Administration
Randy Soares
Director of Finance and Administration. Genetics and Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection
Randy Soares joined Stanford as the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) for Genetics in 2010. More After graduating from the University of San Francisco with a degree in accounting/finance, Randy began his career as an auditor for KPMG Peat Marwick. He was subsequently recruited by UCSF, where he was involved in major system implementation projects and the integration of Mount Zion Hospital.
Before joining Stanford, Randy also served as the CFO for the Gallo Center at UCSF, as well as the Parkinson’s Institute. In 2018, he also became DFA for the Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection (ITI). In his spare time, he and his wife Victoria hang out with their dog, Dinah Soares (130 pound Neapolitan Mastiff).
Abbey Thompson
Director of Educational Outreach
Abbey runs the "Stanford @ The Tech" program, which in non-COVID times brings grad students and postdocs to The Tech Interactive to run genetics activities with museum visitors — while practicing science communication skills! She hs been in this role since 2018, but she joined Genetics in 2012 as a PhD student. Abbey is always happy to chat about outreach, informal education and museums, perspectives on finding a non-traditional career, how to catch and care for your stickleback fish, or just to say hi!
Dawn oversees the department events, website, and is a staff liaison to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocacy student led group. She joined the Genetics Department in 2019, but has volunteered or worked professionally on campus since 1998. She is always happy to help plan an event, update the website with new student information, or be a resource for who to contact in Palo Alto.
Anita started working at Stanford University in 2011 and joined the Department of Genetics as the Human Resources Manager in 2015. Her background is in Psychology and Administration and she’s available for all of your HR needs including; job postings, on/off boarding, performance management, compensation, compliance, trainings, leaves/accommodations, and career development opportunities. Please feel free to reach out to her with any questions you may have, she’s happy to help!
Ada started in Stanford Internal Audit in 2008 and joined Genetics in 2012. She has a background in audit/accounting/finance and manages Dr. Snyder’s finances and matters related to his lab. In addition, she oversee the department’s finances/budget and also supervise 3 accountants, who provide finance/grant support for our Genetics faculty. Ask her anything related to finance/compliance/research administration/Stanford/campus resources!
Wendy has been with the Department of Genetics for over 18 years. She supports both graduate students and postdocs. She is a good place to start for most things - Funding & Stanford billing questions, course requirements, degree progress, campus resources. If a student has a problem and just does not know where to turn, start with Wendy.
Alexandra Orantes
Administrative Assistant, Lab Manager
Greenleaf, Winslow, Gitler Labs
Roberta has been the assistant to Dr. Stanley N. Cohen since 1999. While the Shelter-in-Place Orders are in effect, she is the Genetics Department’s point of contact regarding U.S. Postal Service mail delivery.
Casandra Trowbridge
Administrative and Operations Director for the Metabolic Health Center
