Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is pleased to welcome Bony De Kumar, PhD, as the new Director of Shared Resources. De Kumar joins VBRI from Yale University, where he managed the Yale Genome Analysis Center as the Director of Operations. He brings a deep expertise in advanced research technologies and core laboratory operations.
De Kumar was drawn to VBRI in part because of his interest in cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which is DNA that exists outside of cells and is free-flowing through the bloodstream. “It’s always fascinated me. Sequencing cell-free DNA holds a lot of potential value for understanding disease and developing new therapies, “ he says. The opportunity to work at an institute dedicated to blood science made VBRI a natural fit.
As Director of Shared Resources, De Kumar oversees multiple core facilities and supports investigators across programs. “In the day-to-day, it’s wearing many hats,” he says. “It’s thinking about policy, being involved in recruitment, addressing any operational issues like instrument failures, evaluating new technologies, understanding what investigators need, bringing pilot studies and seminars to the table… It’s all part of building a strong ecosystem.”
What motivates De Kumar most is the behind-the-scenes impact of his work. “I think of myself as an invisible force,” he says. “When a principal investigator publishes a major paper or secures a significant grant, Shared Resources has almost always played a role. Knowing that we helped make that possible is incredibly rewarding.”
Central to De Kumar’s philosophy is the idea that modern research is inherently collaborative. “In earlier times, it was one lone wolf doing research, but it’s not like that anymore. Today’s research depends on having high-end instruments and a lot of people who have the skill and knowledge needed to handle those instruments. It becomes a financial liability for any lab, and that’s where Shared Resources comes into play.”
By centralizing equipment and specialized staff, Shared Resources provide investigators with access to cutting-edge tools, training, and collaborative opportunities. “It gives you the competitive advantage,” De Kumar adds.
He sees integration as key to the future of Shared Resources at VBRI. By strengthening connections with the broader Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC), he envisions a more centralized, sustainable model that increases financial independence and the overall user base of Shared Resources. He is also interested in technology advancements and expanding Shared Resources into new areas, particularly multiomics and functional genomics.
Beyond the lab, De Kumar has quickly embraced Milwaukee. Having lived in Kansas City, Maine, and Connecticut, the snow and cold haven’t surprised him, but he says he’s instead been struck by the city itself. “Downtown Milwaukee is beautiful,” he says. “I haven’t seen such a nice, seamless blend of architecture in a downtown before.”
As he settles into his new role, De Kumar is energized by the collaborative spirit he’s encountered in his first month at VBRI. “There is real intent here,” he says. “People want to work together and build something even stronger. I already feel at home at VBRI.”