In Memoriam: Dr. Shaveta Vinayak

Dr. Shaveta Vinayak

This past year, we mourned the loss of our beloved colleague and friend, Dr. Shaveta Vinayak, who passed away after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Vinayak was an extraordinary physician–scientist whose brilliance, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patients shaped every part of our work at the Cancer Vaccine Institute.

Shaveta’s career was defined by excellence, and she quickly emerged as a national leader in breast cancer research. When she joined the Cancer Vaccine Institute as Director of Clinical Trials, she transformed our program by securing major grants, leading innovative studies, and contributing to manuscripts and abstracts that advanced the field.

What made Shaveta truly exceptional was her deep humanity. She brought joy, curiosity, and purpose to every interaction. She shared her own breast cancer journey openly, offering hope and strength to countless patients facing metastatic disease. Her courage, generosity, and passion for science that touches lives continue to inspire all of us.

Shaveta was a role model, a mentor, and a cherished member of our community. Her legacy lives on in the trials she built, the patients she cared for, and the colleagues she lifted up. We miss her profoundly and honor her by continuing the work she believed in so deeply: to end this devastating disease.