People

Twitter: @JimBoonyaratana
July 2016 – Present (Lab established July 2022)
Jim is an infectious disease specialist and virologist who focuses his research and clinical practice on preventing and treating viral infections in vulnerable populations. He is also passionate about teaching and medical education. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, tennis, food adventures, and music.

October 2014 - Present

Matt is an experienced cell and molecular biologist whose early research focused on the discovery of mechanisms underlying genetic disorders associated with human aging. At Fred Hutch, he uses protein and B cell engineering to study and develop therapeutic antibodies and vaccines to treat and prevent viral infections and various forms of cancer. Matt loves to be in the laboratory “making things and doing experiments.” He is passionate about teaching and sharing science, as well as mentoring and learning from students and colleagues. When outside the lab, Matt enjoys cooking with friends and family, listening to and playing music, and playing ball and taking long walks with his Labrador retriever. 

September 2022 - Present

Sara graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor's in Biology and an emphasis in Bioethics. She previously worked as a technician exploring molecular mechanisms related to protein degradation in plants. Sara is excited to join the Boonyaratanakornkit lab. Outside of lab, she enjoys hiking and paddle boarding.

July 2023 - Present

Lea graduated from the University of Washington in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Her undergraduate research focused on isolating and characterizing contemporary strains of human metapneumovirus as well as evaluating IgG and FcRn expression in intestinal tissues of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Outside of the lab, Lea enjoys hiking, knitting, and climbing with friends.

October 2023 - Present

Hannah earned her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Washington in 2022. Her doctoral research delved into the mechanisms by which herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) hijacks host chromatin during lytic infection. For her postdoc role, she is excited to interrogate the immune response to viruses that have eluded traditional vaccine development efforts, and to apply this knowledge to better understand and combat viral infections in vulnerable populations. Beyond the lab, she is dedicated to science communication and education, bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public. Outside of her research and outreach efforts, she is a musician in several local bands.

August 2024 - Present

Catherine earned her PhD in Immunology from Harvard University in 2023. Her PhD work focused on the humoral immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines, as well as vaccines for Mpox and Influenza, in humans and non-human primates. In the Boonyaratanakornkit lab she is excited to continue her work on vaccine responses, interrogating the immune determinants of B cell imprinting and antigenicity of rapidly evolving viral pathogens to apply them to better vaccine design and implementation for vulnerable populations. Outside of the lab she enjoys teaching, hiking, climbing, skiing, and seeking out good live music.

November 2024 - Present 

Clarissa earned her Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. With over three years of experience in the biotech industry, her most recent work involves characterizing Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) for gene therapy applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. She recently moved from New York and is excited to be back in Seattle to continue her research experience and learn more in Boonyaratanakornkit's Lab. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, cafe hopping, cooking, baking and hiking. 

June 2025 - Present

Yena is a PhD student in Pathobiology at the University of Washington, where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. With two years of experience as a research associate in the biotech startup industry, her recent work focuses on developing oral biotherapeutics for treating infectious and metabolic diseases. Outside of her professional life, Yena enjoys discovering new cafes and bakeries and spending quality time with friends and family.

August 2025 - Present

Macy is a second-year student at the University of Washington majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She hopes to continue her education through pharmacy school and is interested in exploring pharmaceuticals or biotechnology. Outside of school and work, Macy enjoys running, snowboarding, trying new cafes, and spending time with family.

April 2026 - Present

Alex graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor’s in Human Physiology and a minor in Biology. Alex has two years of experience as a research assistant in an Aging and Vascular Physiology lab studying Alzheimer’s Disease. Primarily focusing on large artery stiffness, aging, and sex differences on cognitive function. Outside of work Alex likes to bike, climb and read a good book.