2022 Fall/Winter Highlights of Hope

HIGHLIGHTS OF 

HOPE 

FALL/WINTER ’22 ISSUE 

2 Grants drive discovery 3 New insights into ovarian cancers 

4 Cryo-EM turns five 5 Study targets depression in pregnancy 

6 Revealing the roots of esophagus & stomach cancers 

8 Fostering scientific collaboration 10 Inspiring the next generation of researchers 

12 The environment & our health 14 VAI’s Biorepository 

16 Dr. Bodbyl joins Graduate School 18 Education highlights 

20 Border to Bridge Run 21 A decade of hockey & hope 

22 Purple Community highlights 24 Running for family & Parkinson’s 

26 Donor Spotlight: Jeffery Roberts 28 JBoard Ambassadors 

30 Events 37 Event sponsors 38 Memorials & Tributes

RESEARCH 

Grants support innovation, 

drive discovery 

VAI is on track to have another exceptional year. 

As of August, VAI is fourth in Michigan for 2022 National Institutes 

of Health (NIH) funding — a remarkable achievement for an 

independent research institute of our size. 1 

Grants from federal agencies such as NIH are the main source of 

funding for scientific research in the U.S. Because there is a limited 

amount of these funds each year, the process for earning federal 

grants is highly rigorous and competitive. 

This crucial funding supports our innovative research and serves 

as external validation of the world-class work happening in 

our laboratories. 

We couldn’t do this without you. Our generous community of 

supporters helps fuel promising research projects, enabling the 

collection of data required to apply for federal grants. One example 

is our Scored Grant Award Program, which provides philanthropic 

funding to scientists whose federal grant applications scored very 

highly but fell just below the threshold to receive funding. This 

approach gives scientists with promising projects the extra boost 

needed to put forth a revised, successful application in the next 

round of grants. 

Thanks to strong donor support, this program awarded $400,000 

to VAI scientists in 2020 and 2021, an investment that in turn 

resulted in nearly $8 million in grant funding. This is one way 

VAI multiplies the impact of gifts and supports groundbreaking 

research that aims to build a better, healthier future. 

Interested in supporting the Scored Grant Award Program? Please 

contact Philanthropy Director Steve Ozinga at steve.ozinga@vai.org or 

Philanthropy Director Kate Frillmann at kate.frillmann@vai.org. 

1 

NIH Reporter. 18 August, 2022. Search: Active Projects, Michigan, fiscal year 2022. reporter.nih.gov/search 

$400K 

in donor gifts to 

VAI scientists in 

2020 and 2021 

$8 million 

in grant funding 

The Scored Grant Award Program awarded $400,000 to 

VAI scientists in 2020 and 2021, an investment that in turn 

resulted in nearly $8 million in grant funding. This is one 

way VAI multiplies the impact of gifts and supports 

groundbreaking research that aims to build a better, 

healthier future. 

2 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE

‘Cellular barcodes’ could provide 

crucial insights into ovarian cancer 

Ovarian cancer has long been thought 

of as one disease. Thanks to research 

breakthroughs, we now know that there are 

many subtypes, each with their own distinct 

characteristics that impact their response 

to treatment. 

To better understand these differences, 

Van Andel Institute Postdoctoral Fellow 

Dr. Ben Johnson is pursuing a groundbreaking 

strategy — adding “barcodes” to ovarian 

cancer cells to study how these cancers 

start, recur and resist treatment. 

Dr. Johnson, who works in the lab of VAI 

Associate Professor Dr. Hui Shen, also uses 

other computational techniques to 

better understand ovarian cancers and 

how we might be able to treat them 

more effectively. 

His innovative approach earned him a 

prestigious Mentored Investigator Grant 

from Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, 

an achievement that supports his work 

and underscores the importance of 

his research. 

“We hope to understand how and why 

certain precursor cells can ‘decide’ to either 

make more of themselves or produce the 

cell types that make up an ovarian cancer 

tumor,” Dr. Johnson said. “The answer to 

this mystery may reveal targets that we 

can ultimately develop treatments against, 

leading to better patient outcomes.” 

Research reported in this publication is 

supported by Ovarian Cancer Research 

Alliance [Mentored Investigator Grant, 

no. 891749]. The content is solely the 

responsibility of the authors and does not 

necessarily represent the official views of 

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. 

Read more at bit.ly/johnson-ocra. 

In 2022, nearly 

20,000 women will 

be diagnosed with 

ovarian cancer. It 

is the fifth leading 

cause of cancer 

death in women. 1 

SOURCES 

1 

American Cancer Society. 2022. Key statistics for ovarian cancer. 

cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/about/key-statistics.html 

VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 3

RESEARCH 

A half decade of discovery: 

VAI’s cryo-EM turns five 

To understand life’s building blocks — the 

molecules that give structure to our cells, 

fuel our bodies and play integral roles in 

health and disease — we need powerful 

technology that allows us to see them in 

deep detail. 

That’s where cryo-EM comes in. Short 

for cryo-electron microscopy, cryo- 

EM is a special type of technique and 

equipment that helps scientists zoom in 

on molecules in their natural state. The 

insights gleaned from these images tell 

us how molecules work, how they interact 

with other molecules and how they might 

be leveraged to design treatments for 

diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s and 

many others. 

Five years ago, VAI established the 

David Van Andel Advanced Cryo-Electron 

Microscopy Suite. It includes three stateof-the-art 

microscopes, two of which are 

cryo-EM. Since then, our scientists have 

made many important discoveries that are 

reshaping our understanding of health and 

disease. To date, discoveries include: 

• New insights into how our genetic code 

is repaired, a crucial process that keeps us 

healthy and staves off disease. 

• The first images of TRPM5, a tastesensing 

molecule that may one day lead to 

improved ways to treat diabetes and other 

metabolic and immune disorders. To date, 

the structures of three of the eight 

proteins in this crucial molecular family 

have been resolved at VAI. 

• The most detailed “blueprints” to date 

of the mechanisms used by tuberculosis 

bacteria to survive attack by the immune 

system. 

• The first atomic-level images of a 

“molecular machine” that installs proteins 

on cell membranes, a crucial process 

that has implications for a host of 

diseases including Alzheimer’s and 

cystic fibrosis. 

• The first images of a special type of 

molecular “gate” that lets chemical 

messages in and out of cells while also 

helping them maintain pH balance — a 

critical function that keeps cells alive 

and helps prevent stroke and other 

brain injuries. 

• The first high-resolution images of a pair 

of molecules, DNMT3A and DNMT3B, that 

play important roles in cancer and that 

may serve as powerful targets for anticancer 

medications. 

To learn more about cryo-EM and the 

discoveries made by VAI scientists, please visit 

bit.ly/Cryo-EM-VAI. 

“Cryo-EM is one of the 

most important tools 

in modern science. It 

is fueling discovery 

here at VAI and around 

the world by sparking 

advances and laying 

the foundations for new 

frontiers in health.” 

— Dr. Peter A. Jones, 

Chief Scientific Officer, 

Van Andel Institute 


Study highlights potential new 

way to detect severe depression 

in pregnancy 

Many people experience 

depression during and after 

pregnancy. Often, these 

symptoms can be mistaken 

for the “baby blues,” a mix of 

sadness and tiredness that 

follows birth. 

But for nearly one in five new 

mothers, depression symptoms 

can be severe. Diagnosing 

and treating depression 

early is critical for health and 

quality of life, but there are 

a host of challenges: How 

can we objectively diagnose 

depression? Can we measure it 

to ensure treatment is effective? 

And can we differentiate 

between moderate and severe 

cases to best guide care? 

A team led by scientists at 

Van Andel Institute and Pine 

Rest Christian Mental Health 

Services may have an answer 

to these questions. They 

have discovered that signs 

of inflammation in the blood 

may be used to predict and 

identify severe depression in 

pregnancy with 83% accuracy, a 

potentially life-changing finding 

that could help physicians 

identify women who may be at 

risk for depression and better 

tailor their care throughout 

pregnancy. 

“Depression isn’t just something 

that happens in the brain — its 

fingerprints are everywhere 

in the body, including in our 

blood,” said VAI Professor 

Dr. Lena Brundin, co-senior 

author of the study. “The 

ability to predict pregnancyrelated 

depression and its 

severity will be a gamechanger 

for protecting the health of 

mothers and their infants. Our 

findings are an important leap 

forward toward this goal.” 

Inflammation is a normal part 

of the body’s natural immune 

defenses. It occurs when the 

body deploys resources, such 

as infection-fighting white blood 

cells and chemical messengers, 

to combat infection, counter 

disease and promote healing, 

among other important tasks. 

Once its job is done, this army 

of disease fighters and chemical 

support staff recedes, allowing 

the body to get back to normal. 

Sometimes, however, too 

much inflammation occurs or 

it sticks around for too long. 

If left unchecked, chronic 

inflammation can disrupt 

healthy function and contribute 

to depression and many other 

conditions. This is particularly 

pronounced in pregnancy, 

which itself is a major 

inflammatory event and can 

lead to the onset and worsening 

of depressive symptoms. 

The study, published in the 

scientific journal Translational 

Psychiatry, is among the first 

of its kind and followed 114 

volunteers from Spectrum 

Health’s Obstetrics and 

Gynecology Clinics throughout 

their pregnancies. Participants 

provided blood samples and 

underwent clinical evaluations 

for depressive symptoms 

in each trimester and the 

postpartum period. 

DR. QIONG SHA, DR. LENA BRUNDIN, DR. ERIC ACHTYES & LEANN SMART 

“Having an objective and easily 

accessible method associated 

with depression risk, such as a 

blood test, provides a unique 

tool for helping identify women 

who may develop depression 

during pregnancy,” said Dr. Eric 

Achtyes, a research psychiatrist 

at Pine Rest, a professor at 

Michigan State University and 

co-senior author of the study. 

“Our findings are an exciting 

development and an important 

first step toward using these 

types of methods more widely 

to help patients.” 

Co-authors on the study include 

Dr. Qiong Sha, Zach Madaj, 

Dr. Sarah Keaton, Dr. Martha L. 

Escobar Galvis, and Stanislaw 

Krzyzanowski of VAI; LeAnn 

Smart of Pine Rest; Dr. Asgerally 

T. Fazleabas and Dr. Richard 

Leach of Michigan State University 

College of Human Medicine; 

and Dr. Teodor T. Postolache of 

University of Maryland School 

of Medicine. 

The authors would like to thank 

the study participants, whose 

selfless contributions made this 

work — and these discoveries — 

possible. 

Research reported in this 

publication was supported by 

Van Andel Institute, Pine Rest 

Christian Mental Health Services 

and the National Institute of 

Mental Health of the National 

Institutes of Health under award 

no. R01MH104622 (Brundin). 

The clinical trial identifier is 

NCT02566980. The content is 

solely the responsibility of the 

authors and does not necessarily 

represent the official views of the 

National Institutes of Health. 

The confidential National Suicide 

Prevention Lifeline is free and 

available 24/7 at 

1-800-273-TALK (8255). 


RESEARCH 

Running circles around cancer: 

Study reveals roots of esophagus 

and stomach cancers 

Rampant inflammation has long been linked to cancer, but 

exactly how it pushes healthy cells to transform into malignant 

ones has remained a mystery. 

Now, scientists at Van Andel Institute have found one culprit 

behind this connection: oxidative stress, a process that disrupts 

the genetic code by damaging DNA. The findings, published in the 

journal Science Advances, provide crucial new insights into the roles 

of inflammation and oxidative stress in certain cancers and offers 

new opportunities for potential prevention strategies. 

“Our findings provide an important piece of evidence for how 

inflammation and oxidative stress can cause cancer,” said Dr. Gerd 

Pfeifer, a professor in VAI’s Department of Epigenetics and the 

study’s senior author. “The body has a good defense system that 

repairs DNA damage and reduces oxidative stress, but nothing 

is failsafe. The more we know about the precise links between 

inflammation and cancer, the better equipped we are to design 

more effective prevention strategies.” 

Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s natural immune 

defenses. When presented with a threat, such as an infection or 

injury, the body rallies resources in the form of inflammation to 

combat the problem and promote healing. 

Part of this process is the production of reactive oxygen species 

(ROS), unstable molecules that play important roles in normal 

cellular function and communication. Occasionally, something 

goes awry that causes the inflammatory response to continue 

longer than it is needed. The results can be damaging, including a 

buildup of excess ROS that can elevate oxidative stress. 

Using a new technique developed by his lab called circle damage 

sequencing, Dr. Pfeifer and his colleagues mapped two types of 

DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. They then compared their 

results to mutation signatures of cancer genomes housed in the 

COSMIC Database, the world’s largest database of somatic cancer 

mutations. They found a match — the damage patterns identified 

by the team matched the mutation signatures found in cancers of 

the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as esophageal cancer and 

stomach cancer. 

Upper GI cancers frequently are preceded by inflammatory 

precursor conditions. For example, infection with the bacterium 

Heliobacter pylori can damage the lining of the stomach, causing 

inflammation and ulcers. In the esophagus, severe acid reflux can 

lead to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, in which the lining 

of the esophagus becomes inflamed. In both cases, long-term 

inflammation is associated with increased cancer risk. 

Thanks to the team’s findings, the reason for this elevated risk is 

now clear. DNA comprises four chemical bases that exist in pairs 

— adenine (A) and thymine (T), and cytosine (C) and guanine (G). 

Different sequences of these pairs encode all the instructions 

for life. The team’s findings reveal that, in upper GI cancers, the 

oxidative stress caused by inflammation damages specific parts 

of the DNA, causing Gs to be replaced with oxidized Gs. These 

errors prevent DNA from being copied accurately — a key hallmark 

of cancer. 

In 2022, an estimated 20,000 people will be diagnosed 

with esophageal cancers and 26,000 will be diagnosed with 

stomach cancers. 1,2 

SOURCES 

1 

National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. 2022. Cancer Stat Facts: Esophageal Cancer. seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/esoph.html 

2 

National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. 2022. Cancer Stat Facts: Esophageal Cancer. seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/esoph.html 


“Our new circle 

damage sequencing 

technique is allowing 

us to take a fresh 

look at old problems. 

I’m hopeful it will be 

a game changer and 

inform development 

of new treatment 

strategies.” 

— Dr. Gerd Pfeifer 

“Our DNA is our genetic instruction manual. When the letters 

get scrambled, the instructions can’t be carried out properly and 

the result can be cancer,” Dr. Pfeifer said. “There has been a lot 

of debate over the years about exactly how inflammation and 

oxidative stress contribute to disease, but we didn’t have the 

right tools to study the link. Our new circle damage sequencing 

technique is allowing us to take a fresh look at old problems. I’m 

hopeful it will be a game changer and inform development of new 

treatment strategies.” 

Authors include Seung-Gi Jin, Ph.D., Yingying Meng, Ph.D., Jennifer 

Johnson, M.S., and Piroska E. Szabó, Ph.D., of VAI. 

Research reported in this publication was supported by Van Andel 

Institute and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of 

Health under award no. CA228089 (Pfeifer). The content is solely the 

responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the 

official views of the National Institutes of Health. 


RESEARCH 

New programs catalyze discovery 

by fostering collaboration 

In science, innovation and collaboration are a powerful 

combination that fuel breakthroughs and drive discovery. 

Van Andel Institute’s West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases 

(MiND) Program and Metabolism and Nutrition (MeNu) Program are 

prime examples of what we can achieve when the brightest minds 

combine their collective brainpower to tackle big questions. 

Established in 2021, these programs are designed to accelerate our 

understanding of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s 

and Alzheimer’s as well as the impact of diet and nutrition on 

human health at a molecular level. The goal? To transform research 

findings into much-needed prevention and treatment strategies 

that improve and enhance lives. 

The programs also provide crucial funding to Institute scientists 

to explore unanswered questions and gather early data required 

to apply for future grant funding — an important mechanism that 

multiplies impact. 

MiND Program 

Since its inception, the MiND Program has developed and 

implemented several projects to search for the origins of 

neurodegenerative diseases. 

One is West Michigan’s first neurodegeneration-specific biobank, 

which collects blood samples from people with Parkinson’s disease. 

These samples are analyzed and compared to samples from people 

without the disease, which helps scientists identify the differences 

that might contribute to disease onset and progression. To date, 

more than 60 participants have donated blood to this 

groundbreaking project. 

Another project is the Brain Biobank, a first-of-its kind effort in 

West Michigan. Located within VAI’s accredited Biorepository, the 

Brain Biobank drives insight and discovery by providing scientists 

with the samples needed to investigate the underpinnings of 

Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. 

Both projects are possible thanks to the selfless donations of 

volunteers in Grand Rapids and beyond. 

MeNu Program 

To date, the MeNu Program has funded seven projects designed to 

reach new vistas in metabolism research. This catalytic pilot funding 

fosters collaboration, fuels the development of new scientific tools, 

kick-starts high-risk/high-reward research and generates early data 

that can lead to additional grant funding. 

The approach is already bearing fruit: a groundbreaking study 

about how the immune system is fueled to fight infection was 

published in the journal Cell Metabolism 1 and a new method 

developed with MeNu funding was published in the prestigious 

journal Nature Protocols and led to a $3.25 million federal grant to 

explore the metabolism of immune cells. 2 

MeNu also is home to a world-class mass spectrometry platform, a 

suite of technology that allows scientists to investigate metabolism 

in stunning molecular detail. Its installation in 2021 places VAI 

among the best institutions for this platform in Michigan and in the 

U.S. — a stunning achievement that will support discovery for years 

to come. 

Learn more about MiND by visiting vai.org/mind and MeNu by visiting 

vai.org/menu. 

Read more about VAI’s Biorepository on page 14. 

Research reported in this publication was supported by: 

1 

Van Andel Institute (Russell Jones), and an Allen Distinguished Investigator Award, a Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group advised grant of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation (Russell Jones). 

Jones is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01AI165722. Support for authors on this project 

include a postdoctoral fellowship award from Fonds de la Recherche du Québec–Santé (FRQS) (Dahabieh); a VAI Metabolism and Nutrition (MeNu) Program Pathway-to-Independence 

Award (Longo); National Cancer Institute award no. T32CA251066-01A1) (Watson) and award no. R35CA2202901 (DeBerardinis); and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator 

Program (DeBerardinis). 

2 

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under award no. R01AI165722 (Russell Jones). 

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or other funders. 



RESEARCH 

Inspiring the next generation of 

researchers through inclusive 

postdoctoral training 

Exceptional science benefits from exceptional diversity, and 

Van Andel Institute is committed to increasing representation in 

the biomedical research community through a variety of training 

programs. One such opportunity is the VAI Inspire Fellowship 

— a program built to support postdoctoral fellows who identify 

as members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as 

defined by the National Institutes of Health. The fellowship offers 

exceptional research training, a suite of state-of-the-art scientific 

resources and individualized professional development, all in the 

name of building a professional foundation from which Inspire 

Fellows can launch their independent research careers. 

The Inspire Fellowship began in 2021, with two scientists joining 

VAI: Dr. Anthony Otero and Dr. Alex Soto-Avellaneda, both of 

whom were kind enough to share their inspiring stories with the 

VAI community, revealing their distinct paths to becoming Inspire 

Fellows. Dr. Otero works in the lab of Dr. Darren Moore, where he 

investigates Parkinson’s disease with a focus on how brain cells take 

up information and then recycle or dispose of it. Dr. Soto-Avellaneda, 

who works in the lab of Dr. Michael Henderson, researches how 

Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with stomach cancer, 

might be involved in the development of Parkinson’s. 

“Science is powered by embracing the idea that innovation blooms 

when everyone has a seat at the table,” said VAI Chief Scientific 

Officer Dr. Peter A. Jones. “VAI is deeply committed to fostering an 

environment in which our exceptional postdoctoral fellows can 

pursue research at the forefront of discovery. The Inspire Fellowship 

is one way we support these remarkable early career scientists.” 

10 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE 

DR. NAMAN VATSA, NOAH LUBBEN, DR. ALEX SOTO-AVELLANEDA & DR. MICHAEL HENDERSON

Elevating research through curiosity: The journey of 

Dr. Alex Soto-Avellaneda 

A few years removed from his undergraduate studies, Alex Soto- 

Avellaneda was working in the restaurant industry. A Las Vegas 

native, he knew the region’s extensive dining and entertainment 

locales provided plenty of opportunity — but the work was making 

him miserable. His original plan, an undergraduate degree and 

medical school, was shaken up when he realized his dreams lay 

elsewhere: in the science underlying the medicine. In the arduous 

long shifts of the restaurant world, Soto-Avellaneda was set on 

becoming a scientist. 

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get into graduate school right away and 

became a little discouraged,” Soto-Avellaneda said. “Working 

through that difficult time and planning for the future made me 

realize that I belonged in science and I needed to work toward a 

Ph.D.” 

After returning to his graduate studies at Boise State University, 

Soto-Avellaneda presented a poster at his first research 

conference: VAI’s own Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease. 

The Institute left a lasting impression, he said, and it was a 

fortuitous relationship, as he received an invitation to apply for 

VAI’s Postdoc Preview near the end of his graduate career. This 

event, which brings promising early career scientists to VAI to 

explore our training offerings, was the perfect opportunity to build 

relationships, and it led to a chance to apply for a position in 

Dr. Henderson’s lab. 

Soto-Avellaneda’s research focuses on how Helicobacter pylori, a 

bacterium associated with stomach cancer, might be involved in 

the development of Parkinson’s. Curiosity powers his research. 

Experiments may not always be breakthroughs, he said, but they 

provide increasing insight into the roots of health and disease. 

As an Inspire Fellow, he believes that research is empowered 

by diversity. “Groups that are more diverse tend to have more 

success,” Soto-Avellaneda said. “On a personal level, and being 

from Hispanic descent, it’s always been a little difficult fitting in 

with predominantly white communities. Having more people that 

understand where you come from, understand your background 

and your history, it makes you feel more welcome and more able 

to contribute to the community.” 

Dr. Anthony Otero’s lifelong focus on science and curiosity 

Anthony Otero knew he wanted to be a scientist when he was 8 

years old. He recalls looking at his aunt’s puppy, the smallest of the 

litter, and noticing it was aggressive. This was fascinating to Otero: 

this animal of diminutive stature was acting in a paradoxical way, 

completely opposite of its supposed behavior. It ignited a curiosity, 

Otero said, and it was the seed for the rest of his career. 

“I’ve had that curiosity since I was a kid,” Otero said. “It’s only 

been further fueled by events that changed my perspective when 

I got older.” 

One of those events was a distinctly personal challenge, and it still 

influences Otero’s work today. His grandmother had Parkinson’s 

disease, which developed into Parkinson’s disease dementia. When 

she passed, Otero could not be there, and it devastated him. 

Research was his life, he said, but because of his work, he was not 

able to be there for his grandmother. Even then, in his deepest 

grief, Otero found inspiration. 

“I was able to realize that I was exactly where I needed to be, 

and that situation is the whole point of our research: working 

so someone else does not lose their grandmother like I did,” 

Otero said. 

His passion brought him to a Gordon Research Conference, 

where he met VAI faculty, including Dr. Moore. Those meetings 

left a lasting impact, he said, and it inspired him to want to be a 

part of the VAI team. As an Inspire Fellow, Otero finds his curiosity 

validated and his research empowered. He said it’s often difficult 

to find mentorship like he has found at VAI, and the hands-on 

approach of the Inspire Fellowship is a natural boon, one that is 

also delivering the benefits of a diverse cohort. 

“The more people we have from diverse backgrounds, the more 

ideas we’ll get, and that’s exactly what we need,” Otero said. “We 

need more ideas, bigger ideas, and I’m proud to be part of building 

that with the Inspire Fellowship.” 

To learn more about the Inspire Fellowship, or if you know someone 

who may be interested in applying, visit vai.org/inspire-fellowship. 


RESEARCH 

VAI scientists detangle the 

environment’s effects on our health 

The foods we eat, the water we drink, the chemicals to which we 

are exposed all impact our health in more ways than meet the eye. 

A key example of this is epigenetics, the processes that govern when 

and to what extent the instructions in our DNA are carried out. 

Here’s how it works: each of our more than 37 trillion cells contain 

the same genetic instruction manual. But not all the instructions 

are needed in the same cells at the same time. A heart muscle cell 

only needs to know how to be a heart muscle cell and can skip 

the chapters on how to be a skin cell or a bone cell. Epigenetics 

helps ensure the right instructions are used at the right time by 

annotating DNA with special chemical markers. 

Now here’s the trick: epigenetics is much more flexible than our 

genetic code — and much more likely to be influenced by factors 

we experience in the environment. Some of these influences are 

problematic and can contribute to disease. 

That’s why understanding the complex relationship between 

epigenetics and our environment is so crucial — it has the potential 

to radically change how we treat and prevent diseases like cancer. 

Unlike changes to the DNA itself, epigenetic changes, such as those 

that cause sick cells to spread uncontrollably, can be reversed, 

ushering in opportunities for powerful new prevention and 

treatment strategies. 

DR. NICK BURTON 

DR. YVONNE FONDUFE-MITTENDORF 

A Conversation About Health 

& the Environment Hosted by 

Carol Van Andel 

November 16 — Learn more and register 

at vai.org/health-environment-convo. 

The environment in which we live, work and play 

impacts our health in many different ways. From 

the air we breathe to the water we drink, we are 

exposed to a host of environmental chemicals, 

some with the potential to contribute to diseases 

like cancer — both now and in future generations. 


At VAI, we are fortunate to have an exceptional team of scientists 

who are working hard to understand the nuts and bolts of 

epigenetics and to translate these insights into a healthier future. 

Dr. Nick Burton explores how our environment, especially microbes, 

can impact our health and the health of our offspring — even 

before they are born. His research has extensive implications for 

understanding how epigenetics contributes to human disease and 

how the environment we are exposed to today affects not only our 

own health, but also our children’s. 

Dr. Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf investigates how environmental 

factors, such as toxicants, impact our genetic code and contribute to 

cancer. Her research is illuminating powerful new insights that could 

influence our understanding of health and disease, providing a path 

forward for new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. 

Dr. Heidi Lempradl is investigating how parents’ dietary choices and 

environmental exposures may impact the health of their offspring 

in the hopes of translating her findings into new ways to prevent 

disease and create a healthier future. 

Dr. J. Andrew Pospisilik examines the role of chance and probability 

in how our genes are turned on or off. These processes, surprisingly, 

can unexpectedly trigger, or even protect us from, disease. 

DR. HEIDI LEMPRADL 

DR. J. ANDREW POSPISILIK 

Join us for A Conversation About Health & the 

Environment Hosted by Carol Van Andel, an event 

that will highlight groundbreaking research into 

the intricate connections between our health and 

our environments — and how these connections 

may be leveraged to prevent disease and build a 

healthier future. You’ll hear from VAI scientists 

Dr. Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf, who studies the 

link between cancer and toxicants like arsenic, 

and Dr. Heidi Lempradl, who investigates how the 

effects of certain chemical exposures could ripple 

through the generations. 


RESEARCH 

Supporting science, a sample at a time 

Science can’t happen without samples. 

Tissue, blood, saliva and other materials are among the biological 

specimens that allow scientists to investigate how our bodies 

work when they’re healthy, how they change when affected by 

disease and how we can better prevent, predict, diagnose and treat 

conditions such as cancer and Parkinson’s. 

That’s one reason why it is incredibly important that biological 

samples be treated with utmost care and consistency from start 

to finish. It’s a mammoth task, both in scope and complexity, that 

requires specialized expertise in many different disciplines. 

Enter biorepositories. 

In a broad sense, biorepositories are storehouses for biological 

samples (also called biospecimens). But they are so much more 

than that. Biorepositories, and the dedicated scientists who staff 

them, are responsible for collecting, processing, cataloging and 

storing samples, and for ensuring that their use is in line with 

ethical standards. 

At Van Andel Institute, we’re fortunate to have our own 

Biorepository that houses more than 215,000 frozen specimens 

and approximately 1,000,000 fixed specimens that have been 

chemically preserved. It has a major impact on research in Grand 

Rapids, as well as across the U.S. and abroad, thanks in part 

to involvement with several large-scale, collaborative projects 

spearheaded by the National Institutes of Health and other leading 

research groups. 

Samples housed at VAI have helped illuminate new insights into the 

origins of cancer and rare diseases like tuberous sclerosis complex. 

They help power clinical trials and reveal how new medications 

work behind the scenes to combat disease. And they have revealed 

breakthroughs in our understanding of the genetic code, the 

instruction manual for life. 

“Biospecimens are the bedrock of scientific research — without 

them, we wouldn’t be able to study cancer or develop new 

treatments and diagnostics,” said Dr. Scott Jewell, director of VAI’s 

Pathology and Biorepository Core. “Our Biorepository, right here in 

Grand Rapids, powers breakthroughs across the U.S. by ensuring 

our collaborators have the samples they need to do their lifechanging 

work.” 

The Biorepository’s commitment 

to excellence is reflected in its 

accreditation by the College of 

American Pathologists (CAP) (no. 

8017856), the world’s largest 

organization of board-certified 

pathologists and leading provider 

of laboratory accreditation and 

proficiency testing programs. 

Accreditation provides objective 

assurance that VAI meets or exceeds 

the high standards set by CAP. 



RESEARCH 

Dr. Sarah Bodbyl joins 

Graduate School leadership 

Van Andel Institute Graduate School 

welcomed Dr. Sarah Bodbyl as Associate 

Dean in July. In her new role, Bodbyl will 

support Institute faculty in training the 

next generation of scientific leaders 

through curriculum and course design, 

implementation and review. She also will 

lead professional development courses 

and support graduate students in applying 

for predoctoral fellowships to fund 

their research. 

“My aim is to support and strengthen 

the Graduate School in developing our 

students into innovative and effective 

biomedical researchers,” said Dr. Bodbyl. 

“I am excited to work with the research 

faculty and the graduate program staff 

to enhance the student experience 

and expand VAI’s profile as a leader in 

biomedical doctoral education.” 

Dr. Bodbyl brings a wealth of experience 

in scientific research and higher education 

curriculum development. Prior to joining 

the Institute, she was a faculty developer 

for the Trefny Innovative Instruction Center 

at the Colorado School of Mines, a public 

research university in Golden, Colorado. 

“Dr. Bodbyl has demonstrated a deep 

commitment to training the next generation 

of scientific leaders throughout her career,” 

said Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg, president 

and dean of the Graduate School. “We 

are delighted that she is bringing her 

professional development expertise to our 

Graduate School, and we have no doubt she 

will have a tangible, positive impact from 

the outset.” 

The welcome addition of Dr. Bodbyl to 

Graduate School leadership comes during 

a sustained growth period. In the last 

year, the Graduate School moved into 

new classroom facilities at 234 Division 

Ave. to accommodate its growing student 

body. The accredited program offers 

a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. in 

molecular and cellular biology as well as 

M.D./Ph.D. programs to train physicianscientists. 

It also features a problem-based 

curriculum enabling first-year students 

to think and learn like research leaders 

in pursuing important questions relevant 

to human disease. Senior students 

focus on dissertation research and 

expanding leadership, grant-writing and 

communication skills. 

“I am excited to work 

with the research 

faculty and the 

graduate program 

staff to enhance the 

student experience 

and expand VAI’s 

profile as a leader in 

biomedical doctoral 

education.” 

— Dr. Sarah Bodbyl 

She also is no stranger to Grand Rapids 

and Michigan; Dr. Bodbyl earned her 

undergraduate degree from Calvin 

University and later held several positions 

at Michigan State University and at 

the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. 

Dr. Bodbyl earned her Ph.D. in ecology and 

evolutionary biology from the University of 

Kansas, where her dissertation explored 

how plants evolve in response to the 

presence and absence of pollinators. 



EDUCATION 

Building the future of education 

Bringing science right to your community 

Our intrepid team of expert educators hit 

the road to bring inquiry-based science 

education right into your community 

with Curiosity on Wheels, a customizable 

program that gets students thinking and 

acting like scientists with hands-on, funfilled 

STEM investigations. 

We’ve welcomed thousands of students to 

our downtown Grand Rapids classrooms 

over the years, but Curiosity on Wheels lets 

us take our popular science explorations 

out to the greater West Michigan 

community and beyond. We have reached 

students as far out as Flint, with plans to 

return for more camps there in the future. 

VAI took Curiosity on Wheels on the road to 

partner with Newaygo County Prevention 

of Child Abuse and Neglect for a series of 

summer camps in three West Michigan 

locations: Fremont, Newaygo and White 

Cloud. These summer camps were made 

possible through generous donors. 

Whether you’re a school administrator 

looking to inspire students, a camp director 

in need of innovative programs or just 

someone wanting to have fun, Curiosity on 

Wheels can deliver. 

Addressing today’s project-based content 

and professional development needs 

VAI’s project-based learning programs help 

teachers bring this proven instructional 

method to life in their own classrooms. 

Many educators seek professional 

development that will give them the tools 

and strategies to make effective problembased 

learning a reality for their students. 

In the first six months of 2022, we saw 

high demand for our extensive suite of 

professional development programs with 

Flex PD — a comprehensive, affordable 

model that promotes tangible shifts in 

instruction and is robustly supported by 

research and teachers. Our Blue Apple 

projects saw some of their most successful 

months since inception in 2019. 

Learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 

pandemic also have been front and center, 

bringing additional emphasis on summer 

school. VAI rolled out Project-Based 

Summer School, a program to help summer 

school teachers accelerate learning. 

Helping teachers and administrators, 

wherever they are 

As the world returns more fully to in-person 

interaction, we haven’t lost sight of the 

power of the internet to close the distance 

between teachers far and wide in the name 

of networking and sharing best practices at 

a time when both are sorely needed. 

VAI works to meet teachers and 

administrators wherever they are through 

a range of online resources. Our Timely 

Topics are a series of free, 15-minute 

mini-lessons that have been downloaded 

more than 3,500 times by educators in over 

30 countries. Our free webinars provide 

teachers strategies they can use from their 

classroom right away and attract on average 

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN HANDS-ON SCIENCE ACTIVITIES WITH VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION 


100 teachers from all over the U.S. 

every month. 

Our Better Together virtual networking 

events have brought together K–12 

administrators to exchange ideas on how to 

increase engagement, accelerate learning 

and incorporate elements such as socialemotional 

and project-based learning in 

their schools. Similarly, VAI’s Admin Guides 

give administrators free, comprehensive 

research and recommendations on 

key topics such as school improvement 

planning and teacher morale. 

To access the resources listed here and learn 

more about VAI’s K–12 programs, visit 

vai.org/k-12-education. 


PURPLE COMMUNITY 

Border to Bridge Run: Charging across 

Michigan for breast cancer research 

Three hundred and thirty-five miles. That’s how far three 

Van Andel Institute Purple Community supporters ran in one 

week in June. Their physical journey, from the Indiana-Michigan 

border to the Mackinac Bridge, took only eight days, but it was the 

culmination of years of effort, dedication and passion. 

Becky Bravata, Lieschen Jacobs and Liz Burnis began brainstorming 

ways to get involved during the height of the pandemic, looking to 

merge their love of running with a meaningful cause. The result 

was the Border to Bridge Run, an ambitious endeavor to test their 

endurance and raise funds for breast cancer research. 

Their training was grueling but worth it: 40 miles on Saturday and 

another 40 miles on Sunday. The preparation matched the pace of 

the event, where the three women ran 40 to 50 miles each day. It 

was a physical challenge, overcome by determination and passion 

for the cause. 

“There was never a moment where we wanted to stop. We were on 

a runner’s high all week long,” Bravata said. “We encouraged each 

other, and we were cheered on by family members, friends and 

total strangers who walked, ran or drove alongside us.” 

All three women have been impacted by cancer, knowing 

friends and family members who have faced the disease. Their 

experiences, combined with hundreds of stories on social 

media, played a key role in inspiring the Border to Bridge Run. An 

inspiration they relied on during the most challenging terrain: they 

were doing this for those who are no longer here, Jacobs said, and 

those who are living with cancer every day. 

“This was an unforgettable adventure, but we did it to help address 

breast cancer,” Jacobs said. “There was always a vivid reminder that 

we’re doing it with a very specific purpose and with the hope that 

we can make a difference.” 


In addition to running, the trio took time to make dedications 

to those who donated, sharing the names of survivors, donors 

and those impacted by breast cancer at various mile markers 

throughout their journey. It felt like they were running with 

everyone who donated to their event, Burnis said, making every 

stride just a bit lighter. 

Bravata, Jacobs and Burnis completed their journey shortly after 

7 p.m. on June 11. They were met by their families, who cheered 

them along for the last few steps. After crossing the finish line, 

they waded into the Straits of Mackinac and shared an emotional 

moment together, their hands on the bridge. A few weeks later, 

the trio visited the Institute to present their donation: more than 

$30,000 raised for breast cancer research. 

“Everything exceeded our expectations,” Burnis said. “We are so 

grateful to sponsors, those who donated and those who helped 

us succeed. To beat our goal, and to be able to deliver it to the 

Institute, it was an unforgettable experience.” 

To learn more about VAI Purple Community and how to start your own 

event, visit vai.org. 

A decade of 

hockey and hope: 

10th Annual 

Griffins Purple 

Community Game 

Van Andel Institute’s success depends on a vibrant community, 

and the Grand Rapids Griffins continue to help elevate the 

passion for Van Andel Institute Purple Community. For the last 

10 years, thousands have gathered at Van Andel Arena to cheer 

on the Griffins — all while benefiting the Institute’s research and 

educational programs. 

First held in the 2011–2012 season, the Griffins Purple Community 

Game aims to engage ardent hockey fans with VAI’s mission while 

raising awareness and creating connections with VAI Purple 

Community. Fans have enjoyed a multitude of purple swag, 

including limited-time purple concession items and special edition 

purple jerseys. 

The 2022 Griffins Purple Community Game raised almost $50,000, 

bringing the total funds from this partnership to more than 

$320,000, all of which supports research and education initiatives 

at VAI. 

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Lake Michigan Credit Union. 

(LEFT) LIZ BURNIS, LIESCHEN JACOBS & BECKY BRAVATA 

CELEBRATE IN THE STRAITS OF MACKINAC 

(ABOVE) BORDER TO BRIDGE RUNNERS CELEBRATE WITH 

THEIR FAMILY & FRIENDS 

(RIGHT) GEORGE SHARPE SR. PERFORMS THE PUCK DROP AT THE 

GRIFFINS PURPLE COMMUNITY GAME, JOINED BY LINDA SHARPE, 

GEORGE SHARPE JR. & ELLE SHARPE 


PURPLE COMMUNITY 

VAI Purple Community: Local 

passion for a worldwide impact 

Passion plays a key role at Van Andel 

Institute, inspiring scientists and staff to 

stay focused on world-class research. 

That passion also resonates within the 

community, as partners host grassroots 

fundraising programs through Van Andel 

Institute Purple Community. 

“The Batman” VAI Student Ambassador 

Movie Event 

Attendees were among the first to see the 

highly anticipated film, all while supporting 

research and educational programs at VAI. 

David Wiersema Memorial Golf Outing 

Coming together for the 11th year, this 

golf event brought together family, friends 

and community members to have fun and 

support VAI. 

These incredible community events are 

integral in the fight against cancer and 

Parkinson’s. Here are a few highlights from 

this year’s VAI Purple Community events: 

In 2021, 

VAI Purple 

Community 

programs 

raised more 

than $300,000, 

directly funding 

research and 

education 

programs. 


Duncan Lake Middle School Cancer Walk 

This annual event brings together a 

dedicated group of students, staff and 

faculty to get active and raise funds — all 

of which go directly to funding cancer 

research. 

West Ottawa Purple Power 

West Ottawa Public Schools are proud, 

longtime supporters of VAI Purple 

Community, holding events all year long to 

support VAI’s work. The girls’ soccer team 

held their annual Purple Power game, 

scoring three goals on the field while raising 

funds that will provide valuable assists in 

VAI’s research. 

Larry B. DeSantis Memorial Golf Outing 

The inaugural event of what will hopefully 

become a VAI Purple Community staple, 

this outing brought together community 

members, volunteers and local businesses 

to support VAI. 

To learn more about VAI Purple Community 

and how to start your own event, 

visit vai.org. 


PHILANTHROPY 

Running for family and 

Parkinson’s research 

Dedication, prayer and meditation are the 

key elements fueling Joy Kim’s grueling 

training efforts. In November, Kim and 

her sisters will run from Staten Island 

to Central Park during the TCS New York 

City Marathon, an event that may be as 

emotionally rewarding as it is physically 

challenging: They’ll be participating to 

honor the memory of loved ones lost to 

Parkinson’s and cancer. 

Kim’s mother-in-law, Min Ja, had Parkinson’s 

disease and passed away in 2021. It 

was a difficult time, and it elevated the 

importance of biomedical research in the 

eyes of the Kim family. 

“My father-in-law lovingly took care of 

Min Ja for six years, and we experienced 

how terrible Parkinson’s can be in the 

terminal stages. There is so much pain and 

suffering, not only for the affected person, 

but for friends, family and caretakers,” 

Kim said. 

That suffering was top of mind after Min 

Ja’s death. The family looked to make a 

generational impact and raised funds 

for Parkinson’s research. Kim wanted 

those donations to have a local effect and 

recommended Van Andel Institute — she 

knew of VAI’s work through Grand Rapids 

connections and later saw the value 

of her support firsthand during a tour of 

the Institute. 

“VAI’s impact on Grand Rapids is wonderful,” 

Kim said. “You see it in the first-rate facility, 

the excellent researchers and the driven 

individuals who work there — they are 

actively pursuing the mission to help those 

who face Parkinson’s and cancer.” 

Following her family‘s donation in Min 

Ja’s memory, Kim remained interested in 

supporting the Institute. She learned of 

the VAI Marathon Team and saw it as the 

perfect opportunity to run a world-famous 

event while raising money for research. 

She’ll be joined by her sisters, who are 

running in honor of their father who 

died from kidney cancer. It’s an uplifting 

challenge, Kim said: whether she trains 

for one or 10 miles a day, it does not 

get easier, but knowing that her family is 

involved elevates her commitment. And 

when the training gets really challenging, 

Min Ja always provides inspiration. 

“She was a beautiful woman, wife, mother, 

grandmother and friend,“ Kim said. 

“The United States gave so many good 

opportunities to her, and she always had 

a desire to give back. I hope our support 

of research can extend the positive 

impact Min Ja had in our lives to future 

generations.” 


“VAI’s impact 

on Grand Rapids 

is wonderful. 

You see it in the 

first-rate facility, 

the excellent 

researchers 

and the driven 

individuals that 

work there — 

they are actively 

pursuing the 

mission to help 

those who face 

Parkinson’s and 

cancer.” 

— Joy Kim 

Experience world famous marathons — and raise 

money while doing it 

Every runner has dreams of tackling some of the world’s most 

famous routes, whether they’re looking to cross the finish line 

near Buckingham Palace or experience the streets of Chicago 

alongside 40,000 other athletes. Now, you can run these historic 

marathons while raising money for Van Andel Institute’s research 

and education initiatives. 

The VAI Marathon Team, launched in 2017, secures complimentary, 

guaranteed entries to marathons across the globe. More than 

100 marathon runners have joined the team, running more than 

3,000 miles to raise over $300,000. It’s the perfect opportunity 

to challenge yourself, experience historic routes and support the 

Institute. 

VAI Marathon Team members receive the following benefits: 

• Complimentary registration to the BMW Berlin Marathon, 

TCS London Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon or 

TCS New York City Marathon 

• A welcome kit with VAI Marathon Team gear 

• Exclusive activities before and after the race 

• Contests for fabulous prizes, including complimentary hotel 

rooms during race weekends 

To learn more about the VAI Marathon Team and its benefits, 

please contact McKenzie Hollern at mckenzie.hollern@vai.org 

or 616.234.5598. 

MIN JA & DR. CHUNGYUL KIM FAMILY 


PHILANTHROPY 

A decade of support: Inside 

Jeffery Roberts’ passion for 

biomedical research 

Jeffery Roberts remembers saying 

goodbye to Grand Rapids. As he prepared 

to further his studies in Chicago, he 

thought he was leaving a city that had 

finished growing. Thirty-five years later, he 

returned to a dramatically different place 

— one thriving with educational, medical 

and scientific discovery. The city had not 

just reinvented itself, Roberts said, it had 

refocused on helping humanity. 

Classical training in the fine arts combined 

with degrees in architecture, fashion and 

interior design led him on a path to start his 

own full-service design firm, Jeffery Roberts 

Design. His return to Grand Rapids brought 

new opportunities to engage with the city, 

including a tour of Van Andel Institute. 

“I was invited to the building to tour the labs 

and get a feel for the Institute’s work, when 

all of a sudden, I just started thinking ‘this is 

a cause for me,’” Roberts said. 

Roberts has directly supported that cause 

for more than a decade, becoming a 

fervent supporter of VAI through donations, 

sponsorships, event organizing and 

volunteering. His support extends beyond 

donations, as he wants to be involved as 

often as possible. 

“I realize that my passion and talent can 

be used to further support the Institute, 

so I have to use that gift,” Roberts said. 

He’s even helped organize events from 

the ground up, playing a key role in 

the development of Building Hope, an 

architecture and design focused fundraising 

event. Regardless of how busy he may be 

in his professional life, Roberts always has 

time for VAI. 

“In our lives, we have to be aware of the 

balance of our purpose within society and 

our personal responsibility for well-being,” 

Roberts said. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve 

learned to focus on using the talents I’ve 

been given to make positive impacts on 

the world.” 

So much involvement can be tiring but 

rewarding. A self-described introverted 

extrovert, Roberts needs time to recharge 

after large events. He chooses to focus on 

the value of VAI’s work and the commitment 

of other supporters, a combination that 

always energizes him to stay involved. 

That energy is also fueled by a personal 

connection: when Roberts was a teenager, 

his younger brother died from a rare form 

of childhood cancer. A patient of St. Jude 

Children’s Research Hospital, his brother 

participated in treatment research, which 

developed into an approved protocol 

for other patients. Seeing the direct 

impact of cancer research fueled Roberts 

into a lifelong commitment to support 

similar causes. 

“Everyone can make a choice as to how 

they give back,” Roberts said. “For me, 

it’s about supporting institutions like VAI, 

places that are working on research that 

can deliver a better future for everyone.” 

Roberts is committed to ensuring that 

future by continuously looking for ways to 

get involved with VAI. Although his personal 

connection to cancer means it will always 

remain a focus, he’s recently shifted his 

interest to VAI’s metabolism research and 

education initiatives. These are causes 

that are becoming important in his own 

life, Roberts said, and he’s excited to learn 

more about their development. 

“Looking back at the happenings of the last 

decade, you can see a clear acceleration 

in terms of research and education,” 

Roberts said. “You start to think ‘what is 

the next generation going to do, how will 

this success continue?’ You can’t help but 

get excited about it, and I hope to continue 

playing a small part through my support.” 

“Everyone can make a choice as to how they give back. For me, it’s 

about supporting institutions like VAI, places that are working on 

research that can deliver a better future for everyone.” 

— Jeffery Roberts 



PHILANTHROPY 

Powering the future of science 

through a network of young 

professionals — JBoard Ambassadors 

Van Andel Institute was built on a foundation of collaboration, 

innovation and inspiration — a place where scientists, educators 

and staff share a passion to improve health and enhance the 

lives of current and future generations. Our work is part of a 

network that extends far beyond West Michigan, connecting 

donors, business partners, supporters, volunteers and community 

members across the globe, all in the name of supporting cancer 

and Parkinson’s disease research. 

VAI’s JBoard Ambassadors are young professionals who play a 

key role in this network, bringing modern perspectives and an 

ardent drive to improve the world around them. Ambassadors 

have a unique desire to stay current with the Institute’s work 

while also attending events and designing ways to empower VAI’s 

future. JBoard members receive firsthand updates on world-class 

research and education innovations, learning directly from those 

who are making it happen. 

JBoard Ambassadors receive the following perks: 

• Connect with a diverse network of West Michigan young 

professionals 

• Learn more about groundbreaking biomedical research from 

Institute scientists, allowing a sneak peek into the future 

• Meet the next generation of scientists at VAI Graduate School 

• Experience the future of K–12 education through VAI 

for Education 

• Receive exclusive invitations to health-science forums, luncheons 

and events 

• Earn recognition on the Institute’s website and annual report 


“You get to connect to the 

Institute, network with other 

professionals and engage 

with what’s happening 

in Grand Rapids and 

West Michigan. There 

are learning and growing 

opportunities, and you get 

to support the future of 

biomedical research.” 

— Sydney Vucelich, 

JBoard Ambassador since 2018 

JBoard Ambassadors 

get special access to the 

following events: 

Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Dinner & 

Award Presentation 

An exclusive invitation to this prestigious 

evening, celebrating individuals who have 

demonstrated a strong commitment to the 

Institute’s mission through volunteer service 

and philanthropy 

Behind the Scenes 

Experience unique insights into the inner 

workings of the Institute at this invite-only 

event 

Around the World 

Grand Rapids’ official kick off to summer, 

featuring a tasting menu, wine selections 

from artisan wineries, live entertainment and 

exclusive networking opportunities 

JBoard Member Mixer 

Network with other young professionals at this 

JBoard-only event 

Public Lecture Series 

Learn about the Institute’s ongoing research 

efforts from the scientists that are making it 

happen 

Purple Community Volunteering Events 

Volunteer at grassroots community efforts, 

leveraging the power of local communities to 

elevate biomedical research 

To learn more about JBoard or to 

become a JBoard Ambassador, visit 

bit.ly/JBoardRegistration. 

GUESTS GATHER FOR AROUND THE WORLD, ONE OF THE 

SIGNATURE EVENTS JBOARD AMBASSADORS CAN ATTEND 


EVENTS 

Winterfest Celebration 

Returning for its 17th year, Grand Rapids’ winter extravaganza 

featured culinary creations, delectable drinks and thrilling 

entertainment, all with the goal of benefiting Parkinson’s 

disease research. Attendees gathered at Cascade Hills Country 

Club to enjoy food and cocktails, live musical entertainment and 

a paddle raise auction. Guests saw the direct impact of their 

support as Parkinson’s disease advocates shared their stories, 

bringing a personal spotlight to the value of scientific exploration. 

In its 16-year history, this signature event has raised more than 

$2 million to benefit Parkinson’s research at VAI. 

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Buist Electric. 

(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) CAROL VAN ANDEL TALKS WITH JACK ROMENCE; 

GEORGE SHARPE JR. & DR. PETER A. JONES; 

GEORGE SHARPE JR. & MISSY SHARPE; DAVID VAN ANDEL 


Van Andel Institute Forum on 

Parkinson’s Disease & Dementia 

Seeking a brief respite from a frigid Michigan winter, the 

Van Andel Institute Forum on Parkinson’s Disease & Dementia 

returned to Naples, Florida, in February. Kindly hosted by Mike and 

Sue Jandernoa and Dr. Peter and Veronica Jones, guests were treated 

to cocktails and a seated dinner while hearing from VAI scientists and 

leaders on the Institute’s latest research breakthroughs. Presenters 

included Dr. Jones, VAI’s chief scientific officer, and Assistant Professor 

Dr. Michael Henderson, an expert in Parkinson’s disease and dementia 

with Lewy bodies. An intimate Q&A allowed attendees to further 

explore the challenges of Parkinson’s and dementia while shining 

a spotlight on the ongoing development of diagnosis and 

treatment strategies. 

(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) DR. PETER A. JONES & DR. MICHAEL HENDERSON; TIM & KIM LONG, ROBIN KOOP, 

CAROL VAN ANDEL, DANA & CHRIS VINTON; BARB SHAW, MICHELE MALY-DYKEMA & THERESE ROWERDINK; MIKE JANDERNOA; 

DAVID & CAROL VAN ANDEL, MIKE & SUE JANDERNOA 


EVENTS 

Carol Van Andel Angel of 

Excellence Dinner & Award 

Presentation 

For the last nine years, the annual Carol Van Andel Angel of 

Excellence Dinner & Award Presentation has celebrated the 

commitment and passion of VAI’s most dedicated supporters, 

highlighting their extraordinary efforts in the service of 

research, discovery and hope. The 2022 award recipients were 

Amway, Jill Bielema, Bluewater Technologies, Michael and Lynette 

Ellis and Grand Rapids Griffins. 

(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) MICHAEL & LYNETTE ELLIS & CAROL VAN ANDEL; BRADEN GRAHAM FROM BLUEWATER 

TECHNOLOGIES; TIM GORTSEMA FROM GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS & CAROL VAN ANDEL; VAI STUDENT AMBASSADORS; 

MILIND PANT FROM AMWAY & CAROL VAN ANDEL; JILL BIELEMA & CAROL VAN ANDEL; CAROL VAN ANDEL DELIVERS REMARKS 


Board of Governors Dinner 

This annual dinner gathers members of Van Andel Institute’s 

Board of Governors to learn of recent Institute achievements 

and hear directly from VAI leadership. The event, hosted at the 

Cascade Hills Country Club, featured remarks by Institute Chairman 

and CEO David Van Andel, along with presentations from Chief 

Education Officer Terra Tarango and Van Andel Institute Graduate 

School President and Dean Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg. 

If you are interested in joining the Board of Governors, please contact 

Sarah Rollman at 616.234.5712. 

(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) CAROL VAN ANDEL; TERRA TARANGO; 

VAI GRADUATE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER DR. JUAN OLIVAREZ ASKS A QUESTION DURING A Q&A SESSION; DAVID VAN ANDEL 


EVENTS 


Hosted by Van Andel Institute JBoard Ambassadors, Around 

the World invites Institute supporters, researchers and 

educators to kick off their summer by enjoying fine wine and 

meals from local food trucks. The event featured interactive 

activities facilitated by Van Andel Institute for Education, igniting 

the curiosity, critical thinking and creativity of attendees. All 

proceeds support the Institute’s K–12 education programs. 

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Lake Michigan Credit Union. 

(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) CAROL VAN ANDEL & VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION GUESTS; 

BEN TALSMA & TERRA TARANGO; GUESTS NETWORKING; 

OMAR CUERVAS ENJOYS FOOD ENTREES FROM LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS; JBOARD CO-CHAIRS RACHEL MRAZ & BLAKE CRABB 


Design & Discovery 

Merging the inspiration of modernist furniture design with 

the elegant shapes and colors of contemporary fashion, this 

event inspired imagination while supporting research. Held at 

the legendary Haworth headquarters and showroom in Holland, 

Michigan, guests were treated to a runway show by Leigh’s 

while enjoying delectable hors d’oeuvres, artisan cocktails and 

complimentary swag bags. The event featured a silent auction 

with a selection of quality products and experiences from 

generous supporters, along with a stunning sculpture donated 

by Paolo Nicolai. 

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors, Haworth and Leigh’s. 

(STARTING AT TOP RIGHT, GOING CLOCKWISE) REBECCA WIERDA & CAROL VAN ANDEL; LEIGH’S MODELS SHOWING OFF THE LATEST FASHION; 

CAROL VAN ANDEL DELIVERING REMARKS; MILLER GANAPINI & PAOLO NICOLAI; VEHICLES ON DISPLAY AT HAWORTH HEADQUARTERS 


EVENTS 

Curiosity Hour: Fairy Tales 

gone STEM 

Combining fairy tales, science, technology, engineering and 

math, Curiosity Hour encouraged guests to immerse 

themselves in fantasy and curiosity. Hosted by Van Andel 

Institute for Education, this event featured coding challenges, 

design workshops and interactive sessions with some of VAI’s 

beloved classroom animals: Cleopatra the bearded dragon, 

Garrus the snake and a family of hissing cockroaches. 


PHILANTHROPY 

Thank you to our generous 

event sponsors 

Winterfest Celebration 

Rob & Dawn Arnoys 

Barnes & Thornburg LLP 

Buist Electric 

Calamos Investments LLC 

Jerry & Suzanne Callahan 

Custer Inc. 

Deloitte 

Brian DeVries & Barbara Pugh 

Ernst & Young 

Grand Rapids Christian Schools 

Jana Hall 

Harvey Automotive 

HB Wealth Management 

Hines Corporation 

Macatawa Bank 

McShane & Bowie, PLC 

MSU College of Human Medicine 

Owen Ames Kimball Co. 

Lee & Alexandra Perez 

Pioneer Construction 

P.L. Capital 

Rycenga Building Group 

Sharpe 

University of Michigan Health — 

West 

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP 

Robert & Karen Wiltz 


Accretive Company, Inc 


Blake Crabb 


Element Four 

John Hancock Financial 

Matt & Sarah Jones 

KM Online Marketing 

Lake Michigan Credit Union 

Leigh’s 

Mercantile Bank 

Mike & Rachel Mraz 

NVINT 

Lee & Alexandra Perez 

Regal Financial Group 

West Michigan Woman 

Wicked Pro 

To learn more about sponsoring an event, contact Sarah Rollman at 

sarah.rollman@vai.org. 

Design & Discovery 

Alpine Events 

John & Mary Amell 

Autocam Medical 

Bayside Capital 

Franco & Alessandra Bianchi 

Bluewater Technologies 

Bradley Company/Brad & Katie 

Toothaker/Chip Bowling 

The Brooks Family 

Buist Electric 


CWD Real Estate 

David & Carol Van Andel 

Family Foundation 

Dominique & Julie DeNooyer/ 

DeNooyer Chevrolet/Bob & 

Colette DeNooyer 


John Dykema & Michele Maly- 

Dykema 

The Edgar & Elsa Prince 

Foundation 

Eenhoorn 

Ernst & Young LLP 

First National Bank 

The George & Evelyn on 8th 

Jeff & Ann Harten 

The Hilldore Group — Baird 

Holland Hospital 

Inontime 

Patrick & Jasmine Irish 

Jeffery Roberts Design 

M&J Foundation & F45 Holland & 

Grand Haven 

Paul & Anne Nemschoff 

Nicolai North America 

Padnos 

Paolo Nicolai 

Plastic Surgery Associates 

Priority Health 

Schupan 

SIBSCO 

Trans-Matic Mfg. Co. Inc. 

Visbeen Architects Inc. 

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP 

Vicky Weller 

West Michigan Woman 

Woodways International 

Jim & Jane Zwiers 

This list includes sponsors of signature events 

through August 2022. 


PHILANTHROPY 

MEMORIALS 

We appreciate your trust in us to fight disease in memory or in honor of your family and friends — with hope for a healthier tomorrow. 

To make a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one, please call 616.234.5392. 

Jessica Berens 

Bryan & Mary Jo Chisholm 

Nicole Beuschel 

James & Sue Baar 

Caitlin Boudreau 

Leigh Bryant 

Lawrence & Geraldine Cushman 

Anthony & Irene Gonzalez 

Marion Gonzalez 

Dawn Kickels 

Jacqueline McGowen 

Dan Norbeck & Colleen Carol 

Lee Peterson 

Samantha Raffee 

Ted & Julie Rossman 

Monica Serran 

David & Cathryn Staley 

Greg Tunnicliff 

Bob & Sandy VanderZwaag 

Sara VanderZwaag 

Robert & Rori Wiesen 

Anne Wise 

Robert Bradford 

Marvin & Ruth Bradford 

Robert Bremer 

Matthew & Rachael Bremer 

Catherine “Dolly” Callahan 

Mark & Nikki Bridges 

Jeff Chamberlin 

David & Carol Van Andel Family 

Foundation 

Scott & Ashley Delano 

Richard McCarthy 

Craig & Heather Meadows 

Grant & Linda Sabo 

Darren Schretter 

Athi Toufexis 

Marisa Urbina 

Dave Cavera Sr. 

Jennifer Israel 

Matthew Douglas Christensen 

Judi Christensen & Dennis Gries 

Skip Coddaire 

Katelyn Coddaire & Marcus 

Bultman 

Katelynn Conzelmann 

Michael Randall 

Jeff Duffield 

Jennifer Finkbeiner 

John Edison 

Ronald & Jessie Dalman 

Chuck Eich 

Barbara J. Dixon 

Steven & Anna Eich 

EVC 14 National 

EVC 17 Elite 

Ryan & Megan Hall 

Guy & Sharon Maniscalo 

Eric Pittman 

Katelyn Redlin 

Larry & Lauren Zeller 

Brian Gibson 

Elhart GMC Nissan KIA 

Anna Gove 

Veronica Gove 

Carol Ann Haarman 

Stephen Haarman 

Sue Hawkins 

Alyn & Theresa Arkesteyn 

Marsa Barclay 

Everett Beemer 

Thomas & Norma Boehm 

Gene & Lila Bush 

Peter & Mary Dunlap 

Shane & Heather Groner 

Susan Guikema 

Marty Hardt 

Gregory & Leslie Hawkins 

John & Joan Nelson 

Ken & Shirley Pierce 

David & Linda Randall 

Bill & Yolande Reynolds 

John & Susan Scalabrino 

Ronald & Marcia Schuur 

Rosette Strubel 

Roger & Sue Troost 

Bea Idema 


Foundation 

Mrs. Imhoff 

Virginia Wiles 

James Johnson 

Laura Price 

Dorothy Keen 

Hannah Campbell 

Teresa Conklin-Heilig 

Pat McKenna 

Kimberly Smith 

Min Ja Kim 

Andrew & Joy Kim 

John F. Koehler 

Shirley Koehler 

Donald R. Kozal 

Anne Kozal 

Steve Kruithoff 

Ed & Karen Bezilla 

Dawn Krupp 

Janice A. Brander 

Peter & Susan Krupp 

John & Bethal McCarthy 

Universal Spiral Air 

Kari Kytoma 

Sanders Foundation 

Allan C. Lowe, Jr. 

Allan & Barbara Lowe 

Gordon A. Ludema 


Foundation 

Charles & Julie Frayer 

Bernice Heys 

Calvin Ludema 

James Stull 

Michel & Elisa ter Kuile 

Edie Lutke 

Katelyn Coddaire & Marcus 

Bultman 

Lena Meijer 


Foundation 

Richard L. Miller 

Barbara Haviland 

Liz Pearson 

Gerald Bach 

Nicholas Elzinga 

Mike Heavner 

Andy Jensen 

Ryan Kauffman 

Charles Pearson 

Jennifer Pearson 

Mark Pearson 

David Rawles 

Frank Yancey 

Richard Pullen 

Ruth Kemp 

Harvey Ringerwole 

Joyce Ringerwole 

Clementine Rogus 

James Shim & Charlene Chen 


Foundation 

Wayne & Maren Ehley 

Rick & Deborah Nykamp 

Jenny Reynolds 

Matthew & Cheryl Wansten 

Ernest Rutherford 

Fiona McPherson Grant 

Gerald R Schnurstein 

Gail Schnurstein 


Mary J. Schut 

Anonymous 

Sharon Bajema 

J.W. Sifferman 

Karen Barden 

Anita Sinke 

Kelsey Smoker 

Robert R. Solberg 

John & Susan Morrison 

Scott & Kara Sloniker 

David Sowerby 

Paul & Sara Feldpausch 

Kristen Sensing 

Joan Veronica Teeley O’Connor 

Carl & Michelle Anderson 

Tom Back & Barbara Lovinger 

David & Ellen Gildea 

Richard Griggs & Mary Ayres 

Jim & Beth Kiers 

Nancy Lewis 

Jill Quillen 

Ken & Sandra Robb 

Brendan Ross 

Connor Ross 

Cullen Ross 

Thomas Ross 

Tom & Karen Ross 

John Shelburne 

Michael & Laura Sovel 

Russell & Esther Spoelma 

Chester & Julie Walawender 

Rita Uecker 

Aaron & Cristina Spiller 

Lois Van Andel 

Daniel & Debra Mellema 

Willard & Arlene Van Essen 

Douglas & Sandra Van Essen 

John Van Regenmorter 

James & Deanna Bossenbroek 

Bill Van Regemorter 

Bill & Rosemary Stevenson 

Evert Vermeer 

Steve & Kathryn Bandstra 

Vicki Clark 

Kenneth Lewis 

Barbara Steiner-Zehender 

U.P. Concrete Pipe Company 

Rebecca Vogelsang 

Stephen & Jennifer Czech 

TRIBUTES 

Janette Cochran 

Mark & Anne Armstrong 

Sally Kibler 

Ms. Kimberly Bos 

Jack Powell 

Robert & Beth Spica 

Kyle Van Andel 

Aaron & Hailey Van Andel 

Patty Copeland 

Wally & Nina Gorak 

Glennis Kirkey 

Ms. Kimberly Bos 

Peter & Jennie Scalabrino 

Ms. Frances Scalabrino 

Kimberly Van Stee 

Alvin & Joyce Docter 

Jamie DeFeyter 

Daniel & Pam Haight 

Lloyd Hansen 

Jim & Marie Preston 

Gretchen Kauth 

Mrs. & Mr. Kristin DeMello 

Patricia Knoll 

Pamela Geiersbach 

Brock Meader 

Crystal Saidoo 

Corinne Elizabeth Nordlund 

Robert & Edie Nordlund 

Carl Seymour 

Mr. Edward Dempsey 

Scott & Heather Nickelson 

David & Carol Van Andel 

Mr. Duwane Suwyn 

Sierra Zylstra 

Cody & Meghan Furney 

These lists represent gifts made between Jan. 1, 2022, and June 20, 2022. The accuracy of these lists is very important to us. Please contact 616.234.5392 if an error has been made. 


Van Andel Institute 

represents a family 

legacy. Founded by 

Join the Jay and Betty Van Andel 

Circle of Hope 

A significant and growing number of individuals and households have 

remembered VAI in their estate plans. These planned giving intentions 

will greatly benefit the Institute’s research into diseases like cancer, 

Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s and related dementias, as well as our work 

to educate the next generation of scientific leaders and foster curiosity, 

creativity and critical thinking in K–12 classrooms. 

Jay and Betty 

Van Andel, that 

legacy is now 

carried forward by 

Chairman and CEO 

VAI honors those who have included the Institute in their estate plans 

through the Jay and Betty Van Andel Circle of Hope. When you notify us 

of your intentions, you are invited to become a member. 

We welcome a conversation about estate giving that 

makes the most sense for you while also supporting 

the mission of VAI. Additional information about 

estate giving can be found at vai.giftlegacy.com. 

Please contact: 

Kate Frillmann, Philanthropy Director 

616.234.5515 

kate.frillmann@vai.org 

David Van Andel 

Steve Ozinga, Philanthropy Director 

616.234.5040 

steve.ozinga@vai.org 

and his wife, Carol. 

Highlights of Hope is supported through 

Van Andel Institute operational funds, 

ensuring 100% of donations go 

toward the Institute’s research and 

educational efforts. 

JAY VAN ANDEL 

BETTY VAN ANDEL

2022 Fall/Winter Highlights of Hope

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