The Webb Lab
The Webb Lab is located within the West Wedge of the Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research in the Center of Human Genomics and Precision Medicine.
The Webb Lab is interested in diagnosing and characterizing undiagnosed and rare diseases that primarily affects pediatrics patients. Working in tandem with the Undiagnosed Disease Program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, we incorporate next generation 'omics in identifying pathogenic variants in undiagnosed/rare diseases. We model these diseases in cellular and animal models to better understand the pathophysiology of such diseases.​
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The Team
Meet the team behind the Webb Lab.
Bryn Webb, MD
Principal Investigator
Dr. Bryn Webb is associate professor in the Division of Genetics and Metabolism and the UW Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine. In addition, Webb serves as attending physician with clinical genetics privileges in the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, and she has the continuing role of adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Genetics and Genomics Science with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (New York). She is a board-certified pediatrician, clinical geneticist, and clinical molecular geneticist. She has a particular interest in undiagnosed rare disease, Moebius syndrome and related facial weakness conditions, and mitochondrial disorders.
Erzsebet Polyak, PharmD/PhD
Scientist
Erzsebet received her PharmD degree at the Medical University of Szeged (University of Szeged, Hungary) and her PhD, doctoral degree at the Medical University of Debrecen (University of Debrecen, Hungary) with a major in Pharmacology and a minor in Physiology. She has a Specialist Pharmacist in Pharmacology certificate in Hungary. She obtained her certification from FPGEC NABP and holds a Pennsylvania pharmacist license (currently inactive). Earlier in her professional career, Erzsebet was working in the muscle research field studying various aspects of how muscle contraction is regulated. Her current research interest is in genetic based mitochondrial dysfunction and related metabolic disorders, mitochondria role in different health related conditions and therapy, and mitochondrial biology.
Norman Liu
Research Specialist
Norman is a graduate of UW-Madison who completed his degree in Genetics and Genomics. Norman has research experience studying variant histone chromatin and its effects on tumorigenesis and clinical experience as a certified nursing assistant at Meriter Hospital and UW Health. He plans on pursuing MD/PhD in the near future. Check out more about Norman and his experiences by visiting his LinkedIn below.
Sophia Salemi
Research Specialist
Sophia is a graduate of UW-Madison who completed her degree in Genetics & Genomics with a certificate in Global Health. She plans to pursue a Masters in Genetic Counseling in the future. Her previous research experience included the study of multi-drug resistant infections as well as separately researching mechanisms responsible for the island syndrome in mice. Check out more about Sophia and her experiences by visiting her LinkedIn below.
Amanda Pendergast
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Amanda is a Junior undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin - Madison double majoring in Neurobiology and Psychology. She plans to graduate in May 2025 and continue her education to become a Physician Assistant.