Leadership
Principal Investigator​
Dave D'Alessio, M.D.
James B. Wyngaarden Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Dr. D'Alessio leads research in the regulation of glucose tolerance and food intake by gut hormones, with a focus on proglucagon peptides such as glucagon and GLP-1. He conducts clinical trials on new compounds for blood glucose control, weight loss, and vascular disease prevention, while also serving as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Diabetes and contributing to expert panels on diabetes care.
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Principal Investigator
Jon Campbell, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Dr. Campbell researches the regulation of glucose and energy metabolism by gut-derived peptides like GLP-1 and GIP. His work explores the mechanisms through which these peptides influence beta- and alpha-cell function. Additionally, his research investigates the metabolic improvements observed with ligand receptor agonism, using genetic models to understand the independent effects on alpha to beta-cell function and weight loss. ​
Research Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our research staff come from all over the world with a wide breadth of research experience. We pride ourselves on hard work, dedication, and our best efforts in leading change for obesity and diabetes.
Senior Research Associate
Kimberley El, PhD
Dr. El's work focuses on the role of GIP receptors on pancreatic islets in response to agonism. She is eager to find counter regulatory mechanisms during insulin induced hypoglycemia in T1DM and T2DM patients.
Senior Research Associate
Sarah Hannou, PhD
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Dr. Hannou's work looks into how obesity and diabetes is associated with metabolic diseases in the liver. Her focus is to uncover complex interplay between metabolic disorders and liver function aiming to uncover underlying uses of diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). She enjoys spending time with her cat and going for long hikes.
Postdoctoral Associate
Canqi Cui, PhD
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Dr. Cui's research focuses on T2DM and how it plays a role in islet biology. Her projects include the interaction between alpha- and beta-cells, and more specifically Pck1 and 2 importance in glucose homeostasis. In her free time she enjoys the company her adorable short-haired cat Julio.
Postdoctoral Associate
Hyunji Lee, PhD
Dr. Lee's work encompasses looking at different responses to GLP-1r agonism for mouse models with pancreatic beta-cell arrestin knockout conditions. She enjoys her time outside the lab building lego models and watching zombie movies.
Postdoctoral Associate
Sophie Fernandez, PhD
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Dr. Fernandez's research primarily looks into GLP1r and GIPr agonism and how it can affect obesity and glucose homeostasis. She investigates these peptide drugs in animal models to help us better understand their role in human physiology.
Laboratory Manager
Danielle Leander, B.S.
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Ms. Leander focuses on glucose turnover and clamping research in freely moving mice, specializing in evaluating and interpreting data to provide analyses on progress, adverse trends, and recommendations. In addition, she manages mouse colonies, handling the importation and validation of mouse lines, overseeing large datasets, and providing training for lab personnel.
PhD Candidate 2027
Courtney Manning
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Ms. Manning is a graduate student who is curious about counter regulatory mechanisms in response to insulin induced hypoglycemia. She is interested in discovering better mechanisms to counteract insulin over doses in people with T1DM.
Technical Team
Krissy Campbell
Lab Administrator
Alex Chen
Technician
Don Wothe
Technician
Marshall Paisley
Technician