Meet the Staff

PI

Tatiana Foroud, PhD

Dr. Tatiana Foroud is the principal investigator for the BioSEND repository. She works closely with the NIH to ensure that the specific aims and goals of the BioSEND project are met. She is responsible for the oversight of the BioSEND repository, including ensuring samples are processed and banked according to scientific best-practices and advising sample recipients on study design. Dr. Foroud is a Distinguished Professor of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Co-Investigators

Michael Edler, PhD

Dr. Edler is an Assistant Scientist in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics. He is a co-investigator for BioSEND and the Lab Director of the Indiana University Genetics Biobank (IUGB) in which BioSEND is housed. He provides overall direction within IUGB, including strategic planning related to new protocols, laboratory expansions, equipment purchases, and overall staffing.

Kelly Nudelman, PhD

Dr. Nudelman is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics. Dr. Nudelman is a co-investigator for BioSEND and co-leads the in-house DNA SNP fingerprinting efforts for the biorepository, facilitates genetic reporting, and provides scientific support for BioSEND studies.

Staff

Claire E Wegel, MPH, CCRP

Claire E Wegel joined the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics in 2006 and serves as the Project Manager for BioSEND. Claire supervises the day-to-day activities of the repository staff and monitors compliance and biospecimen throughput for all studies banked in BioSEND. She also assists researchers during study planning and provides support to the NINDS BRACs and investigators requesting samples for research.

To contact Claire directly, please email cwegel@iu.edu

Carolyn Dunifon, BA, CCRP

Carolyn Dunifon has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since 2016. She serves as the Senior Coordinator for BioSEND. Carolyn’s duties include coordinating studies within BioSEND, data validation and reporting, and working directly with study sites to ensure efficiency and problem resolution. She also oversees MOP development and site training.

To contact Carolyn directly, please email cdunifon@iu.edu

Ashley Garwood, BS, CCRP

Ashley Garwood has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since October 2017 and now serves as a Research Coordinator for BioSEND’s PD, HD, and ALS studies. Ashley’s primary duties include data entry and reporting, genetic data return to studies, site training, and study start-up activities.

To contact Ashley directly, please email hoviousa@iu.edu

Vanessa Jimoh, BS

Vanessa Jimoh joined the BioSEND team in 2021 as a Research Specialist for the PD and TBI studies in the repository. Vanessa’s primary duties include kit production, data entry, and non-conformance monitoring. She also assists with site training and study start-up activities.

To contact Vanessa directly, please email vjimoh@iu.edu

Josh Folkestad, BA

Josh Folkestad has been a part of the BioSEND team since 2023. He is a Research Technician for the repository. Josh’s primary duties include kit production, shipping, and data entry.

To contact Josh directly, please email jfolkest@iu.edu

Emma Halter-Mann, BS

Emma joined the BioSEND team in 2024. She is a Research Technician for the repository. Emma’s primary duties include kit production, shipping, and data entry.

To contact Emma directly, please email ehalterm@iu.edu

Rose Case, BS, CCRP

Rose Case has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since February of 2016. Rose serves as a Project Manager of sample distributions for the department. She coordinates distributions of requested samples from the initial approval to the final sample shipment.

Christopher Hobbick, BS

Christopher Hobbick has been with the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics since 2004. As the Director of Information Technology and Strategic Initiatives, he leads the software development and data sciences teams. Christopher’s duties include oversight of the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and the development of custom software solutions for research studies, as well as ensuring the secure management of data flow. He also works closely with university officials to verify that all software and data comply with stringent security and privacy policies.