Åke Lernmark's Research Staff

Åke Lernmark is the R. H. Williams Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington since 1988, when he was appointed as the first holder of the R. H. Williams Endowed Chair. Ake is an adjunct professor in the Department of Immunology at the University of Washington and adjunct professor in Experimental Diabetes at Lund University, Lund, Sweden. He attended medical school at the University of Umea in Sweden, and since 1968 has continued his diabetes research. In 1972, he obtained his Doctorate in Medicine (similar to Ph.D.) at the University of Umea. His research is focused on the genetics, etiology and pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes. Click Here to see a list of his publications. Click Here to see his Curriculum Vitae.

Marika Bogdani joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2005. She obtained her M.D. degree at the University of Tirana, Albania, where she was also awarded a Specialist Certificate in General Pathology. She also obtained a Master degree (M.Sc.) in Medical and Pharmaceutical Research at Brussels Free University- VUB (Belgium). Marika performed her Ph.D. thesis at the Diabetes Research Center-VUB (Belgium), in which she identified cell preparations and conditions in which new beta cells can be formed. She has joined Dr. Lernmark’s group as post-doctoral fellow and will develop a morphologic project in the field of diabetes. Click Here to see a list of her publications.

Fred Choe joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2008. He assists Jessica Fuller in her research.

Jessica Fuller graduated from the University of Washington in May 2001 and joined the R.H. Williams lab in April 2001. Jessica is in the process of earning her Ph. D. with Ake Lernmark. Click Here to see a list of her publications.

Lisa Gilliam received her Ph.D. from Duke University Graduate School in 1998 and her M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine in 1999. She began her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington in July 1999, and she joined the R.H. Williams Laboratory as an endocrinology fellow in July 2001. She currently holds a position of Instructor in the Department ofMedicine. Click Here to see a list of her publications.

Richard Jensen joined the R. H. Williams lab in January 2003. He received his O.D. from Pacific University, 1987, a M.S. in Biostatistics from the University of Washington, 2005, and is currently working on his Ph.D. in Epidemiology. He performs statistical analyses for researchers in the lab. Click Here to see a list of his publications.

Marlena Maziarz joined the R. H. Williams lab in September 2006. She received her B.Sc. in Biology and Computer Science (2000), a M.Sc. in Computer Science (2003) from the University of Toronto, and is currently a Biostatistics student at the University of Washington. She performs statistical analyses for researchers in the lab. Click here to see a list of her publications.

Daniel Moralejo received his Ph.D. in (discipline) in (year). He joined the R. H. Williams lab in the fall of 2000 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Tokushima in Tokushima, Japan. Click Here to see a list of his publications.

Terry Tupling graduated from the University of Washington in 2002 and joined the R. H. Williams lab in June 2004. He assists Jessica Fuller with her research and maintains the web site. Click Here to see a list of his publications.

Lindsay Yokobe joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2008. She assists Jessica Fuller with her research.

Åke Lernmark's Administrative Staff

David Story joined the Williams Lab as administrator in June 2007. David manages Dr. Lernmark's research funding and is responsible for the overall fiscal and operations administration of the R. H. Williams Laboratory. David graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in Political and Social Sciences.

Lina Gu joined the Williams' Lab as Fiscal Specialist in December 2007. Lina is responsible for daily laboratory fiscal processes and supplies purchasing. Lina graduated from City University of New York with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center - Molecular and Genetics Core (MGC)

Brian Van Yserloo is the acting manager of the MGC. Brian graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics. He joined the R.H. Williams Lab in December 2000 and assisted Libby Rutledge in the Molecular and Genetics Core (MGC) until she left the lab in July 2007.

2007 BB Rat Retreat/ IDS9 in Miami FL. with Guests: Elizabeth Blankenhorn, John Mordes, and Nat Goodman

First row: Marty Hessner, Ake Lernmark, Jessica Fuller, Rich Jensen, Anne Kwitek

Second row: John Mordes, Nat Goodman, Lina Akesson, Terry Tupling, Hardy Weiler, Elizabeth Blankenhorn

Third Row: Daniel Moralejo

2007 BB Rat Retreat/ IDS9 in Miami, FL. with Guest Nat Goodman

First row: Marty Hessner, Ake Lernmark, Jessica Fuller, Rich Jensen, Anne Kwitek

Second row: Nat Goodman, Lina Akesson, Terry Tupling, Hardy Weiler

Third Row: David Story, Daniel Moralejo

2002 Lab Picture

First row: Ake Lernmark, Tyson Hawkins, Nhu Troung, Sue Blaylock, Lynn Bekris, Carolyn Padoa, Eric DeJulio, Erin Marcum, Angie Wallen, Alyssa Park

Second row: Cate Speake, Phil Yen, Jordan Steed, Ruth Ettinger, Terri Daniels, Jessica Fuller, Wen Lu, Janice Cabellon, Ian Sweet, Lisa Gilliam, Armand MacMurray, Steve Chessler

Third row: Daniel Moralejo, Hemmo Drexhage, Chris Hampe, Ashley Lundgren, Dong Luo, Chad Rodgers, Ron Nations, Brian Van Yserloo

Second row: Ruth Ettinger, Terri Daniels, Armand MacMurray, Åke Lernmark, Ian Sweet, Paul Gohlke

First row: Daniel Moralejo, Dong Luo, Emilyn Alejandro, Sara Speros, Will Simonson, Lisa Hammerle

Past Lab Members

Radha Agrawal (?-?) Radha has left to pursue other ventures.

Chad Ahrens (?-?) Chad has left to pursue other ventures.

Emilyn Alejandro(?-?) Emilyn has left to pursue other ventures.

Paul Algeo joined the R. H. Williams lab in April 2006. A student majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, he assisted Jessica Fuller with the BB rat colony. He has left to enter the University of Washington School of Pharmacy..

Keerthi Arani (?-?) Keerthi has left to pursue other ventures.

Heike Barmeier, M.D., Ph.D., (1988-1991) Heike was in the R.H. Williams Lab and worked on GAD. He is now in Duesseldorf, Germany.

Betty Becraft (?-?) Betty has left to pursue other ventures.

Anna Bell-Hibbs (?-?) Anna has left to pursue other ventures.

Lynn Bekris M.D., Ph.D.,(1996-2005) Lynn has recently received her PhD in toxicology and has left to pursue other ventures.

Greg Bennett (?-?) Greg has left to pursue other ventures.

Sabine Bieg, Ph.D. (1995-1998) Sabine is now located in Stuttgart, Germany.

Katherine Binder (2003-?) Katherine graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a Chemistry minor from the University of Washington in June 2001. She has left to pursue other ventures.

Sue Blaylock (1990-2003) Sue retired from the lab in June 2003.

Bruce Busch (?-?) Bruce has left to pursue other ventures.

Janice Cabellon (2002-?) Janice graduated from the University of Washington in June 2002 with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology. She has left to pursue other ventures.

Francis Chan (?-?) Francis has left to pursue other ventures.

Steven D. Chessler, M.D., Ph.D. (1999-?) Steven was an Acting Instructor in the Department of Medicine. Steven has left to pursue other ventures.

Choon Hee Chung M.D., Ph.D. (1999-2000) Choon Hee has returned to Korea to resume his career as a physician. Now he is an associate professor and head, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Korea.

Leila Clark (?-?) Leila has left to pursue other ventures.

Erica Cleland (?-?) Erica has left to pursue other ventures.

Terri Daniels (1990-2006) Terri Daniels served as Research Technologist and Lab Manager in the R.H. Williams Lab. She retired in May to a beautiful seaside property in Oregon.

Heather Day (?-?) Heather has left to pursue other ventures.

Eric DeJulio (?-2002) Eric joined the Islet Core in June 2002. He has left to pursue other ventures.

Bailey Edwards (2008-2009) Bailey has left to pursue other ventures.

Kristian Ellefson (?-?) Kristian has left to pursue other ventures.

Ruth Ettinger left the R.H. Williams lab for a position at Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason.

Merle Gilbert joined the R. H. Williams lab in May 2004. He assists Ian Sweet in the Islet Core. He left the lab in 2007 to attend graduate school.

Heidi Gildersleeve (?-?) Heidi has left to pursue other ventures.

Paul Gohlke (1999-2001) Paul left to begin his MD/PhD program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fallof 2001.

William Hagopian M.D., Ph.D. (1989-1993) William has moved to the Pacific Northwest Research Institute and has a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine appointment at the University of Washington.

Yenayeet Haile (?-?) Yenayeet has left to pursue other ventures.

Tyler Hall joined the R. H. Williams lab in April 2002 to perform Radio Immune Assays and maintain the lab mouse colony among other duties. He has left to pursue other ventures.

Lisa Hammerle (1998-2001) Lisa obtained a B.S. in environmental science from Western Washington University and a B.S. from the University of Washington in molecular biology. Lisa is now working at Amgen in Seattle.

Wei Hao (?-?) Wei has left to pursue other ventures.

Tyson Hawkins (2002-2004) Tyson graduated from the University of Washington in May 2002. He has left to begin medical school.

Jana Hoehna graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Washington in June 2004. She assisted Libby Rutledge in the Molecular and Genetics Core (MGC) and has left to complete her medical degree at the University of Washington.

Stephanie Huang joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2005 to assist Daniel Moralejo with his work. She has left to pursue other ventures.

An Huynh (?-?) An has left to pursue other ventures.

Jianjie Jiang (?-?) Jianjie has left to pursue other ventures.

Linsong Li, M.D., Ph.D., (1991-1993) Linsong is now a professor at the University of Beijing, Beijing, China.

Stacy Kaplan (?-?) Stacy has left to pursue other ventures.

Allan E. Karlsen, Ph.D., (1988-1991) Allan is at the Steno Diabetes Center, Gentofte, Denmark.

Peter Kessler Peter Kessler worked briefly for Ian Sweet in the Islet Core. He has left to pursue other ventures.

Lindy Klaff (?-?) Lindy has left to pursue other ventures.

Ingrid Kockum, Dr. Med. Sci., (1990-1993) Ingrid is now an assistant Professor at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Dave Krivan (?-?) Dave has left to pursue other ventures.

Lynn Ladd (?-?) Lynn has left to pursue other ventures.

Elizabeth (Eliza) Lagerquist joined the R. H. Williams lab in June 2004 to performs Radio Immune Assays among other duties for Christiane Hampe. She has left to pursue other ventures.

Kimberly Lau assisted Ian Sweet in the Islet Core. She has left to pursue other ventures.

Edmond Lee (?-?) Edmond has left to pursue other ventures.

Sun Lee (?-?) Sun has left to pursue other ventures.

Linsong Lee (?-?) Linsong has left to pursue other ventures.

Katayoun Lofti (?-?) Katayoun has left to pursue other ventures.

Suzanne Lobaton (2002-2004) Suzanne graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a Chemistry minor from the University of Washington in June 2001. She left to pursue a Master's degree in Nursing at the University of Washington.

Robert Lowe M.D., Ph.D.,(1996-2002) Robb has left to pursue other ventures.

Per Lundgren (?-?) Per has left to pursue other ventures.

Dong Luo M.D., Ph.D.,(1999-2005) Dong obtained his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry. He has left to pursue other ventures.

Armand MacMurray M.D., Ph.D., (1999-?) Armand graduated with a Ph.D. in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has left to pursue other ventures.

Sahar Manavi joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2005. A student majoring in Biology and Philosophy with a minor in Chemistry, she began in the R.H, Williams lab by assisting Jessica Fuller with the BB rat colony and later worked with the MGC. She is now attending Medical School.

Seth McGrew (?-?) Seth has left to pursue other ventures.

Brad McNeney (?-?) Brad has left to pursue other ventures.

Kari Morinaga (?-?) Kari has left to pursue other ventures.

Ron Nations joined the R.H. Williams lab in October 1998 as a fiscal specialist. Ron graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Economics. After nearly 10 years of dedicated service, he has taken a new position in the University of Washington Allen Library.

Anthony Odden (?-?) Anthony has left to pursue other ventures.

Arpy Ohanian (?-?) Arpy has left to pursue other ventures.

Giang Ong joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2006. His profile is pending.

Carolyn Padoa (?-?) Carolyn joined the R.H. Williams lab from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa where she is working on her Ph.D. She was a visiting scientist in our lab for a time in 2001 and again for nine months in 2002. Carolyn continues her collaboration with Chris Hampe while completing her Ph.D. in South Africa.

Keun-Yong Glenn Park (?-?) Keun-Yong has left to pursue other ventures.

Ranae Pefley joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2005. A recent graduate of the Biology program with a minor in Psychology, she assisted Jessica Fuller with the BB rat colony. The left in 2007 to join the Peace Corps.Chris Pennington joined the R. H. Williams lab in March 2006 with 18 years of Immunology and Diabetes research experience to serve as Lab Manager and Research Scientist. She has left fot a position in Environmental Health and Safety at the UW.

Anna Pettersson, Dr. Med. Sci. (1991-1995) Anna has joined the Global Competitiveness Corporation.

Tracey Pierce (?-?) Tracey has left to pursue other ventures.

Annette Plesner Ph.D., (1996-2000) Graduated with a Cand. scient. degree in Immunology from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark in 1996. Annette joined Ake Lernmark's group as a postdoctoral fellow to pursue projects within Diabetes Immunology. In 2000 Annette continued her postdoctoral training at the BC Research Institute Children's & Women's Health in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Jeffrey Posadas joined the R. H. Williams lab in May 2003 to assist Libby Rutledge in the Molecular and Genetics Core (MGC). He has left to pursue other ventures.

Anton Preisinger joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2005 to assist Ian Sweet in the Islet Core. He has left to pursue other ventures.

C.S. Priyadashini (?-?) C.S. has left to pursue other ventures.

Chad Rodgers (1999-2001) Chad was a student at the University of Washington and worked with Dong Luo developing immunoassays. He is now attending law school at the UW.

Libby Rutledge was the Manager of the Molecular and Genetics Core (MGC) until she left in July 2007. Libby joined the R.H. Williams Laboratory in January 2000 as a Research Scientist.

Carani B. Sanjeevi Carani is visiting faculty of the R.H. Williams Lab. After obtaining his MD from India, MSc in Immunology from London and PhD from the Karolinska, he is currently at the Department of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Hospital. Scientific interests include studies on immunology and immunogenetics of IDDM and other autoimmune diseases.

Sergio Sapetto (?-?) Sergio has left to pursue other ventures.

Jonathan Schaefer (1996-2000) Jon is currently a graduate student at the University of Washington Molecular and Cellular Biology program, working toward a Ph.D. studying the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of cell cycle control in budding yeast at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. (2002)

Dorota B. Schranz Ph.D. (1995-1999) Dorota conducted her Undergraduate (Clinical Chemistry) and graduate (Immunology) studies at the University School of Medical Sciences in Poznan, Poland. Ph.D. in 1993. Postdoctoral training: UCHSC, Denver, CO, VMRC, Seattle, WA. As of July 1999, Dorota entered a Clinical Chemistry Training Program in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the University of Washington.

Yehezkel Shuhendler (?-?) Yehezkel has left to pursue other ventures.

William Simonson B.S. (1998-2001) William began medical school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in the fall of 2001.

Colin Smith (?-?) Colin has left to pursue other ventures.

Benjamin Snyder (1999-2001) Ben attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He was in the Class of 2004.

Catherine Speake (?-?) Catherine has left to pursue other ventures.

Diana Spencer joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2007. She assisted Jessica Fuller with the BB rat colony.

Sara Speros (1998-2001) Sara began graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in the fall of 2001.

Greg Sund (?-?) Greg has left to pursue other ventures.

Jordan Steed (2001-?) Jordan has left to pursue other ventures.

James Sunwoo(?-?) James has left to pursue other ventures.

Becky Taylor (?-?) Becky has left to pursue other ventures.

Mark Teneforde (2003-2005) Mark has left to go to medical school in Cleveland, Ohio.

Rachel Tomlin (?-?) Rachel has left to pursue other ventures.

Bao Chau Tran joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2007. She assisted Jessica Fuller in her research.

Karynne Tsuruda joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2008 as a volunteer. She assists Jessica Fuller with her research.

Vistoria Vasquez joined the Williams Lab in June 2003. Victoria left in 2007 to pursue other ventures.

Gautam Velamoor (?-?) Gautam has left to pursue other ventures.

Angie Wallen (2000-2005) Angie has left to pursue other ventures.

Alisha Wang (2008-2009) Alisha has left to pursue other ventures.

Yanling Wang (?-?) Yanling has left to pursue other ventures.

Ralf Wassmuth M.D., Ph.D., (1988-1991) Ralf is now working at the University of Duesseldorf, Germany.

Per Widlund (?-?) Per has left to pursue other ventures.

Wayne Woo M.D., Ph.D., (1996-1998) Wayne has relocated to Georgia to pursue other ventures.

Kara Wulfestieg (?-?) Kara has left to pursue other ventures.

Lei Xu (?-?) Lei has left to pursue other ventures.

Andrew Yang joined the R. H. Williams lab in 2005 to assist Daniel Moralejo with his work. He has left to pursue other ventures.

Paul Yang (?-?) Paul has left to pursue other ventures.

Hongwei Yu (?-?) Hongwei has left to pursue other ventures.

Marjan Zarghami (?-?) Marjan has left to pursue other ventures.