Van Andel Institute

08/28/2025

We are thrilled to welcome 16 students into Van Andel Institute Graduate School's 19th student cohort!

They are, in alphabetical order: Sophia Agrusa; Laura Brasseur; Morgan Canfield; Eric Cheung; Michelle Dykstra; Katie Ernst; Lyric Johnson; Faith Kaluba; Jin Kim; Ying Fei Liew; Miguel Martinez; Mireya Mota; Audrey Nguyen; Sanskriti Saxena; Kelly Sokol; Yangzhou (Suzanne) Su.

08/26/2025

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Maulik Patel to Van Andel Institute as an associate professor in our Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming. He will explore how cells maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and investigate what happens when this critical process breaks down.

Read about Van Andel Institute welcomes metabolism expert Dr. Maulik Patel on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

08/20/2025

A new discovery by VAI scientists reveals that glucose, an essential cellular fuel that powers immune cells, also aids in T cells’ internal communication and boosts their cancer-fighting properties.

“Both T cells and cancer cells leverage different nutrients to support varying aspects of their function,” said Dr. Russell Jones, a VAI professor and corresponding author of the study. “The more we know about these different fuel sources, the better we can support T cells’ innate cancer-fighting abilities while also developing ways to possibly make cancer cells more vulnerable to immune attack.”

Read more:

Read about ‘Sweet’ discovery reveals how glucose fuels cancer-fighting immune cells on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

08/18/2025

A new study by VAI’s Dr. Heidi Lempradl offers the most detailed look yet at how fruit fly embryos transition from relying on nutrients from their mothers to managing their own metabolism.

Using advanced technology, the team mapped this “metabolic handoff” with unprecedented precision, providing insights into a critical developmental phase that shapes lifelong health. Because fruit flies share many disease-causing genes with humans, these findings could help researchers better understand the earliest stages of human health and disease.

Read about Study offers high-resolution look at ‘metabolic handoff’ from fruit fly mothers to embryos on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

08/15/2025

A study published in Science Advances reveals that blocking a common inflammatory protein called IL-17 could open the door to better treatments for gastrointestinal cancers and Peutz-Jehgers syndrome.

“People with Peutz-Jehgers have few treatment options. Likewise, many GI cancers resist existing therapies,” said Dr. Russell Jones, a VAI professor and corresponding author of the study. “This work provides a much-needed path for repurposing existing anti-inflammatory medications to treat these diseases.”

Read about Reducing inflammation may offer new path for treating Peutz-Jehgers syndrome, GI cancers on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

08/14/2025

What’s next in metabolism research? Thanks to new technology and bold, collaborative science, researchers are uncovering insights that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

This spring, Van Andel Institute’s Metabolism and Nutrition (MeNu) Program brought together leading experts to chart the next big breakthroughs in the field. From understanding diet at the molecular level to identifying potential new ways to prevent and treat disease, these ideas could change the way we think about health.

Read about six areas they said are primed for discovery.

Read about What’s next in metabolism research? on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

08/12/2025

Congratulations to VAI’s Dr. Nick Burton, who was named today as a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences!

Dr. Burton studies how our environment, especially exposure to stress and microbes, can influence our health and the health of our children — even before birth. He also is searching for new Type 2 diabetes treatments by analyzing byproducts produced by soil bacteria.

Read about Van Andel Institute’s Dr. Nick Burton named as a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences on Van Andel Institute – Stay updated on the latest research and groundbreaking discoveries in science and health.

07/02/2025

What a day on the courts at the VAI Open Corporate Charity Pickleball Event! Our community showed up ready to rally in support of cutting-edge biomedical research and education programs. Together, we’re helping science thrive. Thanks to all who made this event such a hit!

06/30/2025

Thank you, Maranda, for shining a light on our incredible Student Ambassadors and the hope they inspire every day! 💜 If you’re a student looking to make an impact through research, education or community giving, discover how you can get involved at https://www.vai.org/support/ways-to-engage/purple-community/student-ambassador-program/

Applications are now open for the Van Andel Institute’s community-driven student ambassador program.

06/26/2025

It is our pleasure to announce Eric L. Sturdy, Jr., as Van Andel Institute’s Vice President of Philanthropy! Eric brings to this role more than 25 years of strategic fundraising leadership across community-based nonprofits, healthcare and higher education.

“We’re excited to welcome Eric to the Institute and West Michigan community,” said VAI Chairman and CEO David Van Andel. “He has a palpable passion for philanthropy and a deep well of expertise inspiring support for breakthrough research and education. His leadership will help us drive growth and innovation to create a brighter, healthier future for all.”

Read more: https://www.vai.org/article/van-andel-institute-welcomes-new-vp-of-philanthropy-eric-sturdy/

06/12/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 18th annual Around the World! This event was more than just the kickoff to summer — it was a celebration of community, curiosity and the joy of learning.

Thanks to your support, Van Andel Institute for Education continues to make science exciting, accessible and fun for learners of all ages. Learn more at https://vaieducation.org/ 🌎🔬💜

06/04/2025

Registration is now open for VAI Education’s Fall 2025 After-School Cohort! This FREE program is perfect for young scientists and problem-solvers who love rolling up their sleeves and diving into real-world challenges: https://bit.ly/40hcmcJ