Adewunmi Adelaja, MD, PhD is a dermatologist and physician-scientist at Beth Israel Lahey Health. His research interests span cutaneous oncology, molecular immunology, systems biology, and the development of more inclusive and clinically useful approaches to dermatologic research.

Dr. Adelaja completed his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, where he pursued coursework in biology, neuroscience, and computer science. He subsequently entered the UCLA–Caltech Medical Scientist Training Program and earned both his medical degree and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

His doctoral research in the laboratory of Alexander Hoffmann examined how dynamic patterns of NF-κB signaling encode stimulus-specific information in macrophages. This work helped define how distinct signaling dynamics can allow immune cells to discriminate among environmental cues and generate appropriate responses.

Following medical school, Dr. Adelaja completed preliminary training in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and advanced dermatology training through the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program. His clinical training included broad exposure to medical, surgical, pediatric, and inpatient dermatology across Harvard-affiliated institutions.

Within cutaneous oncology, Dr. Adelaja has contributed to work examining liquid biopsy approaches, skin cancer in patients with diverse skin tones, and strategies to improve the clinical interpretation of emerging diagnostic technologies. His broader research aims to connect rigorous mechanistic science with practical questions in dermatologic care.

Dr. Adelaja collaborates with The Miller Lab on clinical and translational projects in skin cancer, with a particular interest in research that is biologically grounded, analytically rigorous, and responsive to the needs of diverse patient populations.