Jay Nelson

Founder and Professor
Jay Nelson is the founder of the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and has dedicated his career to understanding the molecular pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus as well as developing vaccines and rhesus macaque models to study infectious diseases. Dr. Nelson lives in Lake Oswego with his wife and their dachshund.

Nicole Diggins

Research Assistant Professor
I am interested in the ways Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) microRNAs manipulate cell signaling pathways during the establishment, maintenance, and reactivation from latency. My expertise is in culturing human embryonic stem cells and differentiating these cells down the hematopoietic lineage into CD34⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells, which is the cell type in which HCMV establishes a latent infection. These cells can be infected with HCMV (or mutants of HCMV lacking specific virally-encoded miRNAs) and used in downstream proliferation, differentiation, or latency and reactivation assays.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading and I am an avid hiker. I’ve been to the summit of Mt St Helens and I’m currently learning mountaineering skills so I can climb more volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest!

Jennifer Mitchell

Research Associate
I am originally from upstate NY, but moved to Oregon many years ago with two of my siblings, and have happily called it home ever since.

I have a BS and MS in biology, both from Portland State University.

I joined the Nelson/Hancock lab in 2014. As one of the more senior members of the lab, my role has evolved over time. Currently I am the person that does most of the cloning and reagent making for the lab, as well as generating the majority of recombinant viruses via BAC recombineering. I really like what I do in this lab and I am proud of our team!

Some of my interests outside of work include growing a large garden, riding my bike, bird watching, reading novels, and watching Star Trek. I live in SE Portland with my partner, our kindergartener, and too many houseplants.

Andrew Pham

Senior Research Assistant
Andrew has been at OHSU's Nelson/Hancock lab since 2016, specializing in the study of HCMV microRNAs. With a deep passion for virology, Andrew's research interests are optimizing viral production and identifying viral microRNA targets. Andrew is a first-generation American and proud Oregon native. He attended Oregon State University and received his BS in Microbiology in 2015, the first in his family.

Beyond the lab, Andrew enjoys exploring the world of wines, especially from Oregon, Burgundy, and Champagne. Andrew loves both exploring the Portland food scene and cooking at home. He and his boyfriend have two beautiful cats name Ila and Ivy.

Monica Draculan

Research Assistant II
Monica graduated from Washington State University with her BS in Biology. From a community ecology lab focused on amphibian disease ecology, she joined the Hancock lab in July 2021. This further developed her interest in molecular biology and virology. Her current project involves RhCMV BAC recombineering, cloning, and cell culture. 

Outside of lab, Monica has a passion for volunteerism and is active in her community. She enjoys the outdoors and can be found hiking, looking at mushrooms, and birding. As a big foodie, she delights in trying out new recipes and restaurants.

Rebekah Turner

Research Assistant II
I’m originally from Los Angeles but moved to Portland in 2018. I started in the Nelson/Hancock lab in December 2021 as an undergrad student while I was working on my BS in biology at Portland State University. After graduation in 2022, I joined the Nelson/Hancock lab full time as a Research Assistant. In the lab, I use HPCs to study hCMV and I also work on recombineering and cloning. My goal is to go to graduate school, get my PhD, and continue to study viruses and their molecular mechanisms.

In my spare time I like to go out to eat, attend rock and metal concerts, go hiking and be out in nature, play piano, and relax at home with my partner and our 2 cats.