Grounded in a global perspective and driven by patient need, I define novel immunogenetic disorders and translate mechanistic insight into cures for patients.

I was born in Taiwan, raised in Spain, and immigrated alone to California for college—a journey that instilled resilience, adaptability, and a global perspective that shapes my work today. At UCLA, I discovered my passion for immunology; at UCSF, I trained as a physician; and at UCLA and Stanford, I honed my skills as a pediatrician and clinical immunologist while pioneering systems immunology to decipher mechanisms of immune-mediated disease.

Recruited to Colorado in 2015, I built the pediatric clinical immunology program from the ground up, transforming a gap in care into a nationally recognized hub that bridges discovery with patient impact. I now direct the Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, co-direct the state newborn screening program for SCID, and lead the University of Colorado’s FOCIS Center of Excellence, while forging multi-institutional and international collaborations.

My research program has defined novel inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and illuminated fundamental principles of immune tolerance. I discovered the first human IL-2Rβ deficiency, generated the corresponding mouse model to distinguish receptor-intrinsic from cytokine-extrinsic disease, and identified a partial LCK deficiency that revealed signal-strength–dependent autoimmunity. By integrating cutting-edge single-cell and spatial technologies with computational innovations such as CytoKernel, my group has advanced systems-level immunology, applying tools built for rare IEI to common disorders like lupus and arthritis. This work has uncovered pathogenic immune signatures that inform diagnosis, therapeutic decisions, and precision treatment, and extended to the recognition of trisomy 21 as an interferonopathy.

Looking ahead, I envision establishing a Center for Inborn Errors of Immunity that unites discovery and clinical care. Anchored in multidimensional science, multispecialty care, global partnerships, and patient advocacy, this center will deliver transformative therapies—bringing the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.