Our research program focuses on platelet and megakaryocyte gene expression and function during thrombo-inflammatory syndromes.  To answer clinically-relevant questions, we utilize primary human cells and samples from patients as well as relevant experimental model systems.  Current projects in the lab span from studies in patients with infectious diseases (e.g. sepsis, dengue, influenza) to aging and cardiometabolic disorders.

– Matthew T. Rondina, M.D., M.S.

Principal Investigator

Matthew T. Rondina, M.D., M.S.

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Project Coordinator

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    Antionette (''Toni'') Blair

    Toni Blair directs all clinical aspects of our human studies. These include the development of study protocols, the maintenance of regulatory approvals, and recruitment and retention efforts.  She also leads aspects of project management, such as database design and data analyses, and grant and manuscript preparation and submission.

Antoinette (“Toni”) Blair

Assistant Professor

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    Robert A. Campbell, Ph.D.

    Dr. Campbell’s work is focused on mechanisms underpinning inflammation-induced thrombosis.  Specific projects include understanding how aging alters platelet and megakaryocyte gene expression to promote thrombosis and elucidating new triggers of sepsis-associated thrombosis. He is also the recipient of the 2018 ATVB Kenneth M. Brinkhous Award.

Robert A. Campbell, Ph.D.

Sr. Lab Manager

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    Neal Tolley, M.S.

    Mr. Tolley leads our lab management operations. He has been working with Drs. Rondina and Weyrich for more than a dozen years and plays a key role in developing new protocols, including platelet RNA-sequencing and ribosomal footprinting, pathogen-based model systems, translational interrogation of platelets and megakaryocytes, and cell culture.

Neal Tolley, M.S.

 Assistant Professor

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    Elizabeth Middleton, MD

    Dr. Middleton is an exceptional early-stage physician-scientist and the Associate Director of the University of Utah Health’s Medical Intensive Care Unit., Division of Pulmonary Medicine. Her research interests are focused on understanding platelet and megakaryocyte reprogramming in the setting of sepsis and acute lung injury and the contribution of these cells to the pathophysiology of these clinical syndromes.

Elizabeth Middleton, MD

Adjunct Instructor at University of Utah Health

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    Hansjorg Schwertz, MD, PhD, MOH

    Dr. Schwertz is a board-certified Occupational Medicine Physician at Billings Clinic in Bozeman and an Adjunct Faculty Member of the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine. His research interests are focused on understanding platelet and megakaryocyte biology under inflammatory and “stress” situations. He recently was awarded a NASA Space Biology Program Research grant, with the ultimate goal to expand the laboratory’s experimental capabilities to Space and the International Space Station.

Hansjorg Schwertz, MD, PhD, MOH

Post Doctoral Fellows

  • Abigail Ajanel

    Abigail Ajanel

    Abigail’s work is focused on examining the role mitochondrial calcium flux has on platelet function. She is currently investigating how the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) mediates platelet function and procoagulant platelet formation She is mentored by Dr. Rondina and Dr. Campbell.

Abigail Ajanel

 

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    Marina Leardini-Tristão, Ph.D.

    Dr. Leardini-Tristão’s work is focused on the role of platelets during pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The goal of our research is to understand changes in platelet function alter pregnancy outcomes. She is also interested in the pathophysiological mechanisms related to the brain and placental microcirculation. She is mentored by Dr. Rondina and Dr. Campbell.

Marina Tristo, Ph.D.

 

Post Doctoral Fellows

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    Frederik Denorme, Ph.D.

    Dr. Denorme’s work is focused on examining atypical roles of platelets in the setting of ischemic stroke. He currently investigates how platelet necrosis mediates platelet-neutrophil interactions that aggravate ischemic stroke outcomes. He is mentored by Dr. Rondina and Dr. Campbell.

Frederik Denorme, Ph.D

 

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    Irina Portier, Ph.D.

    Dr. Portier’s work is focused on the role of platelets and megakaryocytes in malaria. She currently investigates the influence of Plasmodium infection on gene expression and cellular function of platelets and megakaryocytes. She is mentored by Dr. Rondina and Dr. Campbell.

Irina Portier, Ph.D.

Post Doctoral Fellows

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    Meenakshi Banerjee, PhD

    Dr. Banerjee’s work is focused on understanding how platelet reprogramming during triggers of inflammation and infection contributes to hypercoagulability and thrombosis. Specific projects center around the role of IFITM3 in regulating cargo trafficking and organelle biogenesis in platelets and megakaryocytes. She is mentored by Dr. Rondina and Dr. Campbell.

Meenakshi Banerjee, PhD