Our Team
The Orphan Disease Center includes a passionate team of scientists and professionals who are committed to accelerating research, developing therapies, and bettering the lives of those living with a rare disease.
It is with extensive experience, heartfelt dedication and enthusiasm that our team strives to meet the needs of a grossly underserved community.
Center Staff
Interim Director
Director, CDKL5 Program of Excellence
Director, Program of Excellence in MPS and Lysosomal Storage Disease Advanced Therapies
Director, JumpStart
Eric Marsh, MD, PhD
Daniel J. Lavery, PhD
Deborah Requesens, PhD
Cara M. Weismann, PhD
Director, Programs and Community Engagement
Associate Director, Patient Impact
Program Manager
Samantha M. Charleston
David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc
Jasmine L. Carter, PhD
Clinical Research Coordinator, CDKL5 Registry
Program Specialist
Theresa E. Berger, MBE
Leslie Silverman
Steering Committee
University of Pennsylvania
Committee Chair
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania Health System
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
External Advisory Committee
New York University
Haffner Associates, LLC, Orphan Solutions