James (Jim) Ropa, PhD: Principal Investigator
Jim is an Assistant Professor of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine. He received his BS in Biochemistry from the University of Notre Dame in 2013 and went on to earn his MS in Bioinformatics and PhD in Molecular and Cellular Pathology from the University of Michigan in 2019. He began his postdoctoral training at Indiana University School of Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Hal Broxmeyer, who was a giant in the field of hematopoietic stem cell biology and cell therapies. After Dr. Broxmeyer's passing in 2021, Jim continued his postdoctoral work with Dr. Mark Kaplan, an internationally recognized leader in the field of immune cell regulation. In 2024, Jim began his independent lab where his work continues to focus on understanding how hematopoietic cells function, how they become dysregulated in disease, and how we can utilize these cells or target disordered axes of regulation to improve outcomes for patients with hematologic diseases. When he is not in the lab, Jim enjoys spending time with his family and friends, coaching his kids' soccer teams, distance running, and watching football.
Jessica Newton, BS: Research Technician
Jessica is a Research Technician who joined the Ropa Lab in December 2024. She graduated in 2018 from Purdue University with a BA in Criminal Justice and minors in Psychology and Forensic Science. She went on to earn her BS in Entomology with a concentration in Forensic Science from Purdue University in 2021. After her graduation in 2021, she went on to work in municipal and pharmaceutical laboratories. Her love for research and learning led her to pursue a career in academia. When she is not in the lab, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, spending time in nature with her dogs, building Lego, and playing Xbox.