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Celebrating Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute's 70th Anniversary

At the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI), our investigators have been translating scientific knowledge into discoveries that make a difference since 1952. We actively investigate the causes of and potential treatments for diseases, guided by our goals of reducing disparities and advancing health equity, and our mission of improving patient care and the health of our community through research and education.

In recognition of HHRI’s platinum anniversary, we are taking a look back at some of the milestones in the research institute’s history. We are also highlighting our extraordinary staff and scientists who are behind the amazing work that is advancing medicine and making healthcare more accessible and equitable for all.

The People of HHRI

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” ~ Carl Sagan

HHRI researchers are experts in their fields, tackling our biggest healthcare challenges, including COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, life-threatening and time-sensitive conditions, chronic diseases, and access to care. They conduct basic, translational, clinical and epidemiologic research with a focus on four areas – Acute Care/Trauma, Addiction, Health Services and Infectious Diseases – with the priority throughout being to better understand and address factors that contribute to health equity and the concerns of the patient population served by Hennepin Healthcare. Below, some of HHRI's 250+ investigators and research staff share their stories and experiences working at HHRI.

MAH

Melissa Adkins-Hempel

Senior Research Coordiantor
Behavioral Equity Research Group
Dr Fred Apple

Fred Apple, PhD, DABCC

Medical Director of the Clinical Laboratories, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical and Forensic Toxicology and Point of Care Testing
Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, PI
BakerJason170

Jason Baker, MD, MS

Division Chief
Infectious Diseases
Burrack, Kristina

Kristina Burrack, PhD

Investigator
Infectious Diseases
BuschAndrew

Andrew Busch, PhD, LP

Principal Investigator/Co-Director
Behavioral Health Equity Research
HarrisAndy

Andy Harris, PhD

Senior Investigator
Clinical Pharmacology
Dr Allyson Hart

Allyson Hart, MD, MS

Chair, Senior Staff
Hennepin Healthcare IRB, Chronic Diseases Research Group
Japuntich, Sandra

Sandra Japuntich, PhD, LP

Principal Investigator
Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
LaBerge-Nicole-184x300

Nicole B. LaBerge, PT, ATP

Researcher
Dr Amy-Anne Lassig

Amy Anne Lassig, MD, FACS

Head and neck cancer surgeon with a research interest in acute wound healing, cutaneous physiology, and the effects of tobacco type products on these processes
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery/Clinician Scientist
McKinneyWarren014

Warren McKinney, PhD

Investigator
Nephrology
Miller, Kim

Kim Miller

Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Operations
Murray, Anne

Anne Murray, MD, MSc

Medicine Physician, HHRI Investigator
CNadeau

Carey Nadeau, MA

Director of Operations
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Martha Nance, MD

Medical Director
Huntington's Disease Center at HCMC
Tara Nash

Tara Nash, FNP

Research Manager
Neurosurgery
OnyeaghalaGuillaume

Guillaume Onyeaghala, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Israni Lab
Nephrology
Dr-Michael-Puskarich

Mike Puskarich, MD, MS

Director of Research
Emergency Medicine
Shater, Mona

Mona Shater, MA

Marketing & Communications Director
Chronic Disease Research Group
SmethellsJack

Jack Smethells, PhD

Researcher
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Dr Kate Vickery

Kate Diaz Vickery, MD, MSc

Principal Investigator
Health, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Lab

HHRI Through Time

Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute's History

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