Jim is an Assistant Professor of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine. He received his BS in Biochemistry from the University of Notre Dame in 2013 and went on to earn his MS in Bioinformatics and PhD in Molecular and Cellular Pathology from the University of Michigan in 2019. He began his postdoctoral training at Indiana University School of Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Hal Broxmeyer, who was a giant in the field of hematopoietic stem cell biology and cell therapies. After Dr. Broxmeyer's passing in 2021, Jim continued his postdoctoral work with Dr. Mark Kaplan, an internationally recognized leader in the field of immune cell regulation. In 2024, Jim began his independent lab where his work continues to focus on understanding how hematopoietic cells function, how they become dysregulated in disease, and how we can utilize these cells or target disordered axes of regulation to improve outcomes for patients with hematologic diseases. When he is not in the lab, Jim enjoys spending time with his family and friends, coaching his kids' soccer teams, distance running, and watching football. 

Jessica is a Research Technician who joined the Ropa Lab in December 2024. She graduated in 2018 from Purdue University with a BA in Criminal Justice and minors in Psychology and Forensic Science. She went on to earn her BS in Entomology with a concentration in Forensic Science from Purdue University in 2021. After her graduation in 2021, she went on to work in municipal and pharmaceutical laboratories. Her love for research and learning led her to pursue a career in academia. When she is not in the lab, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, spending time in nature with her dogs, building Lego, and playing Xbox. 

Jimin is a postdoctoral fellow who joined the Ropa Lab in March 2025 at Indiana University School of Medicine. She received her BS in Biotechnology from Soonchunhyang University in 2014 and went on to earn her MS and PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology & Cancer Biology from Yonsei University College of Medicine in 2022. Throughout her graduate and postdoctoral training, her research focused on cellular stress responses, aging, diabetes, metabolic diseases, and cell death. She investigated how metabolic dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to disease progression. Jimin is passionate about scientific discovery and enjoys troubleshooting experimental challenges to drive research forward. She is particularly interested in exploring new ways to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with disease. When she is not in the lab, Jimin enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and watching movies. 

Allie Kim, BS: Graduate Student

Allie is a PhD student who joined the Ropa Lab in March 2025. She graduated in 2022 from Eastern Illinois University with a BS in Biochemistry. After her graduation in 2022, she worked as a research technician from University of Michigan before joining IBMG here at IU School of Medicine in August 2023. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing golf, or playing computer games.