Staff spotlight: Dana Panteleeff

UW Community

Dana was born in San Antonio, Texas, grew up mostly in St. Paul, Minnesota, and moved to Seattle during high school. She has been a member of the University of Washington community for over 30 years. An alumna, Dana received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology in 1996 and her MBA in 2013, and has worked at UW in various capacities since 1993.

“UW is such a huge presence in the area,” Dana said. “I’ve completed two degrees and worked here on and off for 30 years, so I’ve enjoyed seeing many changes in new departments, new buildings, and so much more.”

Work Experience

Dana's introduction to academic research came as an undergraduate when she served as the program coordinator for the UW Science Outreach Program. This program helped high school students gain exposure to laboratories and student and faculty scientists.

In the decades that followed, Dana continued working in laboratory and research settings, becoming an expert in managing research operations and multi-disciplined teams for various projects. She spent 10 years as a research technician at Fred Hutch before joining the UW International Clinical Research Center as a laboratory quality manager and ultimately rising to managing director.

During her time at the International Clinical Research Center, Dana and her team won the UW Distinguished Staff Award for their work on a large clinical trial that led to the FDA approving the HIV prevention strategy, PrEP.

She then held several leadership roles before joining the Department of Medicine. Dana was the Chief Operating Officer at Bloodworks Research Institute, the Director of Finance and Administration for the UW Department of Global Health, and (concurrently) the Chief Executive Officer for UW-Kenya, a research and training NGO in Kenya administered by UW.

In the DOM

Dana joined the Department of Medicine as Senior Director of Operations in 2022.

“My favorite part of the DOM is the people,” she said. “Barbara and Betsy have recruited  and cultivated a stellar team of faculty and staff leaders who are terrific to work with.”

Her expertise in managing multi-disciplined activities and teams is crucial as she oversees many administrative and operational functions within the central department.

Dana's role encompasses multiple functions, including research administration, IT, facilities, student programs, and business analytics. She also oversees the Chair’s Office in partnership with Betsy Buswell, vice chair for finance & administration.

“Dana tackles complex issues with poise and humor,” said Department Chair Dr. Barbara Jung. “I also loved being surprised by cute sticky notes lightening up my day.”

She also leads the operationalization of the department’s strategic plan.

“Seeing the progress of the work coming out of the strategic plan is particularly exciting,” Dana said.

“Thanks to the broad engagement from across the department and thoughtful proposals from the workgroups, we’ve had some wonderful early successes while continuing to build towards bigger initiatives. Strategizing around the tools, teams, and timelines to achieve significant goals is something I truly enjoy doing.”

“Dana has been instrumental in moving forward strategic plan initiatives," said Betsy Buswell, vice chair of finance and administration, "building up a central research administration team, and countless other operations-related accomplishments in our large department.

"I appreciate her thoughtful approach, sense of humor, and personable attitude in the work she does. I feel so fortunate to work with her on a daily basis.”

Dana’s impact extends beyond the department as a member of the School of Medicine Staff Mentorship Committee, which manages the SOM Staff Mentorship Program.

You May Not Know

Dana’s work experience extends beyond academic operations management. Earlier in her career, she worked in various roles, including switchboard operator and receptionist for AirBorne Express, Ivar’s Baby Clam and Clam Wrangler, all the fast food stations at Steamer’s Café on the waterfront, and as a pharmacy tech at Pay-n-Save (in addition to being a cashier and certified forklift operator).

She is also an active performer and musician. During her undergraduate years, she performed as a last-minute musician for various bands around Seattle to help pay for college tuition and made extra Christmas money busking in the Westlake bus tunnel station and near the Bainbridge ferry terminal.

Talents and Interests

While she no longer busks or plays last-minute gigs, Dana continues to practice short- and long-form improv theater. She serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors for Jet City Improv/Wing-it Productions.

Dana said, “supporting local arts and theater in ways that expand access is important to me. One of Jet City’s main areas of focus is providing access to stage time for underrepresented directors and performers and access to theater performances and experiences for those with financial barriers.”

In her personal life, Dana is married with two adult children. She enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, puzzles, games, and various crafts, as well as spending time with her dog and backyard chickens.