Laura van Dam

Bio

I am both trained as a biomedical researcher and medical doctor in internal medicine and strive to close the gap between the clinic and fundamental sciences with translational research. My focus is to study the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases and to translate research insights into therapeutics targeting autoimmunity. I have received my PhD in 2022 in Leiden for studying neutrophil extracellular traps and autoreactive B cells in renal autoimmune diseases. My postdoctoral research project in the Robinson lab focuses on investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis. I particularly aim to identify potential microbial triggers and molecular mimicry in ANCA-associated vasculitis, by characterizing the nasal microbiome and sequencing T cells and B cells of ANCA-associated vasculitis patients.

Honors & Awards

• Marie Curie Fellowship, European Union (2024)
• Selected for the best 30 abstracts, ERA-EDTA (2018)
• Full travel grant NVVI, Dutch Federation of Immunology (NVVI) (2018)
• Second prize in best abstract and oral presentation, Dutch Federation of Nephrology (NFN) Benelux Kidney Meeting (2019)
• Kidney Star award recipient, American Society of Nephrology (ASN) (2019)

Professional Education

• Bachelor of Science, University of Amsterdam (2011)
• Master of Science, Universiteit Utrecht (2016)
• Doctor of Philosophy, Leiden University (2022)
• Doctor of Medicine, Universiteit Utrecht (2016)
• PhD, Leiden University Medical Center Department of Nephrology, “Targeting autoimmunity in renal diseases: focus on neutrophil extracellular traps and autoreactive B-cells” (2022)
• MSc, University of Utrecht - Selective Utrecht Medical Master (SUMMA), Clinical Research (2016)
• MD, University of Utrecht - Selective Utrecht Medical Master (SUMMA), Medicine (2016)
• BSc, University of Amsterdam, Biomedical Sciences (2011)

Stanford Advisors

• PJ Utz, Postdoctoral Research Mentor
• William Robinson, Postdoctoral Faculty Sponsor