Our Team Approach

Dr. Russell Witt is a surgical oncologist specializing in melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. He earned his MD and a master's in Clinical Research from the University of California, Davis, before completing his general surgery residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He then pursued a research fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, followed by a surgical oncology fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

At UVA, Dr. Witt leads a research lab exploring the intersection of obesity, metabolism, and sex-specific differences in melanoma progression and treatment resistance. His work aims to uncover novel therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for patients with aggressive skin cancers.

Jacob graduated from University of Alabama Huntsville while studying the impact of fasting on the hepatic expression of the MKP-1 protein. He also spent time at the University of Memphis studying the Ah receptor, before moving to the University of Virginia. He stands as a beacon of determination and resilience, in the heart of a bustling laboratory dedicated to unraveling melanoma immunology. As he stands amid the vials and equipment, his heart beats not just for science, but for every person who dares to dream of a future beyond melanoma.

Mackenzie was born and raised in Florida and went to the University of Miami for undergrad and Florida International University for medical school. She is a general surgery resident at the University of Virginia who is doing two dedicated years of research. She is also completing a Masters of Science in Clinical Research. She hopes to apply to a surgical oncology fellowship in the future. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys college football and trying new foods. 

Yixin is a first-year graduate student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at UVA. She is getting her degree in Experimental Pathology.

Eunice is a first-year medical student at UVA. After earning her B.S. from Cornell in 2023, she spent two years as a dermatology medical assistant, which sparked her interest in cutaneous oncology and the pathology of melanoma. She is also interested in medical education research, specifically looking at how research involvement impacts the journey of medical students. When she’s not studying, you can find Eunice in the gym, scouting out local Charlottesville cafes, or planning her next trip abroad.

Holly is a first-year medical student at the University of Virginia. She earned both her B.S. and M.S.E. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where she conducted research on epigenetics and cancer therapeutics. Her interests include melanoma, surgical oncology, and translational cancer research, particularly in improving patient-centered cancer care. Holly is currently studying melanoma adjuvant therapy in the Witt Lab and hopes to pursue a career in surgical oncology. Outside of medicine, she enjoys playing the piano and spending time with her cat.

Kali is a third-year medical student at UVA. While earning her B.S. in Neuroscience at Virginia Tech, she worked as a dermatology medical assistant. Outside of clinical duties, she enjoys artistic hobbies such as rug tufting, crochet, and knitting. 

Yubin is a first-year student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She is a Double Hoo, having earned her undergraduate degree in Computer Science from UVA before transitioning to a career in medicine. She is currently interested in pursuing a surgical specialty. Outside of medical school, Yubin enjoys art and learning to golf.

Celine is a fourth-year Anthropology student at UVA. She enjoys running, listening to EDM, and teaching creative writing to kids. 

Jackson Haught is a second-year undergraduate from Richmond pursuing a B.A. in neuroscience on the pre-med track. Outside of the lab, Jackson works as an EMT and plays tennis. He also sings and plays guitar, performing around Virginia.

Isabelle Aujla is a third-year pre-medical student double majoring in French and Human Biology at UVA. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys working out, running, and riding horses.