Our Team Approach

Dr. Russell Witt is a surgical oncologist specializing in melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma, with a focus on integrating research into patient care. 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. 

Nidhi was raised in Austin, Texas and went to the University of Texas at Austin where she obtained her undergraduate degree in human biology. She is currently a fourth year medical student at the University of Virginia where she is doing a research year in the Witt Lab. She is interested in allergy and immunology and enjoys reading historical fiction, trying new places to eat in Charlottesville, and painting. 

Meg was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana, and received her BA from Vanderbilt University. She is a second-year medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She has continued working in the Witt Lab after receiving a research stipend from the UVA Medical Student Summer Research Program. Meg is interested in dermatology and dermatological surgery, surgical oncology, and melanoma research.

Emily grew up in Buffalo, New York, and earned her BS from the University of Maryland. She is now a second-year medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, where she continues her work in the Witt Lab after receiving a research stipend from the UVA Medical Student Summer Research Program. She is interested in dermatology and surgical oncology and enjoys hiking in her free time.

Dade is from Reisterstown, MD. She is a second-year undergraduate planning on majoring in Biology. Outside of the lab, Dade enjoys watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and creating art.

Shivangi is from Fairfax, Virginia. She is a second-year student in the College of Arts and Sciences looking to major in Biology while minoring in Psychology and Studio Art. In her free time, Shivangi enjoys dancing, hiking, and painting.

Hilda Joseph is a third year undergraduate student from Richmond, VA majoring in biology and minoring in data science at UVA in the College of Arts and Sciences. In her free time, she enjoys playing in the school band, reading mystery novels, and spending time with family and friends.

Xinghua Liao

Xinghua Liao serves as the laboratory manager for the Witt and Tsung labs, contributing her wealth of experience and expertise in laboratory management, research methods, and administration. She plays a vital role in our team, overseeing daily lab operations, facilitating lab growth, and implementing innovative strategies to streamline workflow within the group. goes here