Staff
Dr Szust, Animal Core Director, has served at the University of Miami for the past 28 years in several capacities of the Transplantation programs. He obtained his DVM at the University of Buenos Aires Argentina, later getting certifications in Transplantation and Organ procurement and preservation of organs for transplantation while at the University of Miami.
Yelena Gadea, Sr Vet Tech and Lab Manager, has worked her way up the ranks for the past 28 years, starting her research career with Division of Veterinary Resources.
Greycy Vega, Research Assistant, has 3 years’ experience within the Core and its activities
Core Functions
Experimental animal models allow for the study of novel approaches and the definition of interventional protocols with a potential for clinical application. The Core has established a high level of technical and experimental consistency in providing small animal modes to multiple research areas relevant translational projects has been instrumental to the progress of DRI translational research. Shared protocols and resources, training of DRI personnel and collaborators has been successfully implemented over recent years. In addition, the Core has been performing all the in vivo quality assessments of human islet preparations obtained by the Human Cell Processing Core.