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Lab News and Updates

April 2025

Congrats Clara

Clara Yampanis, a research scientist I in the Straehla Lab, is planning pursue her PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine this fall! While there, she aims to focus her studies on improving design, targeting, and/or delivery of cancer therapeutics. We are so proud of you Clara, and so excited to see what you accomplish!

January 2025

Welcome, Dr. Elnaz Shaabani Sichani

Elnaz Shaabani Sichani

Elnaz Shaabani Sichani has just joined the Straehla Lab as a postdoctoral researcher!

Originally from Iran, with a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Shaabani Sichani has over 10 years of experience in nanomedicine, focusing on advancing drug delivery systems to overcome challenges in therapeutic delivery. During her PhD, she developed advanced nanocarriers using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) self-assembly technique for delivering therapeutic nucleic acids (siRNA, mRNA, pDNA).

In the Straehla Lab, she will applying this expertise to design precision nanoscale delivery systems for pediatric brain tumors. Outside of work, she is passionate about science communication and enjoys traveling, cooking Persian cuisine and hiking.

Welcome, Dr. Shaabani Sichani – we are so excited to work with you! Let the unpacking begin!

December 2024

Holiday celebrations at Ben Towne

Three women pose for the camera at a holiday celebration (left); Two women decorate holiday cookies (right)

We are fortunate to be part of the Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Research, where the holiday spirit is palpable!

Dr. Straehla speaks at AACR Special Conference in Toronto

Fitting with the lab’s mission to bring more effective, less toxic drugs to children with cancer, Joelle was honored to give a plenary talk at the American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research: Optimizing Therapeutic Efficacy and Tolerability through Cancer Chemistry.

November 2024

Inaugural lab outing to Chihuly Gardens and Glass

Four women stand in front of glass scultures

New lab members bonded over a visit to Chihuly Gardens and Glass.

October 2024

New lab member Emmeline Cheng

The Straehla Lab is excited to welcome Dr. Emmeline Cheng as a research scientist. She will be investigating biologic regulators of lipid nanoparticle delivery. Welcome, Dr. Cheng!

The Straehla Lab officially opens

Let the unpacking begin! Clara and Nichole are two bold research technicians who moved cross-country to be part of the lab. We are all excited to join a group of like-minded investigators at the Ben Towne Center, all seeking to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer!

Contact the Straehla Lab

Joelle Payne Straehla, MD

For questions or inquiries,
email: [email protected]

Physical Address

Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Research
08-152
1920 Terry Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101