Pavel-Dinu Laboratory

Leading Research for Gene and Cell Therapies for Patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity

Members

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Mara Pavel Dinu is a stem cell biologist whose work in genome editing and primary immunodeficiencies opened the door to under-explored areas of hematopoietic regeneration and immunity. Dr. Pavel-Dinu is currently an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a Principal Investigator in the Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

Dr. Pavel-Dinu worked as part of Dr. Matthew Porteus’ research team at Stanford University in the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, where she completed her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology and her post-doctoral fellowship in genome editing and stem cell biology, focusing on restoring immunity in primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). Dr. Pavel-Dinu earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

She received numerous prestigious awards, including the Graduate Student Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation, Early Career Training Grants from the NIH/NCATS-NIAIDI and Primary Immunodeficiency Training Consortium (PIDTC), and the National Blood Foundation (NBF/AABB).

An advocate for diversity and inclusion in science and academia, a champion for children with rare diseases, and an adventure traveler passionate about architecture, nature, and animals, Dr. Pavel-Dinu, a native Romanian, has embraced Seattle as her new home.

  • Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine (2024)
  • Principal Investigator, Supervisor, Center for Immunity and Immunotherapies, at Seattle Children’s Research Institute (2024)
  • Instructor of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California (2021)

  • Affiliate Member, Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Diseases (M3D) Program
  • Affiliate Member, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM)

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, Genome Editing and Stem Cell Biology (2021)
  • PhD, Stanford University, California, Molecular and Cellular Biology (2015)
  • Bachelor of Science, University of California Los Angeles, Microbiology, California, Immunology and Molecular Genetics (2004)

  • Early Career Training Grant Scholar Award, National Blood Foundation (2022-2023)
  • Early Career Training Grant Scholar Award, NIH/NCATS-NIAID, Primary Immunodeficiency Training Consortium (2021-2022)
  • Outstanding Abstract Award, Primary Immunodeficiency Training Consortium (2021)
  • Outstanding Abstract Award, Federation of Clinical Immunology Society (2018)
  • Meritorious Travel Grant Award, American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (2017, 2020)
  • Graduate Student Research Fellowship Award, National Science Foundation (2010-2013)

STAFF & SCIENTISTS

Eric Rynes

Data Scientist, Sr.

Pubmed: My Bibliography

Kate McGrath-Flinn

Research Associate I

Pubmed: My Bibliography 

Coming soon...

Research Scientist

Pubmed: My Bibliography

Email: eric.rynes@seattlechildrens.org
EDUCATION
Graduate Certificate Statistical Genetics, University of Washington
M.S., Physics, University of Illinois
B.A., Physics (with honors), University of Chicago
Email: kate.mcgrath-flinn@seattlechildrens.org
EDUCATION
B.S., Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Washington
B.S., Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences, University of Washington

Amy Crowson

Administrative Assistant, Sr.

“I am an experienced Administrative Assistant with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education and medical research industries.  I thrive on solving challenges and supporting my teams, whose work is extraordinary!  I am Seattle-born and raised.  You can often find me near the ocean or camping in the woods with my husband, son, and our poorly behaved-dog.”

Email: amy.crowson@seattlechildrens.org
EDUCATION
B.S., Sociology, University of Washington

GRADUATE STUDENTS

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Graduate Student

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POSTGRADUATE FELLOWS

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Postgraduate Fellow

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UNDERGRADUATES & SUMMER STUDENTS

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Undergraduate Student

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HONORARY LAB MEMBERS

Samhara (Sam)

English Golden Retriever

Samhara (Sam)

Since I was a puppy, I have been passionate about food. Throughout my life, I was exposed to many different cuisines, which helped refine my senses and understand the art behind cooking. I pursued a career in gastronomy. I learned that to create a meal that transcends your expectations and lifts your soul, one must achieve the perfect blend of science and art. My favorite quote comes from Chef Gusteau (Ratatouille Pixar movie): “Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great.”

Copyright 2024 © Mara Pavel-Dinu