activity.

In addition to their research background, Alex has a unique skill set as a glass worker, with 4 years of experience. They have recently worked on projects involving the modeling of biological systems using hot glass.

Alex completed their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cell Biology and Immunology at the University of Cambridge, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology and Chemistry at Concordia College, and attended Williston High School. They have held positions as a Senior Scientist at Altos Labs, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Ira Mellman in the Department of Cancer Immunology at Genentech, and a Graduate Fellow at the National Institutes of Health.

They are known for maintaining connections with a diverse network of microscopy experts at top academic institutions to foster knowledge sharing and collaborative opportunities.

Alex Ritter
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Location

San Francisco, California, United States