Meet the Team

Alexi Vasbinder, PhD, RN

Principal Investigator

Dr. Vasbinder is an Assistant Professor in Biobehavioral Nursing & Health Informatics. She earned a PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Washington in 2021, along with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Genetics. She went on to complete a post-doctoral fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Michigan, where she focused on developing strategies for managing cardiovascular risks in cancer patients. Her work has been supported by the NIH, American Cancer Society, American Nurses Foundation, Oncology Nursing Foundation, and institutional funding. Dr. Vasbinder is a leader in the field, serving on the Cardio-Oncology subcommittee for the American Heart Association and contributing to the development of clinical guidelines for the management of cancer patients with cardiovascular risks. In recognition of her work, Dr. Vasbinder has received several awards, including the New Investigator Award from the Seattle Cancer Consortium, the Commander S. Joseph & Margaret Elizabeth Patroni Endowed Fund for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, and the Early Career Investigator Award from the Women’s Health Initiative.

In her free time, she enjoys golfing, running, spending time with her family, and exploring new restaurants in Seattle.

Hyunhae Lee, MS, RN

PhD Student

Hyunhae is a PhD Student in Nursing Science at the University of Washington School of Nursing. Her research aims to improve the health status of cancer survivors through research on chronic diseases in cancer survivors and the development of bio-behavioral interventions incorporating digital health for these populations. She was born and raised in Seoul, Korea, and moved to Seattle in the summer of 2023. After her BSN, she worked as a clinical nurse in the surgical unit, caring for gastrointestinal, lung, and breast cancer patients. After completing her Master’s, she worked as a research assistant and lecturer at Chung-Ang University for 2 years. Her Master’s thesis focused on cancer survivors’ quality of life, based on their metabolic status. Also, as a research assistant, she focused on applying mobile interventions to cancer survivors sparking an interest in bio-behavioral interventions with digital health. Hyunhae is contributing to our research by investigating factors that contribute to frailty development in vulnerable hematopoietic cell transplant candidates and conducting a mixed-methods analysis exploring barriers and facilitators to exercise prior to transplant.

Since starting her PhD, she picked up running and as of February 2025, has run 100K! She also loves coffee and hopes to visit all the cafes in Seattle areas before graduation (contact her if you are looking for a new coffee spot!).

Ananya Chivali

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Ananya is a current third-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington in Seattle, pursuing a major in Public Health: Global Health, with a minor in Business Administration. She is on the pre-Physician’s Assistant pathway, and has a great passion for healthcare and working with patients. Ananya’s hobbies include running, hiking, and baking.

Sofia Lozano

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Sofia is originally from San Diego, California, entering her senior year at the University of Washington, majoring in Public Health–Global Health with an intended minor in Environmental Public Health. She’s interested in health equity, patient-centered research, and how social and environmental factors influence outcomes. She works as a swim instructor at the Washington Athletic Club and will be a Co-President of the UW Swim Club.

Auburne Mauger

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Auburne is pursuing Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Data Sciences. She has a published review on cell cycle transcription factors and is completing an honors biology project examining cognitive decline in patients undergoing stem cell transplant. She’s originally from Colorado and loves skiing, running, scuba diving, and hiking 14ers.

Carolyn Slack

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Carolyn is a senior majoring in Public Health – Global Health and Biochemistry at the University of Washington. She is interested in improving population health through research. In the lab, she is excited to learn more about epidemiology and cardiovascular health outcomes. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, dancing, and exploring Seattle.

Eliza Smith

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Eliza is a fourth-year student at the University of Washington studying Public Health–Global Health with an interest in rehabilitative medicine. She’s interested in the intersection of clinical research and public health policy to reduce disparities and plans to pursue an MPH.