Stanley C. Lee, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division

  • BSc (Hons), University of Auckland, New Zealand

  • MSc (Hons), University of Auckland, New Zealand

  • PhD, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Australia

  • Postdoc: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA 

 
 
 

Dr. Stanley Lee completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. In 2008, he moved to Melbourne, Australia for his graduate studies under the mentorship of Drs. Warren Alexander and Ian Majewski at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, where he studied the role of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) in normal and malignant blood cell development. In 2014, he moved to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York to pursue postdoctoral training with Dr. Omar Abdel-Wahab. There, he investigated the role of somatic mutations in RNA splicing factors in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In late 2019, he established his independent research laboratory at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. The Lee lab studies the molecular regulation of blood cell development in health and disease using experimental modeling, functional genomics and computational approaches with the goal of developing novel therapeutics and cures for blood diseases. He is the recipient of the EvansMDS Young Investigator Award, the ASH Scholar Award, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Special Fellow Award, and the NIH Pathway to Independent Award. When away from the lab, Stan loves hanging out with his family trying out exotic food and plays social basketball in his spare time. He is an avid basketball, rugby and cricket fan, and a loyal All Blacks supporter.

 

Elizabeth A. Bonner

UW MCB Graduate Student

  • B.S Molecular Biology – University of Denver

  • Post-Baccalaureate Research – University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus

    • Espinosa Lab: Role of CDK8 in the hypoxia response in colorectal carcinoma

    • Jagannathan Lab: Deregulation of Nonsense Mediated Decay in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy

In my career and training up until now I have had the pleasure of studying a diversity of topics. What I have discovered along my path is that at the heart of most scientific question lies that magical, and often underestimated molecule, RNA. In my Ph.D. training I aim to better understand the roles of RNA splicing and deregulation as it relates to hematopoiesis and disease. When I am not in the lab I enjoy hiking, horror movies, partner dance, and hanging with my fat cat, Tuna. I hail from Colorado but am greatly looking forward to exploring the Pacific North-West over the coming years as I pursue my doctorate, working alongside the amazing scientists here at Fred Hutch. Check out Elizabeth’s MCB Bio.

 

Sayantani Sinha

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

  • Integrated MSc (Biotechnology)- St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, India

  • PhD- Indian Institute of Chemical Biology & Jadavpur University (thesis submitted), Kolkata, India

I completed my PhD training from CSIR-Indian institute of Chemical Biology where I studied the role of the SWI/SNF complex, an ATP -dependent chromatin remodeler in mesenchymal stromal cell lineage commitment and hematopoiesis. Having worked with the bone marrow microenvironment,  I got interested to understand how deregulations of molecular foundations of hematopoiesis lead to the development of myeloid malignancies. I am currently supported by American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellowship to understand the contribution of splicing factor mutations in myeloid malignancy and therapeutic vulnerability. When away from the lab, I indulge in reading storybooks and cooking. I love to travel during holidays and hope to continue with my passion for photography alongside my research work. 

Cheryl Hsueh

Research Technician

I am passionate about molecular biology and committed to advancing research in human diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. I am thrilled to contribute to this important field of study and deeply value the opportunity to collaborate with talented researchers in this lab, making meaningful strides in AML research.

Rasika Venkataraman

UW-Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Disease (M3D) Graduate Student

  • M.Sc Biotechnology- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, Tamil Nadu, India

I am passionate about translational research and have sought research opportunities that focus on the clinical relevance of experimental investigation. My previous training has spanned diverse research settings, like biotech industry, a start-up and academia. In that time, my areas of focus have been functional studies of monoclonal antibodies targeting cancer and autoimmune disorders, developing a molecular diagnostic to detect bacterial infections in clinical samples, and developing gene therapy to modify clinically relevant genes in T-cells and hematopoietic stem cells as part of HIV cure. I am fascinated by hematopoiesis, and I am interested in studying the mechanisms underlying the development of myeloid malignancies, and how they can be targeted for therapy. I am excited to follow this line of research in the Lee Lab for my graduate training.

Kristine Griffith

Sr. Research Administrative Manager

I’m a Seattle native, born and raised, married with one child. I’ve worked at Fred Hutch for more than 20 years in clinical research. Finding a cure for cancer has always been deeply personal to me since the lives of many of my family members have been affected by cancer. I find great reward in the work that I do and the researchers that work with. I strongly believe and support Fred Hutch’s mission to find a cure for cancer.

 

Erica Arriaga-Gomez

Research Technician

  • B.A. Biology and Chemistry (Biochemistry emphasis) – Macalester College, MN

Prior to working in Dr. Lee’s lab, I worked in an immunology lab that looked at the intersection of allergies and pain. I focused on characterizing immunological changes in the local tissue following repeated exposure to allergens. Much of my previous work focused intercellular interactions; therefore, I am enthusiastic about learning how to look at biological questions through a more intracellular perspective. In my spare time, I enjoy learning about dinosaurs and trying new recipes. 

 

Elana Thieme

UW MCB Graduate Student

  • B.A. - Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR

  • Post-Baccalaureate Research, Dr. Alexey Danilov Lab -City of Hope Hospital, Los Angeles, CA

    • Project: Characterizing effects of CDK9 inhibition on the epigenome.

  • Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR

    • Project: Exploring dual SYK/BTK inhibition in ibrutinib resistant mantle cell lymphoma

From a young age I have aspired to spend my career studying hematologic malignancies. During my post-baccalaureate research, I developed a passion for transcription and chromatin biology by exploring drug resistance mechanisms in lymphoma. Currently, under the guidance of Drs. Stan Lee and Manu Setty, I employ single-cell sequencing technology to understand blood cell differentiation in aging and disease. Outside of research, I enjoy exploring Seattle's beaches, farmers markets, and live storytelling events!

 

Evan Nguyen

Lab Aide

  • Currently pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry - University of Washington

I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, and the Lee Lab is my first lab and introduction to research. I hope to one day attend medical school and train as a medical doctor. Through my time in the lab, I am eager to learn about hematopoiesis and the relationship between deregulations of hematopoiesis and blood diseases. I love pickleball, posting on TikTok, and walking during the nighttime!

 

Fu-Yen Chang

Research Technician

  • M.Sc. Nutrition and Integrative Physiology - University of Utah

I have always been passionate about research that helps us understand diseases and develop new treatments. Before joining Dr. Lee’s lab, I worked at the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, studying how dietary carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids affect age-related macular degeneration. My previous work focused on using both animal and cell models. I am excited to apply my experience and skills to understand blood disorders and how cancer-associated mutations impact hematopoietic stem cell function. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, snowboarding, cooking, and exploring the local food scene.

Vivian Liu

UW/FHCC Hematology/Oncology Fellow

  • B.S. Biology - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • M.D. - Harvard Medical School

  • Internal Medicine Residency - University of Washington

After conducting research in cancer metabolism in undergrad and CLL drug resistance in medical school, I became interested in becoming a physician scientist to study the underlying biology of leukemia and develop new targeted therapies for treatment. I am currently co-mentored by Drs. Stan Lee and Derek Stirewalt, studying how transcriptome and proteome level changes in AML patients can be used to predict prognosis and uncover new targets for therapeutics. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, photography, horseback riding, and playing board games.