The Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Laboratory at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is truly unique with the work being done here supporting active clinical trials, as well as looking at preclinical models, eventually leading to future clinical trials and novel drug combinations.
Research is often thought of as being decades away from the clinic, but here, the work is actively helping patients today. The main areas of research within the Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Laboratory include personalized medicine through the Signatures Program, neuroblastoma research, and rare brain tumor research including DIPG, ETMR, and ATRT.

Research Laboratory Staff
Grand Rapids Research Center
Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Laboratory
400 Monroe Ave, Room 4100
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Elizabeth VanSickle, Mgr, Research – HDVCH
Elizabeth.Vansickle@
(616) 486-8646
Austin Goodyke, Scientist
Joe Zagorski, Scientist
Tracey Avequin, Research Technician 2
Divya Vaishnavi Gandra, Research Technician 2
Shannon Kelly, Veterinary Technician
Tyler Maser, Research Technician 1