VAI R&E Update 2024-25

Research & Education

2024–2025 Update

WHO WE ARE

Founded by the Van Andel family in 1996, the Institute is home to

more than 500 scientists, educators and staff — each one of us deeply

committed to improving human health and driven by an urgent desire to

make a difference.

Every day, we collaborate with people and organizations around the world

in pursuit of breakthrough treatment strategies for cancer, Parkinson’s,

metabolic disorders and other diseases.

Through shared values and an entrepreneurial spirit, we spark innovation

to multiply the impact of discovery and answer critical questions to

improve human health.

We believe that hope for tomorrow lives in the students of today. Our

Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program that

develops leaders in molecular and cellular biology. Our K–12 education

programs inspire teachers and students through curiosity, creativity and

critical thinking.

A hub for ideas and advancements, the Institute is fueled by a community

of bright minds who share a relentless curiosity and a deep commitment

to improve health and enhance lives.

We collaborate

with people and

organizations around

the world in pursuit

of breakthrough

treatment strategies

for cancer, Parkinson’s,

metabolic disorders and

other diseases.

For more on our research

and education initiatives,

visit vai.org.

VAI FAST FACTS

Van Andel Institute

for Research

The Nature Index, which

measures institutional

scientific output, ranks VAI

no. 19 in the Biological

Sciences category out of the

top 100 nongovernmental/

nonprofits.

Areas of Strength

• Epigenetics

• Neurodegeneration

• Cell Biology

• Metabolism and Nutrition

• Structural Biology

Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer® (VAI–SU2C) Epigenetics

Dream Team Evaluating promising new treatments for cancers, including:

• Metastatic colorectal cancer

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

• Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

• Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)

• Non-small cell lung cancer

• Bladder (urothelial) cancer

• Liver, pancreatic, bile duct and

gallbladder cancers

• Breast cancer

Cure Parkinson’s–Van Andel Institute International Linked Clinical

Trials (iLCT) Repurposing existing medications to slow or stop Parkinson’s progression, in

collaboration with Cure Parkinson’s

The iLCT initiative aims to identify new therapies for Parkinson’s disease by repurposing

medications for other conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol and respiratory ailments. It

is one of the world’s largest drug repurposing and repositioning programs for Parkinson’s.

Van Andel Institute Graduate School Transforming students into independent

scientists through an intense, problem-focused Ph.D. degree in molecular and cellular biology

12 students in the 2024 cohort.

Our students hail from 5 countries.

Van Andel Institute for Education Creating K–12 classrooms where curiosity,

creativity and critical thinking thrive through:

student programs

instructional tools

professional development

6,610+ students served Serving 3,325+ teachers across

15 states

Numbers current as of December 2024.

1

RESEARCH

Department of

Epigenetics

Virtually all 37.2 trillion cells in our

bodies have the same DNA, the

spiraling molecule that contains the

genetic instructions required to make

us who we are. But if every cell works

from the same playbook, how and why

does the human body have so many

different types of cells? Why do some

become skin cells while others become

muscle cells, heart cells or brain cells?

The answer is epigenetics — a complex

set of processes that determine when

and to what extent genetic instructions

are carried out. Epigenetic processes

are vital for healthy cellular function

and, when things go awry, they can

play major roles in disease.

By investigating the epigenetic

processes that fine-tune DNA, our

scientists aim to pinpoint the origins

of complex diseases and determine

how they are impacted by our past

and present — and how they influence

future generations.

Combining epigenetic cancer medications may benefit colorectal

cancers and other tumor types

A pair of medications that make malignant cells act as if they have a virus could hold

new promise for treating colorectal cancers and other solid tumors, reports a study

led by Dr. Scott Rothbart and published in Science Advances. The preclinical research

determined how low doses of a DNMT inhibitor sensitize cancer cells to an EZH2

inhibitor, resulting in a one-two punch that combats cancer cells better than either

drug alone. The findings are the foundation for an upcoming Phase I clinical trial to

evaluate this combination in people with colorectal cancer or other solid tumors. The

trial will be part of the Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer ® (SU2C) Epigenetics

Dream Team and led by collaborators at Johns Hopkins University. 1

For some endometriosis-related ovarian cancers, timing is everything

Two types of endometriosis-related ovarian cancer arise from the same cells

but likely at different stages of the menstrual cycle — a nuance that significantly

influences treatment response, reports a study led by Dr. Hui Shen in collaboration

with University of British Columbia scientists. The findings, published in the journal

Cancer Research, have implications for better understanding and treating a pair of

cancer subtypes that together account for up to nearly a quarter of ovarian cancer

cases. Clear cell ovarian carcinoma comprises 5%–12% of ovarian cancer cases and

is resistant to chemotherapy. Endometrioid ovarian carcinoma comprises 5%–10%

of ovarian cancer cases and responds better to therapy. 2

New anti-cancer ‘degrader’ targets protein essential to infant leukemia

A team led by VAI’s Dr. Hong Wen and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s

Dr. Jian Jin have developed a potent anti-cancer compound that inhibits cancer cell

growth in a tough-to-treat type of infant leukemia. The compound, MS-41, targets

and destroys ENL, a protein that is essential to the progression of MLL-rearranged

leukemia. Without ENL, leukemia cells lose the ability to proliferate and spread. The

findings were published in the journal Science Advances and pave the way for further

study of MS-41 in other types of leukemia. 3

Study paves way to improved anti-cancer immunotherapies

Disrupting the Asxl1 gene in certain immune cells improved the effectiveness of

an anti-cancer immunotherapy called immune checkpoint blockade in models

of cancer. The findings were published in Science by St. Jude Children’s Research

Hospital scientists and made possible in part by funding and clinical trial samples

from the Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer ® Epigenetics Dream Team. The

collaborative effort underscores the promise of combining epigenetic drugs with

immunotherapies. 4

Scientists pinpoint key cancer survival strategy

A study by VAI’s Dr. Scott Rothbart and colleagues reveals how layers of epigenetic

mechanisms work together to support cancer cell survival. The findings point

toward potential new ways to overcome these defenses and improve cancer

therapies. One promising approach involves combining cancer treatments such as

immunotherapies with medications that fix cancer-related epigenetic errors. The

research was published in Molecular Cell. 5

2

Dr. Josh Jang earns prestigious award to pursue

improved cancer immunotherapies

VAI Fellow Dr. Josh Jang earned a prestigious Pathway to

Independence Award from the National Cancer Institute, which

will support his efforts to determine why some cancers progress

following immunotherapy. Although rare, understanding how

and why this happens could lead to better screening strategies

for people prior to treatment. Jang’s research is part of the

Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer ® (SU2C) Epigenetics

Dream Team, a multi-institutional clinical trial collaboration

that evaluates promising treatments for cancer that combine

epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies and other

approaches. 6

Funding Acknowledgements

Research reported in this publication was supported by:

1

The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. P50CA254897

(Issa, Baylin and Jones; subproject 7830, Rothbart) and F32CA225043 (Chomiak); and the

National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award

no. R35GM124736 (Rothbart). Scott Rothbart, Ph.D., was supported by a Research Scholar Grant

(RSG-21-031-01-DMC) from the American Cancer Society (https://doi.org/10.53354/ACS.RSG-21-

031-01-DMC.pc.gr.144230). Rochelle L. Tiedemann, Ph.D., was supported by the American Cancer

Society–Michigan Cancer Research Fund Postdoctoral Fellowship (PF-16-245-01-DMC).

2

The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R37CA230748

(Shen). Heinze was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgesellschaft (HE 8699/1–1).

3

The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01CA260666

(Jin and Wen).

Wen is a Career Development Award Scholar of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (award no.

1387-23). Wen also is supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of

Health under award no. R01CA255506. Shi is supported by the National Cancer Institute of the

National Institutes of Health under award no. R01CA268440. Chen is supported by the National

Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under

award no. R41DK13305, the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under

award no. R21AG071229 and the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences of the National

Institutes of Health under award no. R01GM133107.

This work used the NMR Spectrometer Systems at Mount Sinai acquired with funding from

the National Institutes of Health under Shared Instrument award nos. 1S10OD025132 and

1S10OD028504.

4

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of National Institutes of Health under

award no. R01AI114442 (Youngblood); the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of

Health under award nos. R01CA237311 (Youngblood), K08CA279926 (Zebley) and R35CA209859

(Jones); a National Comprehensive Cancer Network Young Investigator Award; Alex’s Lemonade

Stand Young Investigator Grant; Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To Cancer ® Epigenetics Dream

Team; ASSISI Foundation; Merck & Co.; and ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization of

St. Jude.

5

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under

award no. R35GM152184 (Rothbart); the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of

Health under award nos. P50CA254897 (Issa, Jones and Baylin; sub-project 7830, Rothbart),

R01CA283463 (Rothbart) and F32CA260116 (Hrit); and the Van Andel Institute–Stand Up To

Cancer ® Epigenetics Dream Team. Scott Rothbart, Ph.D., was supported by an American Cancer

Society Research Scholar Grant RSG-21-031-01-DMC (https://doi.org/10.53354/ACS.RSG-21-031-

01-DMC.pc.gr.144230).

6

The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. K99CA286742

(Jang).

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.

3

RESEARCH

Department of

Neurodegenerative

Science

Worldwide, 8.5 million to 10 million people

have Parkinson’s disease, and more than

30 million have dementia. There is no

cure and no effective way to slow or stop

disease progression.

VAI scientists aim to change that by

investigating the complex factors that give

rise to neurodegenerative and psychiatric

disorders, from genetics and epigenetics

to aging, inflammation and the structure

of the brain itself — even the roles of the

gut and the immune system.

By leveraging discoveries made in VAI’s

labs and collaborating with researchers

around the world, our scientists are

working to translate breakthroughs

into life-changing new treatments for

Parkinson’s, dementias and depression.

Scientists identify cell vulnerability ‘fingerprint’ related to

Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia

A study from the lab of Dr. Michael Henderson offers a first look into the

complex molecular changes that occur in brain cells with Lewy bodies, which

are key pathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

The findings reveal that brain cells with Lewy bodies exhibit a specific gene

expression pattern — akin to a disease-related fingerprint — that affects many

critical processes required for brain health, including cellular communication,

energy regulation, cellular trash removal and inflammation. Moving forward,

the Henderson Lab will explore pathways disrupted by Lewy bodies to identify

mechanisms that may protect vulnerable cells. The study was published in the

journal Nature Communications. 1

Pregnancy-related depression may have roots in the placenta

Inflammation in the placenta may contribute to pregnancy-related depression,

according to a first-of-its-kind study conducted in West Michigan. The findings

identify specific molecular changes in the placenta that are associated with

depression onset and severity. The study was published in the journal Brain,

Behavior, and Immunity, and led by VAI’s Dr. Lena Brundin and colleagues at

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and

Michigan State University. It included 120 women who received care at Corewell

Health during their pregnancies. 2

4

VAI, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of

Medicine and Western Michigan University join the National Network of

Depression Centers

VAI, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and

Western Michigan University have joined the National Network of Depression

Centers as joint members. The membership draws on WMed’s expertise in

psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, WMU’s excellence in behavioral treatment

approaches and VAI’s expertise in research into the next generation of depression

diagnostics and therapeutics. It builds on a longstanding collaboration between VAI’s

Dr. Lena Brundin and WMed’s Dr. Eric Achtyes, who together have led numerous

federally funded clinical studies on depression.

Scientists honored for Parkinson’s research contributions

VAI named pioneering scientist Dr. Anders Björklund of Lund University as recipient

of the 2024 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s

Disease Research. The award was presented in September during the Institute’s

annual flagship Parkinson’s symposium, Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease. As

a world leader in Parkinson’s research, Björklund’s work focuses on finding ways to

prevent and repair cellular damage caused by the disease. Parkinson’s symptoms

arise after the loss of brain cells that produce the chemical messenger dopamine,

resulting in the disease’s hallmark movement-related symptoms.

VAI and Cure Parkinson’s also recognized Dr. Oliver Bandmann with the 2024

Tom Isaacs Award, which honors researchers who significantly impact the lives of

people with Parkinson’s. The award was presented virtually during the Rallying to

the Challenge meeting, which is held in tandem with Grand Challenges in Parkinson’s

Disease. Bandmann is a professor of movement disorders neurology and co-director

of the Cross-Faculty Neuroscience Research Institute at University of Sheffield, UK.

His research focuses on discovering new treatments with the potential to slow, stop

or reverse Parkinson’s.



1

Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s under award no. ASAP-

020616 (PI: Thomas Biederer, Ph.D., Yale University [subaward

to Michael Henderson, Ph.D.]) and the National Institute on

Aging of the National Institutes of Health under award no.

R01AG077573 (Henderson).

2

The National Institute of Mental Health of the National

Institutes of Health under award no. R01MH104622 (Brundin).

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.

Study sheds light on how diet impacts

immune cell function in the brain

Around

the

Institute

Mice fed a short-term, high-fat diet experienced improved immune cell function in the

brain, reported a study by VAI’s Dr. J. Andrew Pospisilik in collaboration with Dr. Russell

Jones and Dr. Michael Henderson. Although the effect was temporary, it did contribute

to brief enhancements in learning and memory. The surprise discovery resulted from

an investigation into the reasons why high-fat diets can trigger chronic problems with

metabolism. The findings reveal a new role for brain immune cells, called microglia, as

rapid-response sensors of nutrient intake. The results also suggest that microglia rapidly

break down harmful fatty acids and release carbon molecules that have a protective

effect on other brain cells.

Funding Acknowledgement

Research reported in this publication was supported by the Max Planck Gesellschaft; Van Andel Institute; the European Union’s

Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 675610 (Drougard);

NeuroMac CRC/TRR167 (Pospisilik and Prinz); a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Predoctoral Fellowship (EPOC–707123); and the National

Human Genome Research of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. R21HG011964 (Pospisilik) and R01HG012444

(Pospisilik and Nadeau). 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.

5

RESEARCH

Department of

Structural Biology

Imagine standing on the moon and having eyes so powerful

that you can clearly watch a tennis match on Earth. Now

imagine using that same visual power to see down to the

molecular level, and you have structural biology — a field that

allows scientists to study the smallest components of life in

exquisite detail.

Determining the shape of these critical molecules is vital for

understanding their function in health and disease. Scientists

in VAI’s Department of Structural Biology harness state-ofthe-art

techniques to visualize molecules that may serve as

treatment targets for cancer, neurological disorders, metabolic

diseases, infectious diseases and more.

They’re revealing groundbreaking new insights into the

most fundamental aspects of biology, from parsing the ways

cells sense and respond to the environment to illuminating

the intricacies of DNA replication. They’re also laying the

foundations for new therapies by revealing how a drug

molecule disables its target protein.

When it comes to DNA replication, humans and

baker’s yeast are more alike than different

Humans and baker’s yeast have more in common than

meets the eye, including an important mechanism that helps

ensure DNA is copied correctly, reported a pair of studies

published in the journals Science and Proceedings of the

National Academy of Sciences. The findings visualize for the first

time a molecular complex — called CTF18-RFC in humans and

Ctf18-RFC in yeast — that loads a “clamp” onto DNA to keep

parts of the replication machinery from falling off the DNA

strand. The discovery from longtime collaborators Dr. Huilin Li

of Van Andel Institute and Dr. Michael O’Donnell of The

Rockefeller University sheds light on the intricate mechanisms

that enable the faithful passage of genetic information from

generation to generation of cells. 1

Blueprint of repair molecule could aid in fight against

tuberculosis

Despite advances in treatment, tuberculosis (TB) still sickens

more than 10 million people worldwide each year. Using a

high-powered cryo-electron microscope, Dr. Huilin Li and his

collaborators visualized a molecular complex called GrpE-

DnaK, which helps tuberculosis-causing bacteria survive

attacks by the human immune system. The finding offers

powerful new opportunities to design medications that combat

TB bacteria by interfering with this repair process. 2

Heating proteins to body temperature reveals new

drug targets

Some proteins shift their shape when exposed to different

temperatures, revealing previously unknown binding sites for

medications. The findings, published in the journal Nature,

could revolutionize wide swathes of biology by fundamentally

changing how protein structure is studied and leveraged

for drug design. Proteins generally are investigated at low

temperatures to ensure their stability. However, the new

study demonstrates that certain proteins are highly sensitive

to temperature and change their shape when heated to

body temperature. The study was led by former VAI associate

professors Dr. Juan Du and Dr. Wei Lü. 3



1

Van Andel Institute (Li); the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. R01GM148159 (O’Donnell) and R35GM131754 (Li); and the

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (O’Donnell).

2

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. R01AI070285 (Li) and R01AI138446 (Glickman).

3

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01HL153219 (Lü); the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National

Institutes of Health under award nos. R01NS112363 (Lü), R01NS111031 (Du) and R01NS129804 (Du); a Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship Award in Neuroscience (Du); an Alfred P. Sloan Research

Fellowship in Neuroscience (Du); a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences from the Pew Charitable Trusts (Du); a McKnight Scholar Award (Du); and the American Heart Association under award no.

24POST1196982 (Hu).

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 funding organizations.

6

Funding

As of December 2024, VAI scientists had

97 active awards totaling $165.8 million. In

2024, VAI scientists earned 25 new awards

totaling $32.4 million.

Publications

In 2024, VAI scientists published 122 peerreviewed

papers. Of these, 63 were in highimpact

journals.

Nature Index

The Nature Index, which measures

institutional scientific output, ranks VAI no.

19 in the Biological Sciences category out of

the top 100 nongovernmental/nonprofits.

Figures current as of December 2024.

Clinical Collaborations by

the Numbers

VAI-SU2C Epigenetics

Dream Team

2 clinical trials ongoing (enrolling

patients).

5 clinical trials in correlative analyses

(enrollment closed).

8 clinical trials completed over the life

of the program.

International Linked

Clinical Trials

10 clinical trials co-funded by VAI and

Cure Parkinson’s (out of 41 total

iLCT trials).

Figures current as of December 2024.

IMAGE OF YEAST Ctf18-RFC COURTESY OF DR. HUILIN LI

7

RESEARCH

Department of Metabolism & Nutritional Programming

Every aspect of life is fueled by metabolism, a constant

cascade of chemical reactions that ensure we have the

energy to survive and thrive. But sometimes things go wrong,

depriving our cells of the energy and resources required for

healthy function.

When energy production or distribution breaks down, the

results can be catastrophic — diseases such as cancer,

Parkinson’s and diabetes are all known to have varying degrees

of metabolic involvement.

Scientists in VAI’s Department of Metabolism and Nutritional

Programming explore the intricate mechanics of cellular

metabolism and their implications for health and disease.

Using cutting-edge techniques, they’re investigating

metabolism’s interaction with other critical systems, such

as the immune system, and revealing how environmental

exposure and metabolic dysfunction contribute to

diseases such as diabetes, autoimmunity, cancer and

neurodegeneration. They’re also parsing the ripple effect that

nutrition may have through the generations, exploring how our

diets could lay the epigenetic foundations for the health of our

descendants.

Starving cancer cells of fat may improve cancer

treatment

Cutting off cancer cells’ access to fat may help a specific type

of cancer treatment work more effectively, reports a study by

VAI’s Dr. Evan Lien and collaborators. The findings, published

in Cell Chemical Biology, lay the groundwork for developing

tailored dietary strategies to help anti-cancer medications

better kill malignant cells. The study focused on ferroptosis,

a type of cell death that occurs when fat molecules in cancer

cells experience damage. Using cell models, Lien and his team

showed that blocking cancer cells’ access to fats makes them

highly sensitive to ferroptosis and, by extension, drugs that

induce ferroptosis. 1

Immune cells have a metabolic backup plan for

accessing their anti-cancer playbook

Immune cells use two different routes to produce acetyl-

CoA, an essential metabolite required to fight infection and

cancer, according to a study led by VAI’s Dr. Russell Jones. The

findings could help improve immunotherapies by revealing

how diet can boost immune cell function. Additionally, the

study underscores the close relationship between metabolism

and epigenetics, which are processes that influence how

the instructions in DNA are used without changing the DNA

sequence itself. Epigenetic errors are well-known contributors

to cancer and important targets for potential new treatments.

The study was published in the Journal of Experimental

Medicine. 2

Immune cells are what they eat

A team of scientists led by VAI’s Dr. Russell Jones and Salk

Institute’s Dr. Susan Kaech have discovered that different

nutrients may help immune cells better fight cancer. The

immune system relies on specialized “effector” T cells

to combat pathogens but, when fighting against cancer,

the perpetual activation of these T cells can make them

“exhausted” and unable to continue fighting. In their study,

the team discovered that a nutritional switch from acetate to

citrate plays a key role in determining T cells’ fates, shifting

them from active effector cells to exhausted cells. The finding

highlights how metabolic changes influence T cell identity and

open avenues for interventions to sustain immune function

against cancer. The findings were published in Science. 3

*Adapted from Salk Institute

8



1

The National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. R00CA255928 (Lien) and T32CA251066 (P. Jones); and Van Andel Institute’s Metabolism & Nutrition (MeNu)

Program.

2

Van Andel Institute; the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. T32CA251066 (Watson; PI: P. Jones); the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation

under award no. DRG-#2495-23 (Watson); and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01AI165722 (R. Jones).

Roy is supported by the Fonds de Recherche due Québec — Santé (FRQS) and the Cancer Research Society under award no. 192049. Krawczyk is supported by the National Institute of Allergy

and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R21AI153997. Ma is supported by a Cancer Research Institute Fellowship and a Salk Pioneer Fund Postdoctoral

Scholar Award. Kaech is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. R01AI066232 and R21AI151986. Jones also is

supported by the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group Distinguished Investigator Program and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

3

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. R01AI066232 (Kaech), R21AI151986 (Kaech) and R01AI165722 (R. Jones); the

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01AA029124 (Jang); the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering

of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01EB029122 (Wang); National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R35GM140929

(Wang); the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. K00CA222741 (Zhao), P30CA01495 (Salk Institute Flow Cytometry Core Facility) and T32CA009370

(Mann); the National Institutes of Health Office of the Director under award nos. S10-OD023689 (Salk Institute Flow Cytometry Core Facility) and S10OD034268 (Salk Institute Flow Cytometry

Core Facility); the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under award no. P30AG068635 (Gage); Chapman Foundation and the Helmsley Charitable Trust; an Allen

Distinguished Investigator Award, a Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group advised grant of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation (R. Jones); Van Andel Institute (R. Jones); American Association for the

Study of Liver Diseases Foundation (Jang); Edward Mallinckrodt Jr. Foundation (Jang); Cancer Research Institute (Mann and Ma); Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation (Mann); and a

Salk Pioneer Fund Postdoctoral Scholar Award (Ma).

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.

9

RESEARCH

Department of Cell Biology

Our health, and consequently our lives, depend on the

coordinated activities of our individual cells. Scientists in VAI’s

Department of Cell Biology investigate how these cells grow,

communicate, survive, assemble into tissues, respond to the

environment and change with age.

Their transformative work aims to yield new diagnostic and

treatment strategies to improve the quality of life for people

with cancer, bone diseases and rare disorders.

Zebrafish reveal insights into cancer-related process

Zebrafish and humans might seem vastly different, but below

the surface, we share many similarities — it’s what makes

zebrafish important models for studying health and disease.

In 2024, these tiny fish helped a team led by Dr. Stephanie

Grainger determine how two important parts of a cellular

communication pathway called Wnt work together. Problems

with Wnt are well-known contributors to cancer. Better

understanding how pieces of this important pathway interact

may offer potential powerful new targets for cancer treatment.

The findings were published in the journal Science Signaling. 1

Study sheds light on common genetic driver of

breast cancer

Mutations to and deletions of the NF1 gene are among

the most common drivers of breast cancer. Now, findings

from the Steensma Lab and Lien Lab have revealed the

mechanisms by which loss of NF1 function contributes

to breast cancer development and progression. They

discovered that damage to this critical gene derails cells’

normal metabolic balance, allows cells to proliferate

unchecked and disrupts important cellular communication

channels. The findings, published in Molecular Metabolism,

highlight NF1 and cancer cell metabolism as potential targets

for new cancer therapies. 2

Experimental blood test for pancreatic cancer

undergoing clinical development and evaluation

An experimental blood test for pancreatic cancer that was

developed by VAI and University of Pittsburgh scientists is

being evaluated by a commercial laboratory, an important

milestone toward making the test available for patients. A

double-blinded, peer-reviewed analysis published in

Cancer Letters revealed that the experimental test correctly

identified 71% of pancreatic cancer samples in the lab

compared to only 44% correctly identified by the current

gold-standard test. Teams led by VAI Professor Dr. Brian

Haab and Dr. Randall E. Brand, a physician-scientist and

professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, created

the test.

Before the new test can be used by doctors to diagnose

cancer, it must undergo clinical validation. During this

process, a CLIA-accredited diagnostics laboratory adapts

the experimental test into a version that reliably works

under the strict conditions in a clinical lab. CLIA is a rigorous

federal standard that ensures lab quality. Clinical validation

of the test will be conducted by ReligenDx, a CLIA-accredited

diagnostics lab based in Pennsylvania. The process is

expected to take two years. 3



1

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R00HL133458 (Grainger); the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National

Institutes of Health under award no. R35GM142779 (Grainger); the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award no. R01AI171984 (Triche,

Krawczyk and Prokop); the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, under award no. DAF2022-249404 (Triche); and the Michelle Lunn Hope

Foundation (Triche).

2

Van Andel Institute; NF Michigan; and Bee Brave.

3

Research reported in the Cancer Letters study was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award nos. U01CA200466 (Brand and Batra),

U01CA200468 (Maitra), U01CA152653 (Haab, Allen and Brand), U01CA226158 (Haab and Brand), and U24CA086368 (Zheng, Etzioni and Feng); and the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Foundation

(Maitra).

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.

10

Around

the

Institute

VAI welcomes 8 new faculty

Van Andel Institute celebrated another year of tremendous growth in 2024 with the recruitment

of eight world-class scientists to our faculty. These exceptional investigators and their labs will

expand our impact and contribute to our ability to make breakthroughs that improve health.

“Since I first stepped through Van Andel Institute’s doors a decade ago, I’ve known it is a

remarkable place. Our continued ability to attract the best of the best reflects our growing

reputation as a world-class destination for outstanding science,” said Dr. Peter A. Jones, VAI

president and chief scientific officer. “We are overjoyed to welcome our new faculty and their teams

and look forward to their future stellar contributions.”

Clifford Cho, M.D.

Professor


Dr. Clifford Cho is a surgeon-scientist

whose pioneering discoveries have led to

FDA approval of histotripsy as a cancer

treatment. Histotripsy uses ultrasound waves to disrupt

tumors and elicit an immune response, which helps the

body better fight cancer cells. He is a professor in Van Andel

Institute’s Department of Cell Biology, chief medical officer

of University of Michigan Health-West and a professor at the

University of Michigan.

Melissa Hoyer, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Neurodegenerative Science

Dr. Melissa Hoyer studies the

fundamental cellular processes that

support brain health. To date, her

research has revealed important insights into several critical

cellular systems required for normal function — and detailed

how errors in these vital processes contribute to disease.

Derek Janssens, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Epigenetics

Dr. Derek Janssens explores the factors

that gives rise to blood cancers with the

goal of informing improved diagnosis

and treatment strategies. His research has contributed to

powerful new methods that enable scientists to better study

the complex factors that drive cancer development.

Hong Li, Ph.D.

Professor

Department of Structural Biology

Dr. Hong Li uses the latest technologies

to study RNA, an important molecule

that not only helps carry out the

instructions found in DNA but also facilitates the function of

protein enzymes. Her leading-edge research has far-reaching

implications for understanding the role of RNA in health and

disease — and for informing new diagnostic and treatment

strategies.

Travis Walton, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor


Dr. Travis Walton studies the cellular

cytoskeleton, which provides structure

and stability to cells. Problems with

this critical architecture can contribute to a wide range of

human diseases. Dr. Walton’s lab uses leading-edge imaging

technologies to identify vulnerabilities in the cytoskeleton that

can lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Bang-An Wang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor


Dr. Bang-An Wang develops new

technologies to explore the epigenetic

underpinnings of brain development and

neurodegenerative diseases. His multi-faceted research brings

together powerful techniques to illuminate potential future

treatment targets.

Yang Yang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor


Dr. Yang Yang employs the latest imaging

technologies to illuminate new insights

into neurodegenerative disease such as

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Her research has revealed the

structures of critical disease-related protein filaments — an

important step toward developing improved treatments.

Liman Zhang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor


Dr. Liman Zhang studies the multifaceted

ways that the immune system responds

to infection and cancer. By focusing on

the role of inflammation in these nuanced interactions,

Dr. Zhang hopes to inform improved treatments for cancer

and other disorders.

11

RESEARCH

Core Technologies & Services

VAI’s Core Technologies and Services offer a comprehensive range of advanced technologies and expertise to support and

enhance research at the Institute and collaborating organizations. Staffed by highly qualified professionals with an acute

understanding of their respective fields, the Core team is committed to providing superior service and conducting exceptional

science to further the Institute’s goal of improving human health through basic and translational research.

Study finds persistent proteins may influence metabolomics results

VAI scientists have identified more than 1,000 previously undetected proteins in common metabolite samples, which persist

despite extraction methods designed to weed them out. The findings have far-reaching implications for the design of

metabolomics experiments, which are widely used to study the intricacies of metabolism and its roles in health and disease. The

findings, published in Nature Communications, give scientists new insights and tools for improving future experiments, including

a way to remove problematic proteins. The study was led by the Institute’s Mass Spectrometry Core and colleagues in the

Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming and Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core.

Funding Acknowledgement

Research reported in this publication was supported by Van Andel Institute’s Core Technologies and Services (Mass Spectrometry Core and Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core); Van Andel

Institute’s Metabolism and Nutrition (MeNu) Program; and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award no. T32CA251066 (P. Jones). The content is solely the

responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

12

VAI appoints renowned scientists

Around

the

Institute

to endowed chairs

VAI named Dr. Peter W. Laird as the Peter and Emajean Cook Endowed Chair in

Epigenetics, Dr. Huilin Li as the Ralph and Grace Hauenstein Endowed Chair in

Structural Biology, and Dr. Darren Moore as the Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in

Parkinson's Disease Research. The prestigious appointments recognize and

celebrate Laird, Li and Moore's extensive pioneering scientific contributions. They

also honor the Cooks and the Hauensteins, who were among the Institute’s earliest and

most dedicated supporters, and Jay Van Andel, who co-founded the Institute alongside his

wife, Betty. Endowed chairs recognize scientists whose achievements and discoveries place them at the top of their

fields. The Peter and Emajean Cook Endowed Chair in Epigenetics and the Ralph and Grace Hauenstein Endowed

Chair in Structural Biology were established in 2024; the Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson's Disease Research

was established in 2005.

VAI Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Peter A. Jones elected

to National Academy of Medicine

VAI President and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Peter A. Jones has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

Considered to be among the highest honors in the fields of medicine and health, election to the academy

recognizes a career-spanning record of outstanding achievement and service. Jones is a pioneer and world leader

in epigenetics, a growing field that explores how the instructions in DNA are regulated without changing the DNA

sequence itself. Discoveries by Jones and colleagues have demonstrated the central roles epigenetics play in health

and diseases such as cancer.

Harvey Prize recognizes epigenetics breakthroughs

A trio of esteemed scientists from Van Andel Institute and Johns Hopkins University were named winners of the

Harvey Prize for their groundbreaking discoveries in cancer epigenetics. VAI’s Dr. Peter A. Jones, Sidney Kimmel

Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins and VAI’s Dr. Stephen B. Baylin, and Johns Hopkins University’s

Dr. Andrew P. Feinberg share the prestigious award, which recognizes their individual and collaborative

contributions to science and human health. The Harvey Prize is widely considered to be a “Nobel predictor,” with

more than 30% of recipients going on to win the Nobel Prize. It has been awarded annually by Technion University

since 1971. Jones, Baylin and Feinberg will formally receive the award in June 2025.

2 VAI scientists named to prestigious Highly Cited

Researchers list

Dr. Russell Jones and Dr. Peter W. Laird were included in the 2024 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list, a

distinction marking them as leaders in their fields.The greatly anticipated annual list identifies researchers who

demonstrated significant and broad influence in their chosen area or areas of study through the publication of

multiple highly cited papers during the last decade.

Citations, or references to a scientist’s published work by other researchers, are universally considered to be

a measure of influence and impact in the scientific community. Jones and Laird have appeared on the list in

previous years.

13

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Van Andel Institute Graduate School’s Ph.D. in molecular

and cellular biology is a research-intensive, interdisciplinary

program that prepares students for exceptional careers as

independent investigators. The Graduate School combines

extensive practical experience and rigorous scientific training

with in-depth academic coursework and professional

development — a powerful combination that gives our

students a springboard for success. By the end of their studies

at the Institute, students graduate not only with a Ph.D.,

but also with the tools required to build a strong career as

biomedical scientists and research leaders.

Housed across the street from the Institute’s main facility and

next to Van Andel Institute for Education, the Graduate School

features modern classrooms and workstations designed

to fuel collaboration. The flexible space is designed for

comfortable growth and evolution, allowing students to tackle

innovative approaches to learning.

Graduate School by the numbers

59 Students enrolled.

47 Students graduated (43 Ph.D.; 4 M.S.).

1:1.5 Student:faculty ratio.

5.4 Years on average time to degree.

84% Cumulative graduation rate.

Numbers current as of December 2024.

14

Graduate School

welcomes new

students

Van Andel Institute Graduate School

is home to students dedicated to

becoming the scientific leaders of

tomorrow. By combining rigorous

coursework with extensive laboratory

experience under the mentorship

of VAI’s expert faculty, the Graduate

School prepares students for productive

careers in biomedical research and

beyond.

In 2024, VAI welcomed 12 new students

from five countries, with interests that

span the breadth of VAI’s research

expertise.

Braelyn Binkowski

Research interest:

Cancer prevention and

early detection

Maxwell Frye

Research interest:

Neurodegenerative

diseases

Ali Gamal

Research interest:

Cancer biology, molecular

biology and genetics

Dahlya

Kamarudin

Research interest:

Cancer biology and

translational research

Noah Lubben

Research interest:

Neurodegenerative

diseases

Vincent Sartori

Research interest:

Blood cancers

Yixiong (Kevin)

Han

Research interest:

Structural biology and

immunology

Ashlin Slanger

Research interest:

Gene regulation and

epigenetics

Renee Hoffman

Research interest:

Gene editing and

epigenetics

Hoang-Le Tran

Research interest:

Bioinformatics

Ava Jensen

Research interest:

Immunology

Anika Weekes

Research interest:

Neurodegenerative

diseases and cell

signaling

15

Van Andel Institute

Graduate School earns

re-accreditation

The Graduate School completed its 10-year Higher

Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation reaffirmation

review in March 2024. Reaffirmation of accreditation is a

formal recognition that an institution continues to meet

defined standards of academic quality and excellence.

This recognition is important because it provides

assurance that students are receiving a credible degree

from an institution that is committed to continuous

improvement and accountability.

VAI celebrates 3 newly

minted Ph.D.s at

Commencement

In 2024, Van Andel Institute Graduate School conferred

Ph.D.s to three students:

Alix Booms, Ph.D.

Mentor: Gerry Coetzee, Ph.D.

Shelby Compton, Ph.D.

Mentor: Russell Jones, Ph.D.

Rachel (Rae) House, Ph.D.

Mentor: Matt Steensma, M.D.

These three exceptional scientists have elected to

complete postdoctoral fellowships in VAI labs.

From its first cohort of three pioneering students in

2007, the Graduate School has grown to a student body

of 49 scholars from 14 countries. Including this year’s

graduates, 43 students have earned Ph.D. degrees and

four have earned master’s degrees. Graduate School

alumni are making an impact by pursuing positions

in academia, research and industry, carrying forward

VAI’s values of curiosity, collaboration and urgency to

improve the health and enhance the lives of current

and future generations.

16

Students earn recognition

for their work

As of December 2024, Graduate School students held eight competitive external fellowships,

three of which were awarded in 2024. These awards provide crucial funding to explore new

ideas and launch potentially paradigm-shifting projects. The 2024 awardees are:

Lauren Harmon

Van Andel Institute Graduate School Ph.D. Student, Triche Lab

National Cancer Institute Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award

Project: Investigating genetic risk factors for pediatric leukemia 1

Alysa Kasen

Van Andel Institute Graduate School Ph.D. Student, Henderson Lab

National Institute on Aging Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual

Predoctoral Fellowship

Project: Investigating factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease 2

Funding

Acknowledgements

Research reported in this publication was

supported by:

¹ The National Cancer Institute of the

National Institutes of Health under award

no. F99CA294248 (Harmon).

2

The National Institute on Aging of the

National Institutes of Health under award

no. F31AG084199 (Kasen).

3

The National Institute of General Medical

Sciences of the National Institutes of Health

under award no. F30GM154476 (Wedan).

The content is solely the responsibility of the

authors and does not necessarily represent

the official views of the National Institutes

of Health.

Riley Wedan

Van Andel Institute Graduate School M.D./Ph.D. Student, Nowinski Lab

National Institute of General Medical Sciences Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service

Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship

Project: Exploring how mitochondria produce energy to support healthy function 3

17

K-12 EDUCATION

Van Andel Institute for Education brings the spirit of research

into classrooms, creating spaces where curiosity, creativity and

critical thinking thrive. Through the development of inquirybased

approaches, VAI educators help teachers, administrators

and parents elevate the next generation of problem solvers.

Programs are designed to engage students at an intrinsic

level while delivering innovative strategies for teachers, with

a shared goal of promoting high-quality education for all.

Students participate in authentic learning experiences that

allow them to think critically and challenge themselves, all while

having a healthy dose of fun. Our educators are committed to

making the classroom a place where students and teachers

want to be.

Students explore renewable energy

VAI Education is collaborating with teachers from Evergreen

Campus of Grand Rapids Christian to present “Empowering

Sustainability Superstars: Green Energy Explorers.” This

program immerses students in the fascinating world of

renewable energy through interactive activities and engaging

lessons. Students will explore the wonders of solar, wind and

hydro power, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how

their actions can contribute to a more sustainable future for

our planet.

Their learning journey will end in a community presentation,

where students will share their visions for the future of

sustainability in urban areas. They will construct threedimensional

models of cities that are not only aesthetically

pleasing but also functionally powered, using their creations to

illustrate their ideas for the cities of the future.

After-School Cohort empowers students

VAI Education’s After-School Cohort program fosters student

curiosity, creativity and collaboration. The cohort inspires

students to think and act like scientists and engineers,

providing unique opportunities to conduct hands-on

investigations, ask questions, and discover answers through

scientific tools and resources.

Students engaged in two opportunities. In “Disaster

Detectives,” fifth and sixth grade students learned about

cause-and-effect relationships, natural disasters and how

innovation can impact the outcome of disasters. Students’

final presentations challenged them to focus on innovations

that could help save lives before, during or after catastrophic

events. By researching case studies and creating a prototype

of their designs, students were able to experience real

engineering challenges at their own pace.

Fourth and fifth grade students participated in “Species

Explorers,” a program focused on the needs of organisms

and explored how animals adapt to survive and thrive in

their environments. For their final project, students focused

on John Ball Zoo and enhancements to the habitats and

expert care already provided by the zoo. Students selected

and researched animals found at the zoo, with an eye on

endangered species. From that list, they chose to focus on

the red panda, snowy owl, Amur tiger, pancake tortoise and

pygmy hippo for their projects. Throughout the project,

students developed research skills, learning about the unique

adaptability of certain animals, coupled with the various

resources it takes to build quality zoo habitats.

This program aims to inspire and educate, providing students

with the tools they need to become advocates for sustainability

and innovation.

Serving 6,614 students:

An increase of 17%

over the previous school year.

Serving 3,325 teachers

across 15 states.

18

Science on the Grand returns with new

immersive experiences

Science on the Grand: A STEAM Conference for K–8 Inquiry-based

Educators returned for another exceptional year, offering a

space where teachers felt celebrated, honored and fulfilled.

With 158 participants from more than 20 states and multiple

countries, the conference provided sessions that inspired

educators to create classrooms where curiosity, creativity and

critical thinking thrive. Attendees left with practical takeaways,

fresh insights to rejuvenate their teaching, advanced strategies

for today’s educational challenges and innovative resources

to boost classroom engagement. They also reconnected with

their passion for teaching and built valuable relationships with

fellow educators.

This year saw the introduction of Immersive Field Experiences,

which engaged educators in hands-on, inquiry-based STEM

investigations in VAI Education’s labs — just like the Institute’s

field trip students. VAI Education’s Director and Education

Officer Terra Tarango sees these experiences as “more than

just an hour-long session where you get inspired and learn a

few things, you actually get to think and act like a scientist, just

like your students will.”

Experiences like “Learn Science by Doing Science” and

“Teaching Students to Think and Act Like Engineers” provided

teachers with strategies they can directly apply in their

classrooms. An educator who participated in one of the

immersive experiences said, “It’s super helpful to be the

student, but also get a lot of different tips on how to guide

your students along in their learning.”

Check out the Science on the Grand highlight

video by scanning the QR code.

Summer camps offer expanded science, engineering

and robotics opportunities

VAI Education had a thrilling year of summer camps, serving

621 students through engaging one-day and four-day

programs focused on science, engineering and robotics. This

year saw expanded summer camp offerings, which added new

and innovative experiences while building and enhancing key

partnerships.

In response to high demand, VAI Education introduced more

camps for K–2 students, like the engaging “Save the Bees”

program, which captivated young minds with hands-on

learning about the role bees play in our environment, including

how they can plant seeds and build beehouses to help bee

populations. VAI’s all-girls camp launched “Girls in STEM,”

celebrating the accomplishments of women in science and

empowering young girls to reach for the stars in STEM fields.

Additionally, “Building a Zoo” brought a fresh twist by uniting

students from morning and afternoon sessions to construct a

collaborative model zoo, which they then

transformed into an immersive virtual experience.

See their virtual zoo by scanning the QR code to

the right.

A partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Museum led to

the launch of “Futureville,” a brand-new camp where students

designed sustainable cities and explored renewable energy.

For high schoolers, we deepened collaborations with VAI

scientists to co-design a camp that gave students a glimpse

into real-world scientific research.

These new offerings highlight VAI’s commitment to providing

diverse, hands-on learning opportunities while strengthening

partnerships that inspire the next generation of scientists and

innovators.

19

20

MEET VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE

VAI is home to more than 500 scientists, educators and staff — each connected by an urgent desire to improve health. Meet the

scientists and educators working together to build a better tomorrow for current and future generations.


Peter A. Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc. (hon)

President and Chief Scientific Officer,

Van Andel Institute; President,

Van Andel Institute Graduate School; Professor,

Department of Epigenetics; Co-leader,

VAI–SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team

Dr. Peter A. Jones is a pioneer in epigenetics, a growing

field that explores how genes are regulated and provides

new avenues for developing therapies for cancer and other

diseases. His discoveries have helped usher in an entirely

new class of drugs that have been approved to treat blood

cancer and are being investigated in other tumor types.

Dr. Jones is a past president of the American Association for

Cancer Research, a fellow of the AACR Academy, a fellow of

the American Association for the Advancement of Science,

a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a member

of the National Academy of Medicine, and a fellow of the

American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

J. Andrew Pospisilik, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor

Dr. J. Andrew Pospisilik seeks to

understand how we become whom

we become, and how our disease

susceptibility is defined from early on in

life, even before conception, with the long-term goal of being

able to predict lifelong health outlook at birth.

Stephen B. Baylin, M.D.

Director’s Scholar and Professor;

Co-leader, VAI–SU2C Epigenetics

Dream Team

Dr. Stephen Baylin studies the body’s

genetic control systems — called

epigenetics — searching for vulnerabilities in cancer.

Dr. Baylin is a pioneer in this field and was among the first

to trace epigenetic causes of cancer. His studies have led to

new therapies for breast, lung and colorectal cancers, among

others. He is co–leader of the Van Andel Institute–Stand Up

To Cancer ® Epigenetics Dream Team, a Director’s Scholar at

VAI and the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor for Cancer

Research at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at

Johns Hopkins University.

Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf, Ph.D.

Interim Chair, Department of Cell Biology;

Professor, Department of Epigenetics

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.

Derek Janssens, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Derek Janssens explores the factors

that give rise to blood cancers with the

goal of informing improved diagnosis

and treatment strategies. His research

has contributed to powerful new methods that enable

scientists to better study the complex factors that drive cancer

development.

Peter W. Laird, Ph.D.

Professor; Peter and Emajean Cook Endowed

Chair in Epigenetics

Dr. Peter W. Laird explores the origins of

epigenetic mistakes in cancer, which can

provide insight into how cancer arises.

Dr. Laird has developed several cutting-edge technologies

that he leverages to identify crucial epigenetic alterations

that convert otherwise healthy cells into cancer cells. He is

a principal investigator for the National Cancer Institute’s

Genome Data Analysis Network and served in a leadership

role for The Cancer Genome Atlas, a now-completed multiinstitutional

effort to molecularly map 33 different types of

cancer.

Bios current as of January 2025. For up-to-date bios, please visit

vai.org/people.

21


Gerd Pfeifer, Ph.D.

Professor

Dr. Gerd Pfeifer studies how the body

switches genes on and off, a biological

process called methylation that, when

faulty, can lead to cancer or other

diseases. His studies range from the effect of tobacco smoke

on genetic and epigenetic systems to how UVA and UVB

radiation cause mutations in melanoma.

Xiaobing Shi, Ph.D.

Professor

Dr. Xiaobing Shi investigates the

mechanisms that regulate DNA and

gene expression to better understand

how they impact cancer development.

His research has led to the discovery of several new “readers”

of epigenetic marks that may serve as targets for cancer

treatment.

Scott Rothbart, Ph.D.

Professor

Dr. Scott Rothbart studies the ways

in which cells pack and unpack DNA.

This elegant process twists and coils

roughly two meters of unwound DNA

into a space less than one-tenth the width of a human hair.

Although this process is impressive, it is also subject to errors

that can cause cancer and other disorders. Dr. Rothbart seeks

new targets for drug development in this process.

Hui Shen, Ph.D.

Professor

An expert in bioinformatics and

computational biology, Dr. Hui Shen

develops new approaches for cancer

prevention, detection and treatment

by studying the interaction between genes and their control

systems, called epigenetics. Her multi-faceted research

has led to breakthroughs in ovarian cancers and enhanced

understanding of the mechanisms that give rise to many

other cancer types.

Piroska Szabó, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. Piroska Szabó studies the flow of

epigenetic information from parents

to their offspring, with a focus on how

epigenetic markers are remodeled

during egg and sperm production, and how these markers are

rewritten after fertilization. These processes have profound

implications on fertility and embryo development.

Timothy J. Triche, Jr., Ph.D.

Associate Professor

As a statistician and computational

biologist with an interest in clonal

evolution and cancers of the blood, the

work of Dr. Tim Triche, Jr., focuses on

wedding data-intensive molecular phenotyping to adaptive

clinical trial designs in an effort to accelerate the pace of drug

targeting and development in rare or refractory diseases.

Hong Wen, Ph.D.

Professor

Dr. Hong Wen investigates the

molecular underpinnings of pediatric

cancers, with a focus on how epigenetic

dysregulation impacts gene expression

and drives malignancy. Her work holds great promise for

developing new, improved therapies for these devastating

diseases.

22


Darren Moore, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor; Jay Van Andel Endowed

Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research

Dr. Darren Moore seeks new

diagnostic and treatment approaches

for Parkinson’s by investigating the

inherited form of the disease, which comprises 5% to 10%

of cases. He aims to translate the understanding of these

genetic mutations into better treatments and new diagnostic

tools for Parkinson’s, both inherited and non-inherited.

Discoveries from Dr. Moore’s lab routinely elucidate the faulty

molecular interactions that transform healthy, functioning

neurons into diseased ones.

Lena Brundin, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor

As a psychiatrist and a scientist,

Dr. Lena Brundin seeks ways to

diagnose and treat depression and

suicidality by studying inflammation

of the nervous system. Her findings may lead to earlier

interventions for depressive patients and to development of a

new class of antidepressants that targets the immune system.

She also investigates how inflammatory mechanisms can

damage nerve cells in Parkinson’s disease.

Gerhard (Gerry) Coetzee, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus

Throughout his exceptional career,

Dr. Gerhard (Gerry) Coetzee searched

the human genome for minuscule

changes that contribute to the

onset, progression and drug resistance of many diseases,

including cancer and Parkinson’s. His team deployed genome

sequencing technologies and high-powered computational

arrays to tease out patterns and interactions of markers

and treatment targets from among the human genome’s

more than three billion DNA base pairs. Although retired

from research, Dr. Coetzee continues to teach at Van Andel

Institute Graduate School.

Melissa Hoyer, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Melissa Hoyer studies the

fundamental cellular processes that

support brain health. To date, her

research has revealed important insights

into several critical cellular systems required for normal

function — and detailed how errors in these vital processes

contribute to disease.

Laurent Roybon, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Studying complex diseases requires

equally sophisticated tools. Dr. Laurent

Roybon’s team develops robust cellbased

models to enable breakthroughs

in Parkinson’s and other age-related neurodegenerative

diseases.

Bang-An Wang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Bang-An Wang develops new

technologies to explore the epigenetic

underpinnings of brain development

and neurodegenerative diseases. His

multi-faceted research brings together powerful techniques to

illuminate potential future treatment targets.

Qiang Zhu, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Qiang Zhu investigates the genetic,

epigenetic and cellular factors that lead

to neurodegenerative diseases such

as ALS and frontotemporal dementia.

To date, his work has revealed the complex mechanisms

underlying the most common genetic cause for both these

diseases — an insight that has provided novel targets for the

development of new therapies.

Michael Henderson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. Michael Henderson investigates the

causes of neurodegenerative diseases

like Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy

bodies, and the factors that control

disease progression. He hopes to translate his findings into

new therapies that slow or stop this progression.

23


Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf, Ph.D.

Interim Chair, Department of Cell Biology;

Professor, Department of Epigenetics

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.

Matt Steensma, M.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. Matt Steensma studies the genetic

and molecular factors that cause benign

tumors to become cancers, in search of

vulnerabilities that may be targeted for

treatment. As a scientist at VAI and practicing surgeon at

Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, he is

committed to translating scientific discoveries into treatments

that improve patients’ lives.

Clifford Cho, M.D.

Professor

Dr. Clifford Cho is a surgeon-scientist

whose pioneering discoveries have led to

FDA approval of histotripsy as a cancer

treatment. Histotripsy uses ultrasound

waves to disrupt tumors and elicit an immune response, which

helps the body better fight cancer cells. He is a professor in

Van Andel Institute’s Department of Cell Biology, chief medical

officer of University of Michigan Health-West and a professor

at the University of Michigan.

Stephanie Grainger, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Stem cells give rise to every cell type

in the human body and play important

roles in health and disease.

Dr. Stephanie Grainger seeks to

understand how these special cells develop, how they are

maintained and how they can become cancerous, with the

goal of developing new strategies for combating cancer.

Brian Haab, Ph.D.

Professor

Dr. Brian Haab searches for new ways

to diagnose and stratify pancreatic

cancers based on the sugars, or glycans,

on the outside of cancer cells. Part of

the problem Dr. Haab aims to solve is that cancers often look

and behave normally — until after they’ve started making

people sick. Dr. Haab is sleuthing out clues to build a library

of diagnostic tools that will help providers diagnose tumors

earlier and optimize treatment.

Bart Williams, Ph.D.

Director, Core Technologies and Services;

Professor, Department of Cell Biology

Dr. Bart Williams studies the building

blocks of bone growth on behalf of the

millions suffering from diseases such

as osteoporosis. He seeks new ways to alter cell signaling

pathways to encourage healthy bone development and deter

cancer spread to the skeleton. Dr. Williams also serves as

director of VAI’s Core Technologies and Services, which provide

technology and specialized expertise to Institute scientists and

collaborators.

Tao Yang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. Tao Yang studies the signaling systems

that govern skeletal stem cells and the role

they play in diseases such as osteoarthritis

and osteoporosis. Bones are the body’s

largest producer of adult stem cells, which mature into cartilage,

fat or bone tissue — a process that falters with age. Dr. Yang

seeks a better understanding of these systems in search of new

treatments for degenerative bone disorders and other

skeletal aging.

24


Huilin Li, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor; Ralph and Grace Hauenstein

Endowed Chair in Structural Biology

Dr. Huilin Li uses cryo-electron

microscopy (cryo-EM) to reveal the most

basic building blocks of DNA replication

and other systems vital for life. He has been at the vanguard

of cryo-EM for more than 20 years, and his research has

implications for some of the world’s most critical public health

concerns, including tuberculosis, cancer, mental illness and

many more.

Hong Li, Ph.D.

Professor

Dr. Hong Li uses the latest technologies

to study RNA, an important molecule that

not only helps carry out the instructions

found in DNA but also facilitates the

function of protein enzymes. Her leading-edge research has

far-reaching implications for understanding the role of RNA in

health and disease — and for informing new diagnostic and

treatment strategies.

Travis Walton, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Travis Walton studies the cellular

cytoskeleton, which provides structure

and stability to cells. Problems with this

critical architecture can contribute to a

wide range of human diseases. Dr. Walton’s lab uses leadingedge

imaging technologies to identify vulnerabilities in the

cytoskeleton that can lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic

targets.

Evan Worden, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Evan Worden leverages VAI’s

powerful suite of cryo-electron

microscopes to explore the complex

molecular interactions that give rise

to cancer. To date, his research has revealed novel insights

into poorly understood regulatory elements in the genetic

code and illuminated how aberrations in these processes can

transform healthy cells into malignant ones.

Yang Yang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Yang Yang employs the latest imaging

technologies to illuminate new insights

into neurodegenerative diseases such as

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Her research

has revealed the structures of critical disease-related protein

filaments — an important step toward developing improved

treatments.

Liman Zhang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. Liman Zhang studies the multifaceted

ways that the immune system responds

to infection and cancer. By focusing on

the role of inflammation in these nuanced

interactions, Dr. Zhang hopes to inform improved treatments

for cancer and other disorders.

25

Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming

Russell Jones, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor

Dr. Russell Jones investigates

metabolism at the cellular level

to understand how it affects cell

behavior and health, with a specific

eye on cancer and the immune system. By revealing how

cancer cells use metabolic processes to fuel their growth

and spread, he hopes to develop new treatments that help

patients by changing the standard of care for cancer.

Nick Burton, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

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.

Connie Krawczyk, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. Connie Krawczyk investigates the

links between metabolism, epigenetics

and the immune system, with the

goal of understanding how they work

together to keep us healthy and, when things go wrong, to

promote disease.

Adelheid Lempradl, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Adelheid Lempradl investigates

how the dietary choices of parents 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.

Evan Lien, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Cancer cells have voracious appetites

for nutrients and energy, which they

use to grow and spread. Dr. Evan Lien

searches for ways to deprive tumors of

their fuel sources by exploring the molecular and biochemical

interactions between diet, metabolism and cancer with the

goal of developing breakthrough prevention and treatment

strategies.

Sara Nowinski, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Sara Nowinski investigates how cells

determine the amount of energy needed

for everyday life and how they adjust to

meet those requirements. Her research

has uncovered new insights into the intricate balance between

nutrient availability and cellular respiration — both critical

components to maintaining health.

26

27

Core Technologies and Services

Bart Williams, Ph.D.

Director, Core Technologies and Services;

Professor, Department of Cell Biology

Dr. Bart Williams studies the building

blocks of bone growth on behalf of the

millions suffering from diseases such

as osteoporosis. He seeks new ways of altering cell signaling

pathways to encourage healthy bone development and

deter cancer spread to the skeleton. Dr. Williams also serves

as director of VAI’s Core Technologies and Services, which

provide technology and specialized expertise to Institute

scientists and collaborators.

Mary Winn, Ph.D.

Associate Director, Core Technologies

and Services

As Associate Director of VAI’s Core

Technologies and Services, Dr. Mary

Winn supports day-to-day operations

and long-term planning for the Institute’s top-tier shared

scientific resources. Her deep experience in data analysis and

experimental design enables her to serve as a critical bridge

between the Cores and VAI’s labs, ensuring a synergy that

empowers discovery.

Marie Adams, M.S.

Director, Genomics Core

Marie Adams is an expert in the latest

next-generation sequencing techniques,

which help scientists investigate how the

genetic instructions in DNA contribute

to health and disease. Since joining VAI in 2016, Marie has

led the establishment and growth of the Genomics Core

into a powerhouse facility that supports discovery at VAI and

collaborating institutions. She is past president of ABRF, the

professional society for core services.

Scott Bechaz, B.S., ILAM, RLATg

Director, Vivarium Core

Scott Bechaz is an accomplished leader

and expert in the laboratory animal

research and management field with

more than 30 years of experience.

Prior to becoming director of VAI’s Vivarium Core in 2022, he

held key leadership positions at the University of Michigan,

Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Harvard University and the Broad

Institute, among others. He’s been a key consultant on

state-of-art vivarium planning and design in Michigan, Ohio

and Massachusetts as well as internationally in Switzerland,

Singapore and Shanghai. Scott has held multiple nationallevel

positions within the American Association for Laboratory

Animal Sciences (AALAS) and Laboratory Animal Manager’s

Association (LAMA).

Corinne Esquibel, Ph.D.

Director, Optical Imaging Core

Dr. Corinne Esquibel directs VAI’s

Optical Imaging Core, which is home to

a powerful suite of technologies that

help scientists visualize and study cells in

detail. Her extensive expertise includes in vivo, ex vivo and in

vitro imaging techniques for a host of research applications in

health and across disease types.

Scott A. Givan, Ph.D.

Director, Bioinformatics and

Biostatistics Core

Dr. Scott Givan is an informatics

expert with more than two decades of

experience analyzing, summarizing and

visualizing large, multidimensional biological datasets and

managing informatics cores and high-performance computing

infrastructures. His research has been published in prestigious

journals including Nature and Science.

28

Core Technologies and Services

Galen Hostetter, M.D.

Director of Pathology, Pathology and

Biorepository Core

Dr. Galen Hostetter is a board-certified

pathologist with more than two decades

of experience providing leading-edge

pathology services in support of research. His invaluable

expertise empowers discovery at VAI and beyond through

analysis of critical biological samples to enhance collaborative

efforts across the Institute.

Tristan Kempston, B.A., LAT

Director, Transgenic Core

Tristan Kempston has more than a

decade of experience developing and

leading genome engineering projects.

He leads an exceptional team with deep

expertise in gene targeting, CRISPR and many other crucial

services.

Dan Rohrer, B.S., MBA

Director, Pathology and Biorepository Core

Dan Rohrer is a leader in biorepository

operations and management with more

than two decades of experience. He

was appointed as director of Van Andel

Institute’s Pathology and Biorepository Core in 2023, and

helms a world-class team with deep expertise in biospecimen

science, histology, pathology, molecular processing and quality

assurance. He is responsible for maintaining the Core’s high

standards, which led to its accreditation by the College of

American Pathologists in 2012. The Core also serves as a

biobank for many federal and foundational projects including

the Cancer Moonshot SM and the National Cancer Institute’s

Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.

Ryan Sheldon, Ph.D.

Director, Mass Spectrometry Core

Dr. Ryan Sheldon directs VAI’s Mass

Spectrometry Core, which offers

scientists the expertise and technology

required to analyze the molecular

makeup of samples. VAI’s Mass Spectrometry Core is among

the best in the nation, and Dr. Sheldon and his team offer a

full range of analytical services to support science at VAI.

Rachael Sheridan, Ph.D.,

SCYM(ASCP)

Director, Flow Cytometry Core

Dr. Rachael Sheridan is a leader in flow

cytometry, a powerful technology that

allows scientists to analyze and sort cells

and pursue promising new avenues of inquiry. Her efforts and

expertise stretch beyond the walls of VAI through numerous

regional and global cytometry initiatives, which fosters

discovery at home and abroad.

Gongpu Zhao, Ph.D.

Director, Cryo-EM Core

Dr. Gongpu Zhao leads the Institute’s

Cryo-EM Core, which encompasses some

of the world’s most powerful microscopes

and allows scientists to see molecules

at the near-atomic level. His work empowers researchers to

understand the most basic building blocks of life and fosters

discoveries that could one day impact health and disease.

29

Graduate School Leadership

Peter A. Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc. (hon)

President and Chief Scientific Officer,

Van Andel Institute; President, Van Andel Institute

Graduate School; Professor, Department of

Epigenetics; Co-leader, VAI–SU2C Epigenetics

Dream Team

Dr. Peter A. Jones is a pioneer in epigenetics, a growing

field that explores how genes are regulated and provides

new avenues for developing therapies for cancer and other

diseases. His discoveries have helped usher in an entirely

new class of drugs that have been approved to treat blood

cancer and are being investigated in other tumor types.

Dr. Jones is a past president of the American Association for

Cancer Research, a Fellow of the AACR Academy, a Fellow of

the American Association for the Advancement of Science,

a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a member

of the National Academy of Medicine, and a fellow of the

American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Eric C. Swindell, Ph.D.

Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Van Andel

Institute Graduate School

Dr. Eric C. Swindell is chief academic officer

and dean of Van Andel Institute Graduate

School, which offers an innovative and

rigorous Ph.D. program that prepares students for successful

careers as independent scientists. Prior to joining the Graduate

School, Dr. Swindell had a 25-year career in scientific research,

with the past several years dedicated to leadership positions

in biomedical graduate education at both Baylor College

of Medicine and The University of Texas MD Anderson/

UTHealth. He has deep expertise in classical genetic screening,

biochemical analysis, high-resolution imaging, and genetic and

experimental techniques.

Sarah Bodbyl, Ph.D.

Associate Dean, Van Andel Institute

Graduate School

As associate dean of Van Andel Institute

Graduate School, Dr. Sarah Bodbyl

supports Institute faculty in curriculum

and course design, implementation and review. She also leads

professional development courses and supports graduate

students in applying for predoctoral fellowships. Prior to joining

VAI, Dr. Bodbyl served as a faculty developer for the Trefny

Innovative Instruction Center at the Colorado School of Mines,

a public research university in Golden, Colorado, that was

designated an R1 “very high research activity” designation by

the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Dr. Bodbyl previously held several positions at Michigan State

University in the Department of Teacher Education in the

College of Education and at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Calvin University

and a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from the

University of Kansas.

Carrie Graveel, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean for Student Research

Experience, Van Andel Institute Graduate School;

Senior Research Scientist, Steensma Lab,


Dr. Carrie Graveel received her B.A. in

chemistry from Kalamazoo College in 1996 and worked as a

research associate at Pharmacia and Upjohn Inc. from 1996–

1997. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison

where she received her Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology

in 2002. She performed her postdoctoral fellowship with

Dr. George Vande Woude at VAI from 2002–2007 and was

promoted to research scientist in 2007 and senior research

scientist in 2010. Dr. Graveel then served as a research

assistant professor in Dr. Vande Woude’s laboratory until 2016,

when she accepted a position in the Steensma Laboratory.

30

K-12 Education Leadership

Terra Tarango

Director and Education Officer, Van Andel

Institute for Education

Terra Tarango is an accomplished

advocate in the education industry with

more than 20 years of experience in

educational publishing and services. She developed awardwinning

print and digital curriculum, and is an expert in

instructional climate and culture. Terra has devoted her career

to increasing curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in the

classroom.

Temple Rosenberger

Associate Director of Marketing, Operations, and

Educational Partnerships, Van Andel Institute for

Education

Temple Ireland-Rosenberger develops

and maintains strategic partnerships,

manages all sales aspects of the organization, spearheads

online, social and traditional marketing efforts, and oversees

customer service and inventory management. Through

Temple’s extensive experience in education, program

and project management, as well as leadership and team

development, she is dedicated to bringing quality and

effective resources to teachers that enhance student

engagement and make a difference in their lives. With over

30 years of experience in K–12 education, Temple’s sense of

humor and “get-it-done” attitude make her a tremendous

asset as VAI for Education’s Associate Director of Sales,

Marketing, and Operations.

Dawn McCotter, M.Ed.

Curriculum and Instruction Senior Manager,

Van Andel Institute for Education

Before joining the Van Andel Institute

team, Dawn McCotter spent over

20 years in education, most of which

were dedicated to teaching high school science. She is a

passionate educator who believes that creating supportive

classroom environments is the key to unlocking student

potential and success. As Curriculum and Instruction Senior

Manager at Van Andel Institute for Education, Dawn supports

the delivery of meaningful student and teacher experiences in

inquiry-based instruction and authentic learning practices.

Randy Schregardus, M.Ed.

Instructional Operations Manager, Van Andel

Institute for Education

Randy Schregardus is a veteran educator

with 34 years of experience teaching

across multiple grade levels and subjects.

An early adopter of inquiry-based education methods, Randy

was instrumental in introducing science teaching reform

where he assisted and trained teachers in the latest learning

technologies. As the Student Programs Manager at VAI for

Education, Randy works to foster a culture of success both

within and beyond the classroom.

31

Van Andel Institute engages the world’s brightest minds

and advances the boldest ideas in pursuit of the biggest

breakthroughs for humanity.

Opportunity

Our nimbleness, energy and ambition enable talented

collaborators to make more progress here than

anywhere else. This sense of opportunity powers our

gravitational pull — attracting talent and ideas from

around the world.

Connectivity

We are all deeply connected to our scientific and

educational mission, and we work together in support of

our expert scientists and educators and enable them to

lead their fields.

Catalytic Collaboration

We reach out to partners around the world, we are easy

to work with, and we successfully orchestrate clinical

trials and educational programs.

Thought Leadership

We serve as a hub for ideas and advancements. We are

powerfully committed to our values and approach, and build

momentum through our expertise and partnerships.

Multiplier Effect

The effects of our work are multiplied by our unique model,

our willingness to collaborate and orchestrate, and our total

alignment with our mission.

Pursuit of Breakthroughs

We believe in momentous, exponential change. Our goal is to

deliver breakthroughs in health and education for humanity.

Van Andel Institute’s 2024-2025 Research & Education

Update encompasses the Institute’s achievements and

breakthroughs in 2024. During 2025, quarterly updates

will be available as standalone inserts.

32

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VAI R&E Update 2024-25

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