Scott Hansen

Professor
Scott Hansen received his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Oregon State University in 2001. He started a postdoctoral fellowship at OHSU from 2001-2008 with Dr. Louis Picker and Jay Nelson as his advisors. As a postdoctoral fellow, he began developing the Rhesus Cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) vector system using a fibroblast-adapted strain (68-1 RhCMV). After sequencing, characterizing, and annotating the 68-1 RhCMV genome in collaboration with Dr. Scott Wong, Dr. Hansen then constructed the first recombinant RhCMV virus vector expressing an SIVantigen (RhCMV/SIV). Now, a professor with a laboratory of his own, he has spent the past twenty years working extensively with Drs. Louis Picker, Klaus Früh, Jonah Sacha, and Michael Axthelm to test the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of RhCMV/SIV vectors in the SIV/non-human primate model. The CMV-vector platform is currently being evaluated in a Phase Ib clinical trial.

Sohita Ojha

Staff Scientist
Sohita did her B.S. in Veterinary Sciences and M.S. in Animal Biotechnology in India. She then pursued her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and later joined Langston University in 2018 as Assistant Professor of Biology. While working at the University, she was also managing a project with NASA where they were looking at countermeasures against immune dysfunction in microgravity conditions. She moved to Oregon in 2021 and joined the Hansen lab in 2022. Currently she is part of the 10X molecular team and works heavily towards generating single cell RNA data that involves preparing samples, running them on the 10X platform, and generating respective libraries. Besides science, she is passionate about dance and loves spending time with her family and watching her toddler's cute tactics to get candies.

Roxanne Beebe

Research Project Manager
After studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Lewis & Clark College, Roxanne joined the Picker/Hansen Laboratory in 2010 to expand her knowledge in immunology and NHP research. Her current role as a Research Project Manager involves managing research projects, hiring staff, and ensuring regulatory compliance by maintaining IACUC and IBC protocols for the Hansen Laboratory. She enjoys spending time hunting and fishing with her family and volunteering at her daughters’ school.

Colette Hughes

Research Project Manager
Colette obtained her B.S. in Microbiology from San Francisco State University. She joined the Picker/Hansen Lab in 2009 and currently manages several pre-clinical/clinical projects for the lab. Some of her favorite activities include snowboarding, camping in her tiny vintage trailer, and hunting for agates on the beach.

Julia Ford

Research Systems Analyst II
Julia graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She joined the VGTI in 2008 and is currently focused on the development of training policies and practices for the VGTI Quality System, while also performing miscellaneous research support functions for the Hansen Lab.

Andrea Selseth

Research Data Analyst II
Andrea graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. After working in the wine industry, she joined the Picker/Hansen Lab in 2013 to start a career in infectious disease research and vaccine development. Currently in her role as a Research Data Analyst she manages our Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccine projects including large scale data analysis and BSL-3 laboratory work. Andrea’s other interests include fermentation, botany, vermicomposting, and motorcycling.

David Morrow

Research Data Analyst II
David obtained his B.A. from University of Oregon where he studied English Literature and, while attending the university, he was employed at the Institute of Neuroscience Zebrafish Facility as a Student Research Technician. After moving to Portland, he joined the Picker Lab’s LSR flow team before he was recruited to join the Hansen Team. Besides his expertise in Flow Cytometry, he contributes to many of the Hansen Groups projects, but tends to focus on CD8 TCR recognition, assay development and innate immune activation, specifically monocytes and macrophages. David enjoys reading, video games and Dungeons and Dragons, all while attempting to wrangle his wife, cat, and toddler son.

Kurt Randall

Research Engineer III
Kurt obtained his B.S. in Bioengineering from UC Merced. He started at VGTI in 2013 where he joined the Picker Lab’s LSR flow team before being recruited to join the Hansen Team. His focus, currently, is the creation and maintenance of the lab management system that supports all Hansen research. Kurt has both a small dog and cat (Athena and Kazi) whom he likes to cuddle wherever possible. He regularly goes to Timbers games and cheers in the army. To unwind, he enjoys woodworking and small crafting projects.

Karina Taylor

Clinical Research Associate
Karina received a double bachelors from Oregon State University in Biology and Psychology. She started working at the VGTI in 2017. She is heavily involved in human clinical research and works to integrate academic research at VGTI with clinical trials. She aids in expanding the Hansen lab’s role in further clinical work. Outside of the lab, Karina is an avid skier, amateur mountaineer, and photographer. She has summited and skied down 3 of Washinton’s Volcanos and hopes to summit all 5 next year.

Shana Feltham

Research Project Coordinator
Shana obtained a double degree in Molcular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Biochemistry, and minor in Global Health, from the University of Washington. Her scientific interests and past research in prevention/care of infectious diseases led to her joining the Hansen team in 2019. Her primary role is as part of the molecular team preparing samples and creating single cell RNA data via the 10X Genomics platform. Her work is multidisciplinary spanning both molecular and immunology fields. She works on multiple collaboration projects looking at the molecular biomarkers of various diseases, such as HIV/SIV, TB, and Malaria. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, volunteering at OFB and Blanchet House, and hanging out with her cat Bean.

Selena Carrizales

Research Project Coordinator
Selena is an Oregon State University graduate with a B.S. in Microbiology, minor in chemistry, and option in Pre-Med. During their time in college, they gained a particular interest in HIV through studies and involvement in community outreach programs. One such program was an HIV prevention and education program called Valley AIDS Information Network. Wanting to better understand the complexities of HIV and find ways to contribute to the betterment of the lives of those affected or living with HIV, Selena decided to dedicate themselves to HIV research within the Picker/Hansen lab. Selena has been working in the Picker/Hansen lab since 2021 and has branched out to help in research not only involving HIV, but also Tuberculosis, Malaria, and other virus-related projects. When they are not working, Selena enjoys cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with her dog and chunky cat.

Collin Pirner

Senior Clinical Research Assistant
Graduating from North Dakota State University in 2018 with a B.S. in Microbiology, working in infectious disease research/immunology has always been a professional interest of Collin’s. After a stint working in biotechnology, Collin joined the VGTI in April of 2022. When not in the lab, Collin enjoys playing tennis with friends and following Minnesota sports teams.

Tyler Bennett

Senior Research Assistant
Originally from rural Wisconsin, Tyler obtained his B.S. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2019. Following graduation, he moved to Oregon where he studied biostatistics at OHSU. His passion for research was first found through his studies in abnormal psychology. His undergraduate honors project in perfectionistic tendencies led to developing a deep interest in data analysis. Since joining the Hansen Lab in March of 2022, he has become involved in the M.tb and SIV studies, as well as taken on some of the data responsibilities for the TB cohorts. He currently lives with his unruly cat Hercules and charming leopard gecko Leonidas.

Ruben Sanchez Flores Jr

Research Assistant II
Ruben obtained his B.S. in Biochemistry and Biology from the University of Oregon in Spring 2022. He joined the Hansen Lab back in October 2022 and is interested in viral pathogenesis and immunology. Outside of the lab, Ruben likes to volunteer, try new foods, and spend time with his family and his dog named Ariel. Ruben is currently studying for the MCAT and hopes to apply to medical school this upcoming cycle!

Elise Finley

Research Assistant II
Elise Finley (she/her/hers) graduated in 2018 with a B.S. in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Politics & Government from Pacific University. As a more recent addition to VGTI, she began her time with the Hansen lab on Halloween ’22 with the intention of devouring as much knowledge as humanly possible regarding how the sausage is made and “science” really happens. Born and bred in Portland, Oregon, she is excited to be a part of the vibrant, creative, and intrepid community of scientists here who can't stop, won’t stop, pushing at the boundaries of what is known. You may be able to find her frequenting her favorite movie theaters in the city or some of the many, many delicious spots in the PDX food scene!

Akira Smedley

Research Engineer I
Akira went to school at PSU and received a B.S. in Computer Science. He aids the Hansen lab by creating computer programs to assist in the daily lab flow and maintains the digital LN database. He has been working at OHSU for 4 years, 2 years as a student worker and 2 years as a research engineer.

Shawn Wang

Research Assistant II
Shawn obtained his B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2016. He is a recent transplant to Oregon, and the newest member of the Hansen lab team. His scientific interests are focused on infectious disease prevention research, more specifically vaccines. Outside of the lab, Shawn enjoys playing music, hiking, playing too many video games, and eating all the food.