Norman Lab
Paul Norman, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Informatics
The Norman Lab researches immunogenetics, which is the study of polymorphic molecules that have critical roles during infection control, reproduction, cancer, and immune-mediated disease. We study the genetic and functional immune diversity of indigenous groups worldwide, including African hunter-gatherers, Australians and Pacific Islanders. We also study ancient humans, and perform comparative evolutionary analyses of multiple other species.
Who We Are
The Lab focuses on the co-evolution of the HLA molecules that are expressed by healthy cells, and the KIR, which are Natural Killer (NK) cell receptors that interact with HLA to control immune cell activity. HLA molecules can signal a cell’s health status, such as whether it is infected or not, to cells of the immune system. Through population genetics and molecular analyses that inform functional experiments, the aim is to determine precisely how genetic variation can influence immunity. We use high-throughput sequencing to target the HLA and KIR genomic regions. Characterized by extreme sequence and structural diversity, these are the most complex, and amongst the most medically important, regions of the human genome. In addition to basic science, this work demonstrates strong commitment towards encompassing all human diversity in research, and can be translated directly to personalized treatment.
Our Values
The Norman lab is devoted to nurturing a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment. We believe both personal and career background diversity leads to innovation in progressing toward our shared goals.
Meet Our Team
Paul J Norman, PhD
Principal Investigator
Paul.Norman@CUAnschutz.edu
Liyen Loh, PhD
Assistant Professor - Research
Liyen.Loh@CUAnschutz.edu
Laura Ann Leaton, BA
PhD Candidate - Immunology
"The role of KIR3DL3 function in T cells in the gut"
Laura.Leaton@CUAnschutz.edu
Katie Kichula, BS
PhD Candidate - Human Medical Genetics and Genomics
"Genetically encoded NK-cell receptors role in pregnancy and pregnancy disorders"
Katherine.Kichula@CUAnschutz.edu
Nick Pollock, BS
PhD Candidate - Human Medical Genetics and Genomics
"Methods development for studying immunogenetics of disease"
Nicholas.Pollock@CUAnschutz.edu
Neus Font Porterias, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
"KIR and HLA diversity in human populations"
Neus.FontPorterias@CUAnschutz.edu
Suraju Sadeeq, BS
PhD Student - Human Medical Genetics and Genomics
"KIR3DL1 and HLA class I in multiple sclerosis susceptibility"
Suraju.Sadeeq@CUAnschutz.edu
Natalie Longino, MD, PhD
Research Fellow
"Comparing NK cell profiles within melanoma tumors and pregnancy"
Natalie.Longino@CUAnschutz.edu
Noah Cline, BS
Professional Research Assistant
Noah.Cline@CUAnschutz.edu
Kayla Holder, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
"NK cell subsets in Multiple Sclerosis"
Kayla.Holder@CUAnschutz.edu
Christopher Collora, MS
Research Services Senior Professional
Christopher.Collora@CUAnschutz.edu
Stacey Collister
Research Services Senior Professional
Stacey.Collister@CUAnschutz.edu
Our Alumni
Ana Campos Codo, MSc
Visiting Scholar, 2022-2023
Current Position: PhD Student in Immunology, Weill School of Medicine, Cornell. USA
Ticiana Della Justina Farias, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow, 2020-2023
William Palmer, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow, 2019-2022
Current Position: Computational Immunogeneticist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. USA
Genelle Harrison, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow, 2019-2022
Current Position: Bioinformatics Scientist at Tempus Labs, Inc. USA
Sudan Tao, MS
Visiting Scholar, 2018-2019
Current Position: Vice supervisor in the Institute of Blood Transfusion at the Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, China
Our Publications
Work With Us
The Norman Lab welcomes applications from passionate and ambitious scientists at all stages (post-docs, graduate students, undergraduate students, and research assistants) across a range of disciplines (immunology, computational biology, and genetics).
Postdoctoral Fellows
We are recruiting multiple postdoctoral fellows with diverse backgrounds and expertise to investigate the variation of the immunological responses that determine the susceptibility and severity of infectious and autoimmune diseases (immunogenetics).
Candidates should have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Previous research experience in immunology, human genetics, bioinformatics, or related areas is preferred. Please email your CV, a brief description of your previous work, and your future research interests and arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be sent to Paul.Norman@cuanschutz.edu if interested.
Research Assistant
We seek a motivated, highly organized team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills to support our exciting research in immunogenetics.
The research technician/associate will work under Dr. Norman's direct supervision and close mentorship, conducting various lab experiments, performing prep work for experiments, conducting standard lab techniques, and functioning to support the lab and/or research project or protocol. Duties will include cell culture, PBMC and tissue lymphocyte isolation, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques.
The Norman Lab provides excellent training opportunities to promote career development to graduate school or medical school.
Contact Us
