2022 Annual Report

VAI welcomes three new faculty
VAI’s growth continued in 2022 with the addition of three new faculty members, whose groundbreaking work augmented our existing strengths and
expanded our research into new areas. The Institute is now home to 35 labs and more than 500 staff — all dedicated to building a healthier future.
Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Epigenetics
Dr. Fondufe-Mittendorf studies the relationship between environmental factors, such as arsenic in drinking water, and
cancer risk. Her research has revealed how low-dose arsenic exposure transforms healthy cells into malignant ones —
revelations that have significant public health implications.
RESEARCH
“Our environment has a profound impact on our health, down to the molecular level. My research addresses some
of today’s health challenges by developing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underpinning this critical
relationship. VAI is a global center for leading-edge epigenetics research, and I am thrilled to be part of it.”
Evan Lien, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming
Dr. Lien investigates the intersection between diet and cancer, with a focus on how
dietary changes may impact tumor development and growth. He plans to translate
his findings into actionable strategies for improving cancer treatment and response.
“Diet is such an important determinant of human health, but there is still so much
we do not understand about the molecular and biochemical interactions between
nutrition and cancer progression. I am thrilled to join the Department of Metabolism
and Nutritional Programming at VAI, where we will have the extensive expertise and
state-of-the-art resources to answer these questions.”
Around
the
Institute
Qiang Zhu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurodegenerative Science
Dr. Zhu studies two devastating neurodegenerative diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal
dementia (FTD). He is hopeful that his work, which focuses on repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene, will uncover new
treatment targets and biomarkers that will aid scientists and physicians in studying and tracking disease progression. His
efforts have already led to a clinical trial for treating specific subtypes of ALS and FTD.
“The lack of therapies that impede progression of ALS and FTD is a major gap in patient care. I’m heartened that my
research to date has contributed to clinical exploration of potential treatments, and am excited to expand my efforts
at VAI. The Institute has exceptional research facilities and a highly supportive, collaborative scientific environment.
I look forward to teaming up with my colleagues to achieve our shared goal — new, more effective treatments for
neurodegenerative diseases.”
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