Adrian M. Piliponsky, PhD
Principal Investigator
adrian.piliponsky@seattlechildrens.org
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Global Health
Adjunct Associate Professor of Pathology
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Specialties
Immunology, Mast cell and Basophil Biology, Allergic Inflammation, Innate Immunity
Hometowns
Buenos Aires, Argentina; Jerusalem, Israel; San Francisco, CA
Education
PhD in Cell Biology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. BS. in Pharmacy, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Nyssa Becker Samanas, PhD
Research Scientist III
nyssa.samanas@seattlechildrens.org
Research Interests
Cellular and Molecular Biology, Protein Biochemistry, Gene Editing, Method Development, Proteomics
Education
PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington; BS in Biology/Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hometown
Milwaukee, WI
Interests Outside Lab
Raising two tiny humans, baking, knitting
Kondalarao Bankapalli, PhD
Post-Doctoral Fellow
kondalarao.bankapalli@seattlechildrens.org
Research Interests
Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Neurodegeneration, Neuro-immunology.
Hometown
Vizianagaram, India.
Education
PhD in Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science-Bangalore; Masters in Biochemistry, Andhra University; Bachelor’s in Microbiology and Biochemistry, Andhra University.
Interests Outside Lab
Hiking, Running and Painting!
Albert J. Seo
Research Technician II
albert.seo@seattlechildrens.org
Research Interests
Applied Biophysics in Immunology, Nanoparticles, Synthetic Biology, Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering.
Hometown
Auburn, WA
Education
BSc. in Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle.
Interests Outside Lab
Working Out, Cooking, Video Games, Golfing, Guitar, Coffee.
Fun Fact
I lost in Pac-Man and Foosball at the Institute’s 15th year anniversary ☹
Josie Sachen
Undergraduate Volunteer
Research Interests
Immunology and Molecular Ecology.
Hometown
Orange County, CA
Education
BSc. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Minor in Environmental Science and Resource Management 2023, University of Washington
Interests Outside Lab
Bird watching, backpacking, painting, and cooking!
Fun Fact
My favorite dinosaur is a Spinosaurus!
Irina Miralda Molina, PhD
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Irina.miraldamolina@seattlechildrens.org
Research Interests
Innate Immunity, Cell Biology, Infectious Diseases, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Bacterial Pathogenesis.
Hometown
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Education
PhD in Microbiology & Immunology, University of Louisville; MS in Microbiology & Immunology, University of Louisville; BS in Biology, University of Louisville
Interests Outside Lab
My Australian Shepherd dog Tula (named after Francisella tularensis), Cooking & Baking, Coffee, Plants, Art, Hiking.
Jake S. Foronda
Research Technician I
jake.foronda@seattlechildrens.org
Research Interests
Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biostatistics, Epidemiology
Hometown
Federal Way, WA
Education
BS in Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of Washington Seattle
Interests Outside of Lab
Working Out, Soundtracks, Gourmet Hot Sauces, Video Games, Horror Movies, Anime.
Fun Fact
I am one of the valiant few who battled Nyssa in what turned into the one of the greatest losses suffered during the Research Division 15th Anniversary Arcade Party. The experience of such a devastating defeat at the hands of Nyssa in both Pac-Man and Foosball stays with me to this day.