As many companies are trying to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, we at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) are also working our hardest to continue fighting to end ALS the best we can while working in a modified work environment. Some scientists are continuing to go into the lab to work with our animal models on a modified and socially distant schedule. Many, however, are working to end ALS from home. You can read about what our team is working on as they remain socially distant and fighting to end ALS below!

Dr. Theo Hatzipetros, Director of Pharmacology

"I’m analyzing data that our animal team, Andy and Josh continue to produce as they trade off going into the lab for PK studies each week. I am also writing grant proposals, planning future studies, reading new scientific reports, and considering writing a manuscript."

Val Tassinari, Associate Scientist 2

"I am working on ordering fish food, filters, and water quality testing supplies to keep our zebrafish facility up and running for the next couple of months. I don’t want to speak for people living with ALS, but I am worried about them and their safety during this time. I appreciate every donation from those who continue to support us here at ALS TDI knowing that this is not an easy time to give money."
Nicholas Hellman, Associate Scientist 2
 

"I generally work on our larger in lab robot, Cor2D2, but that was too big to take home with me. We call this one Luke (as in Skywalker) since it also has a custom robot arm attached. I’m working on coding specific movements with the robot arm to increase the range of automated procedures we can run on these smaller machines. My roommates are nice for putting up with the robot in our living room and for taking this picture of me so I didn’t need to worry about the best selfie pose. I’m lucky my company enforced a work from home policy early on. However, ALS TDI’s care for its employees isn’t surprising considering the incredible community that takes care of ALS TDI with donations and encouragement to end ALS. I am confident that a community that has always faced adversity with optimism will make it through this pandemic. Thank you to everyone for continuing to donate and I hope everyone stays safe.”

 
Kaly Mueller, Associate Scientist 3

"I am currently working on compiling and analyzing data for a paper and grant submissions based on non-SOD1 mouse models. I am so thankful for the continued support from the ALS community because it allows us to continue working toward cures and treatments for ALS during these unprecedented times."

Alan Premasiri, Associate Scientist 2

"Our team had just uncovered exciting insights into C9ORF72 biology, and we wanted to share it with the research community, so right now I am working on writing a paper to get it out there for others to learn from and working on a grant proposal for the same project. I feel so lucky to be supported by such a selfless and compassionate community that is willing to help us out even when the whole world is in a tough place. I love the work I do, and with their help, we will keep moving our research forward. I mean it, I couldn't thank the community enough."

 

Anna Gill (featuring a Corgi photobomb), Associate Scientist 2

"My 3-year-old corgi, Toby, is helping me analyze some data from cell-based experiments that I work on in the lab to study C9ORF72-mediated ALS."

If you would like to donate to ALS TDI on our mission to end ALS, click here.