Michael Lee, Executive Director
[email protected] | (415) 430-7676
Michael joined the Research Resource Program (RRP) team in 2018 and currently serves as Executive Director. His goal is to support the development, implementation and support of programs that will have a broad impact across UCSF Core & Shared Resource Facilities and enhance UCSF research capabilities. By working with the broad stake holders to maintain communication channels and build bridges, the RRP team contributes to the success of UCSF cores and shared resources.
Michael has been at UCSF since 2003, working in labs and Cores where he became increasingly engaged in meeting general challenges faced by the research community. He has also led and worked with individual Cores to improve their operations and has coordinated funding for much needed instrumentation and operational support. Previously, he was the Director for the Parnassus Flow Cytometry (PFCC) and Monoclonal Antibody Cores and continues to advise both Cores. He also is a member of the Bluestone lab, working on the development and continuation of clinical trials involving the use of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) for the treatment of various ailments such as Type-1 diabetes.
Michael has a BA in Biology from UC Santa Cruz and an MS in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences from San Francisco State.
Rochelle Kelley, Program Manager
[email protected] | (510) 816-8150
Rochelle Kelley joined UCSF in October 2015 and is the lead administrator for UCSF’s iLab and FlowJo environments, supporting thousands of researchers and ensuring alignment with campus recharge, security, and data standards. She serves as the primary contact for system operations, workflow design, and vendor coordination, and partners closely with IT, finance, and core leadership to support compliant and efficient research infrastructure.
In addition to her systems work, Rochelle manages key RRP program areas, including the Core Operational Improvement Awards (COIA), the Institutional Matching Instrumentation Awards (IMIA), core certification, strategic communications, and marketing and web initiatives. She develops training, documentation, and operational tools that strengthen consistency and sustainability across UCSF’s shared research facilities.
Rochelle’s background includes experience in both legal and medical settings, which shaped her commitment to operational excellence and user-focused service. She is an active member of the University of California Administrative Management Professionals (UC AMP) and the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF), where she stays connected to best practices in research operations and administrative leadership.
Olena Akerman, Finance Manager
[email protected] | (415) 476-0539
Olena Akerman has been working with the EVC&P for 12 years in one capacity or another. She is the Business Manager supporting LARC & EH&S. She and her staff provide procurement, administrative and financial support. With 2 kids, a dog and a cat, she doesn't have much time left for hobbies. But she does enjoy to host dinner parties and to go on, unfortunately rare, camping trips.