Meet the Jonsson lab

Anna Helena Jonsson, MD, PhD (PI)

I moved to Colorado in July 2023 to launch the Jonsson lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where I already have many fantastic colleagues and friends. One of the best decisions I ever made!

Before moving to Colorado, I lived in Boston, where I completed my internal medicine residency, rheumatology fellowship, and post-doctoral research on CD8 T cells in rheumatoid arthritis in Michael Brenner’s lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

When I’m not in the lab, I love to spend time outdoors, including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and gardening.

Laura Lim (Immunology PhD student)

Sierra Bennett-Weltz (Immunology PhD Student)

I am a graduate student in the Immunology program here at CU Anschutz. Before moving to Colorado for school, I lived in Ohio and received my undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in Medical Anthropology. After, I spent several years gaining experience as a Research Assistant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where I worked on characterizing genetic mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
I am very passionate about the work we do to better understand the pathogenic role of CD8 T cells in autoimmune diseases in the lab, and I am grateful I get to do it in colorful Colorado! Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, hiking, crocheting, and karaoke.

Nicole Zeid (Lab Technician)

I graduated from Denison University in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology, concentrating in Microbiology, and a minor in Chemistry. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted research investigating bacteriophage-antibiotic interactions in Burkholderia cenocepacia and the role of mTOR signaling in Dictyostelium discoideum metabolism. Prior to joining the Jonsson Lab in 2024, I worked in preclinical research evaluating drug toxicity and efficacy. At the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, I now contribute to research investigating immune cell interactions and inflammatory mechanisms in rheumatic disease. Outside of the lab, I enjoy fitness, exploring Colorado, and spending time with my dog.

Connor Eck (Computational Analyst)

I graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in biological data science. Soon after, I decided to move to Colorado to start my computational analyst position at CU Anschutz. CU Anschutz provides me with a great opportunity to work on impactful projects while developing my professional skillset and the nearby mountains provide plenty of places to explore. When not working, I enjoy playing guitar, hiking, and skiing.

Kaylee Mickens (Post-Doctoral Fellow)

I completed my PhD in Microbiology at CU Anschutz in 2025 focused on granzyme B+ CD4 T cells and their contributions to HIV-1 pathogenesis. Since then I have been lucky to join the Jonsson lab in order to expand my expertise into the fields of autoimmunity, spatial transcriptomics, and spatial proteomics. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking, attending many concerts, and wildflower photography.

Brad Barrett (Senior Lab Technician)

Furry Friends

Lab Outings