Clinical cores are an absolutely essential piece of research. Without donors there is nothing to study and the generous donation of the Major’s family allowed for the clinical core to be upgraded. Blood draws are key but the clinical core does so much more to prepare donations for labs. I pitched the concept to follow the blood from the donors arm to the lab bench. The piece ended up being elevated to the cover story for the biannual glossy Immune Matters. With great privilege I was given the opportunity to create the graphic layout for this project as well. The lead in for this story follows.

“IT ALL STARTS WITH BLOOD. In 2020 alone, nearly half of the studies published by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) researchers relied on human blood samples. Through blood, they witnessed the immune system’s battle against SARS-CoV-2 and the power of COVID-19 vaccines. Through blood, they tracked responses to yellow fever and dengue virus. They even uncovered potential drivers of heart disease.

In 2021, the Institute opened the John and Susan Major Center for Clinical Investigation. In this new, highly efficient space LJI staff can see up to 35 donors a day.

This is where generous blood donors meet the hardworking Clinical Core staff.”

The full piece can be found in this digital copy of the magazine here.