Mary-Claire King: A Trailblazer in Genetics and Global Justice
Mary-Claire King, a professor of medicine and genome sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, has been awarded the prestigious Public Welfare Medal by the National Academy of Sciences. This honor recognizes her groundbreaking contributions to the field of genetics and her tireless efforts to promote justice worldwide. King’s career has been marked by innovative research that has had a profound impact on both science and society.
One of her most notable achievements is the discovery of the BRCA1 gene, a mutation of which is linked to breast and ovarian cancer. This breakthrough has saved countless lives by enabling early detection and personalized treatment. Beyond her work in oncology, King has also used genetic science to address human rights issues. She played a pivotal role in identifying the remains of U.S. soldiers from past wars and in reuniting Argentinian children separated from their families during the country’s military dictatorship. Her research has also shed light on genetic disorders in Middle Eastern families and schizophrenia. King’s work exemplifies how science can be a powerful tool for justice and humanity.
Leadership Changes in Seattle’s Corporate and Tech Landscape
Several leadership changes are reshaping the corporate and tech landscape in Seattle. On the telecommunications front, Thomas Dannenfeldt is set to rejoin the T-Mobile board of directors, a role he previously held for five years until 2018. Dannenfeldt, who also served as the former CFO of Deutsche Telekom AG, brings a wealth of financial and industry expertise. Meanwhile, Kelvin Westbrook and Srinivasan Gopalan are stepping down from the board, with Gopalan transitioning into the role of chief operating officer.
In the startup world, Violett, a Seattle-area company specializing in air purification and quality monitoring, has appointed Michael Kurtzman as its new CEO. Kurtzman’s experience in SaaS, AI, and data-driven tools is expected to drive the company’s growth and global impact. Founder and former CEO Branden Doyle will now serve as the chief technologist, leveraging his background as a former nuclear engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense. Violett has developed hospital-grade air sanitizing units that use ultraviolet-C (UVC) light to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and allergens, making it a key player in promoting public health.
Edera, another Seattle startup, has hired Kaylin Trychon as its chief marketing officer. Trychon previously led marketing efforts at Chainguard and joins Edera as the company secures a $15 million Series A funding round. Edera’s focus on securing Kubernetes and AI workloads positions it as a critical player in cybersecurity.
Academic Excellence: 2025 Sloan Research Fellows at UW
The University of Washington is celebrating the selection of three faculty members as 2025 Sloan Research Fellows. This prestigious award, granted by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, recognizes early-career scientists for their innovative research and potential to make significant contributions to their fields.
Amy X. Zhang, head of the Social Futures Lab at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, is one of the recipients. Her work focuses on reimagining how social platforms can empower users and communities, emphasizing social good. Amy L. Orsborn, an assistant professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Bioengineering, is another fellow. Her research explores brain plasticity, adaptation, and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), which hold promise for restoring movement in individuals with paralysis.
The third fellow is Dianne J. Xiao, an assistant professor of chemistry. Xiao’s research revolves around crystalline porous materials, which have potential applications in energy and other sectors. Together, these researchers exemplify the University of Washington’s commitment to cutting-edge innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Emerging Leaders in Seattle’s Startup Ecosystem
Seattle’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive with fresh leadership and innovative ventures. Yujian Tang, a seasoned engineer and CEO of OSS4AI, has joined Banyan, an early-stage investment firm, as a venture partner. Tang’s expertise in artificial intelligence and his role in organizing the upcoming Seattle Startup Summit underscore his dedication to fostering the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Derek Sutherland, co-founder and former CEO of CTFusion, has taken on a new role as vice president of R&D at Realta Fusion. His journey from leading CTFusion to joining Zap Energy as a physics lead and now Realta highlights his commitment to advancing fusion energy. Meanwhile, Sarah O’Sell has been appointed as the climate manager at the University of Washington’s CoMotion Labs, where she will oversee strategy and operations for the Seattle Climate Innovation Hub.
These leaders are driving innovation across diverse fields, from clean energy to artificial intelligence, and their contributions are shaping the future of Seattle’s tech and startup landscape.
New Roles and Appointments in Major Companies
Several executives and professionals in the Seattle area have taken on new roles, signaling a dynamic shift in the region’s corporate landscape. Dave McNamee, after nearly a decade at Expedia Group, has joined Zendesk as vice president of corporate communications and analyst relations. His expertise in global communications will be instrumental in shaping Zendesk’s public image.
ZoomInfo, a software development company based in Vancouver, Washington, has announced changes to its board of directors. Rob Giglio, chief customer officer at Canva, is joining the board, while Patrick McCarter is stepping down after eight years of service. Giglio’s customer-centric approach is expected to bring fresh insights to ZoomInfo’s leadership.
Jessie Schurman, co-founder of Violett, has embarked on a new chapter as senior project manager for Bristol Myers Squibb’s cell therapy business services and capabilities. Her transition reflects the growing intersection of technology and healthcare, as well as her commitment to advancing innovative therapies.
These appointments highlight the vibrant and evolving nature of Seattle’s professional community, where leaders are continually stepping into new roles to drive innovation and growth.
