Erik J. Forsberg, PhD

Erik Forsberg is the Executive Director of the WiCell Research Institute. Erik graduated magna cum laude from Kalamazoo College in Michigan and earned a Ph.D. in pharmacology and physiology from the University of Chicago. Erik worked as Staff Scientist at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland and was then appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He moved to commercial research and development when he joined Infigen, and was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Development. He then worked as Director of cloning technologies at Minitube of America, and Senior Director of scientific development at Pharming, a Dutch biotechnology company. Concurrently with his appointments at Minitube and Pharming, Erik maintained a senior researcher appointment in the Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin. As Executive Director of WiCell Research Institute, Erik’s vision is to enhance WiCell’s collaborative research and development efforts with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Waisman Center to promote the translation of basic stem cell research into new therapies and diagnostics for unmet medical needs.

Robert J. Drape

Mr. Drape serves as the National Stem Cell Bank and General Project Director for the WiCell Research Institute. He received his B.A. degree from Augustana College, Rock island, IL. Prior to joining WiCell in 2007, Mr. Drape worked in project management for PowderJect Vaccines, Covance and Gala Biotech. As Project Director, Mr. Drape's main responsibilities include working closely with other members of senior management to plan and coordinate activities and enhance the overall productivity of the WiCell team to meet organizational goals.

Dr. Jeffrey M. Jones, PhD, HCLD(ABB)

Dr. Jones is the Director of the Derivation Laboratory at the WiCell Research Institute, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ob/Gyn at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a board certified High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (HCLD). Prior to joining WiCell in 2006, Dr. Jones was the Director of the Andrology and IVF Laboratories at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics - a position which he held for 14 years. Jeff earned a Masters degree from the University of Cincinnati and his PhD in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1998 Dr. Jones and Dr. Thomson derived the first five hES cell lines. Then in 2006, Dr. Jones derived 2 additional hES cell lines using a defined culture system developed by Dr. Ludwig. In addition to developing new methods for the derivation of clinical grade hES cell lines, Dr. Jones' research interests include the development of novel culture systems and the cryopreservation of hES cells.

Dr. Tenneille E. Ludwig

Dr.Tenneille Ludwig is a Senior Scientist at WiCell Research Institute and serves as the Director of the Distribution, Media Optimization, and Core Technical Services programs.  Dr. Ludwig obtained her B.S. (1992) in Animal Sciences and M.S. (1994) in Reproductive Endocrinology from Washington State University prior to completing a Ph.D. in Embryology and Developmental Biology with a minor in Bioethics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001.  Her subsequent work in the laboratory of Dr. James Thomson (2001-2007) focused primarily on the optimization of human embryonic stem (ES) cell culture conditions, and resulted in the development of a defined, feeder-independent culture system for human ES cells (TeSR/mTeSR).  Dr. Ludwig's primary research interest continues to be focused on improving human ES cell culture.  Current projects include investigations into improving attachment and cloning efficiency, enabling large-scale culture of human ES-cells, and developing alternate high throughput screening methods.

Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin is the Quality Assurance Manager of the WiCell Research Institute.  Ms. Martin obtained her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and is near completion of the M.S. in Biotechnology program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Her prior experience includes work at Pharmaceuticals Product Development (PPD) where she provided quality control support and project management services, and Stratatech where she implemented and managed quality systems to support human clinical trials.  As Quality Assurance Manager, Ms. Martin is focused on implementing and managing company-wide quality systems to enhance efficiency and consistency of WiCell work flows.

Dr. Karen Dyer Montgomery, PhD

Dr. Montgomery is the Director of the Cytogenetics Laboratory at WiCell Research Institute. Prior to joining WiCell, she co-directed the UW Cytogenetic Services at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. She came to Madison in 2005 as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Montgomery moved to Wisconsin from Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she was a Laboratory Director at Genzyme Genetics. Prior to that she was an Associate Professor and directed the clinical cytogenetics service at the University of New Mexico. She is a graduate of Kent State University, trained in human genetics at the University of Washington, is certified in clinical cytogenetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics, and is a founding fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics.

Dr. Montgomery’s research interests are in the role of cytogenetic abnormalities in human embryonic stem cells and in the interaction of genetics and environmental contaminants in pediatric leukemia.

 Marian S. Piekarczyk

Ms. Piekarczyk is the Assistant Director of Laboratory Operations at the WiCell Research Institute. She is responsible for coordinating and managing research space for WiCell staff and UW-Madison research collaborations, and for representation at scientific meeting and conferences. Ms. Piekcarzyk received her B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois, where she also undertook Masters study in Microbiology, Immunology and Nutrition. Ms. Piekarczyk joined WiCell in 2002 as the Laboratory Manager for the campus location of WiCell's basic research facility. Her prior research experience includes: exotic animal nutritional studies at the National Zoo in Washington DC; providing research support for the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University; and SIV/HIV vaccine development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Nirupama (Rupa) Shevde

Dr. Shevde is a Senior Scientist and the Director of the Education and Outreach at WiCell Research Institute. She also maintains an appointment as a Senior Scientist in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Shevde earned her Doctorate from Harvard and has conducted research for several years in the area of steroid hormones and their actions on the skeleton (Bone Biology). Prior to joining the WiCell team, she played a role as a consultant and was instrumental in developing some of the recent training courses offered to the scientific community. She and her team train scientists from all around the world to culture and maintain human embryonic stem cells through the training courses offered at WiCell. Dr. Shevde also leads a dynamic Outreach program that focuses on inspiring and empowering middle school and high school students who are our future scientists.