Aaron is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Division of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, and the Associate Director of the Molecular Medicine Program (U2M2) based in Salt Lake City.

He leads a team of researchers that explore the roles glycans—especially the extracellular matrix glycan hyaluronan (HA) and Heparan Sulfate (HS)—in regulating inflammation and coagulation in human disease states.

Dr. Petrey holds a PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia and trained as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Carol de la Motte at the Cleveland Clinic in the department of Pathobiology where he worked closely with physicians to perform translational research aimed at understanding how platelets contribute to tissue injury and inflammation in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

He was recruited to the University of Utah and joined the Department of Pathology on December 1, 2019 and brings expertise in immunology, glycobiology, platelet biology, and biochemistry. He has authored numerous high-impact publications studying the roles of platelets and immune cell regulation in colitis, sepsis, and COVID‑19. His contributions extend to translational research, with the goal of developing novel diagnostics and treatments based on glycan-mediated immune regulation.

Outside of the lab he enjoys playing pickleball, brewing beer and cider, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and on the smoker, hiking, backpacking, fishing for trout (poorly), and exploring the arts and music scene of Salt Lake City.

Kim is a senior lab manager with over 12 years of experience investigating inflammation in humans and murine models of asthma, lung injury, cystic fibrosis, COVID-19, and inflammatory bowel disease. Her expertise ranges from functional assays of platelets and thromboinflammation to molecular biology, cell culture, and in vivo assessment of lung function, bleeding, and thrombosis.

Outside the lab she is an avid gardener, hiker, keeper of chickens, lover of plants, and talented artist. She is a silversmith and small business owner of the Burnished Bat Studio.

Highly motivated and results-oriented research scientist with a Ph.D. in Clinical-Bioanalytical Chemistry and a proven track record of success in research, teaching, and clinical laboratory settings. My expertise spans the development and validation of novel assays, translational research, and the clear communication of scientific findings. Throughout my career, I have focused on tackling critical health challenges, particularly in asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). I possess extensive experience in cell culture techniques, including the isolation, growth, and maintenance of primary human and animal cells, as well as proficiency in immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, RT-PCR, imaging, ELISA, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS). In addition to these skills, I have mastered CRISPR gene-editing technology and am currently utilizing it in several ongoing research projects aimed at advancing molecular understanding and therapeutic strategies in chronic inflammatory diseases. I am also continuing to expand my capabilities in flow cytometry to further support innovative and impactful biomedical research.

My name is Gabriel Leung, I am a postdoctoral researcher studying megakaryocyte biology with a specific focus on the role of lung megakaryocytes during the acute respiratory distress syndrome. I have a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Utah, where I studied novel developmental pathways of resident tissue macrophages. Before I began my career in biomedical research, I was a professional baker, an experience which taught me that mentorship is a key factor in success for all disciplines.

Gabriel is a rising leader in the Collaborative Labs on Thromboinflammation (CLOT) research group and runs a monthly Science Social group focused on building community, mentoring, scientific education, and other activities.

Lydia is a 3rd year Immunology Ph.D. Candidate in the Petrey lab. Her work focuses on how loss of the HA receptor Layilin influences both macrophage function and phenotype in the context of IBD and colorectal cancer.

Lydia is a regular contributor to ASBMB Today, with over 10 articles published on scientific topics ranging from molecular biology to human disease to profiles on prominent scientists.

Find her works here: Lydia Smith

In her free time, Lydia loves to read, visit local thrift stores, drink coffee and spend time outdoors with her fiancée and two dogs.