Welcome to the Russ Lab
Advancing research in autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes through innovative stem cell and regenerative medicine approaches at the University of Florida Diabetes Institute (UFDI).
Our Mission
The goal of the Russ Lab is to work towards the betterment of human health with a focus on autoimmune type 1 diabetes. We test innovative hypotheses through rigorous scientific inquiry to expand scientific knowledge and improve experimental approaches.
About Us
The Russ Lab focuses on developing innovative regenerative medicine approaches to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
We utilize human pluripotent stem cell technology, primary human tissue culture, and genome engineering to model disease and explore treatment possibilities. Our work contributes to pancreatic beta-cell biology, thymus research, and stem cell science. Our long-term goal is to understand T1D development, create new treatment strategies, and train the next generation of scientists.
We utilize human pluripotent stem cell technology, primary human tissue culture, and genome engineering to model disease and explore treatment possibilities. Our work contributes to pancreatic beta-cell biology, thymus research, and stem cell science. Our long-term goal is to understand T1D development, create new treatment strategies, and train the next generation of scientists.
Research Interests
Cell Replacement Therapy
We explore stem cell-derived organoids to develop curative treatment options for Type 1 Diabetes.
Human Beta Cell Biology
We study beta cell function, drug testing, and T-cell interactions to understand disease progression.
Human Thymus Research
We develop thymic organoids to study immune system behavior and autoimmune disease mechanisms.
Leadership
Holger Russ, PhD
Primary Investigator
Post Doctoral Fellows
Jessie Barra, PhD
Post Doctoral Fellow
Adrienne Widener, PhD
Post Doctoral Fellow
Students
Austin Kratz, MS
4th year PhD candidate
Alexander Baker, BS
3rd year PhD candidate
Matthew Brown, BS
MD/PhD student
Jade Nguyen, BS
2nd year PhD student
Staff
Andrew M. Ladd, MS
Lab Manager
Zack Numark, BS
Lab Tech
Undergraduates
- Jamie Proia
- Ava Dunn
- Amanda Grodman
- Mia Morin
- Ethan Fitzgerald
- Yusuf Faruqui
- Ryan Mathew
Alumni
- Roberto Castro-Gutierrez, Ph.D.
- Ali Shilleh, Ph.D.
- Lucas Armitage, Ph.D.
- Stephan Ramos, Ph.D.
- Taylor M. Triolo, MD
- Quinn Mataschek, BS
- Chris Shaff, BS
- Maria Hansen, MS
- Balachandar Nedumaran, Ph.D.
- Amanda Windhof, Ph.D.
- Fiona M. Docherty, Ph.D.
- Shane Williams, BS
- Prabha Yadav, MBA
- Gurprit Bhardwaj, Ph.D.
- Roxanne Fink, MS
UF Diabetes Institute
The Russ Lab is a part of the Diabetes Institute here at the University of Florida. Here we join forces with Physicians and researchers to try to treat and discover cures for autoimmune Diabetes, we also share space with nPOD, the leading pancreatic organ donation network for research, an invaluable resource to us and the Diabetes world
Useful Resources
📍 Location:
Biomedical Sciences Building
University of Florida
University of Florida
Address:
1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610