Gardetto Family Chair for Cancer Research
The John B. and Judith A. Gardetto Family Research Fund was established in 1998 by Judy Gardetto and her late husband John to support general research. Renamed in 2008 and designated to support cancer research at VBRI, this fund supports the work of Demin Wang, PhD.
Demin Wang, PhD, Senior Investigator
Dr. Wang studies the development, functionality and regulation of B cells, a subtype of lymphoid cells that are critical to the body’s immune defense. His research aims to better understand the development of hematological and immunological diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases, with a goal of developing new treatments.
Michael H. and Cathy White Family Endowed Chair for Research
Established in 2011 by Michael and Cathy white, this fund was used to recruit Michael Deininger, MD, PhD, and will support his and his lab’s translational research of leukemia.
Michael Deininger, MD, PhD, EVP and Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Deininger’s research focuses on the biology of myeloproliferative neoplasms and the development of targeted therapies for myeloid leukemia, as well as understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer stem cell persistence and leukemia drug resistance.
Gardetto Chair for Immunology and Immunotherapy
Established in 2014 by Nannette Gardetto, this fund was created to support the work of an outstanding investigator in the field of immunology.
Subramaniam Malarkannan, PhD, Senior Investigator
Dr. Malarkannan studies the basic biology natural killer cells and T cells, which are important for the development of novel cellular immunotherapies that target chemo-resistant/relapsing malignant hematopoietic and solid tumors.
The Ziegler Family Endowed Chair for Research
Established in 2006 by R. Douglas and Sharon Ziegler, Bernard C. and Margaret G. Ziegler, Barbara Z. and John R. Wilson, and Peter D. and Joan Ziegler, this fund was created to support the work of a world-class scientist at Versiti Blood Research Institute.
Christian Kastrup, PhD, Senior Investigator and Program Co-Leader
Christian Kastrup leads a group of biochemists, engineers and surgical residents working to gain a deeper understanding of how blood clotting is regulated and can be controlled therapeutically. Severe hemorrhage is a leading cause of death for those aged 1 to 46 years, while thrombosis is a major contributor to death and disability with age. We use proteins and cells naturally involved in blood clotting to develop novel technologies for addressing unmet needs in controlling severe bleeding and preventing unwanted clotting.
The Hauske Family Endowed Chair in Glycobiology
Established in 2019 by the Hauske Family Foundation, the purpose of the fund is to provide financial support for an outstanding senior investigator in glycobiology.
Karin Hoffmeister, MD, Deputy Director and Senior Investigator
Dr. Hoffmeister focuses on uncovering the structure and function of sugar molecules (glycans) and their role in health and disease. Research in the field of glycobiology could be critical for designing and testing new therapies for blood diseases.
Dr. Gilbert C. White II Endowed Faculty Chair
The Dr. Gilbert C. White II Endowed Faculty Chair was established in 2020 through the generosity of the Versiti donor community and Dr. White himself to support an outstanding researcher.
Bonnie Dittel, PhD, Senior Investigator
Dr. Dittel investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of inflammation, a component of virtually every disease. Her laboratory utilizes a model of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that is characterized by focal areas of inflammation.
Walter Schroeder Endowed Chair for Blood Research
Since 1986, The Walter Schroeder Fund has aided in critical advancements in blood research. From raising awareness of misdiagnosed blood diseases to pioneering discoveries in vascular biology, this Fund has impacted not only Milwaukee but the whole country. Because the Schroeder Chair evolves based on their expertise, research adapts accordingly. As a result, VBRI remains at the forefront of today’s most pressing challenges in blood science.
Alan Mast, MD, PhD, Senior Investigator and Program Leader
Dr. Mast studies hemostasis and vascular biology, with a focus on the physiological function of tissue factor pathway inhibitor, an anticoagulant protein. He also directs the Wisconsin Hub of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study, which helps ensure the safety and availability of blood products in the U.S.
Jacquelyn Fredrick Endowed Chair for Foundational Research
In honor of VBRI’s long-time CEO, Versiti’s Board of Directors established the Jacquelyn Fredrick Endowed Chair in Foundational Research. The Frederick chair focuses on bench research, advancing discoveries in hematology, immunology, transfusions, and beyond. By focusing on the foundational mechanisms of blood science, this endowment helps the chair uncover new approaches to diagnosis, disease prevention, and treatment.
Peter Newman, PhD, Senior Investigator
Dr. Newman’s laboratory explores the function of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 in the blood and vascular cells, with a goal of examining the pathophysiology of platelet alloimmune disorders. This knowledge will further the development of “designer platelets” to help fight disease.