Our Science Initiatives

Through the application of human stem cell derived models of microglial biology, combining patient derived and CRISPR modified lines we strive to understand the molecular determinants of microglial fate, functionality, and signaling.

Our research focuses on how physical and chemical properties of the niche influence or misregulates cell function and modifies genetic mechanisms of disease. The lab makes natural and synthetic matrices with unique spatiotemporal properties to mimic niche conditions, improve stem cell behavior and commitment in vitro, or direct them for therapeutic use in vivo.

Our focus is to study fundamental pathways that drive initiation and progression of glioblastoma, as well as the malignant phenotypes of this aggressive brain cancer,

Our lab takes an inside look into the world of epithelial stem cells, that are the key to unlocking the secret on how to renew our body surface, replenish dying cells, and repair wounds.

We seek to understand the cellular networks that drive and constrain stem cell activity and elucidating how environmental cues are interpreted to guide stem cell behavior. Our ultimate goal is to harness stem cell regenerative potential to develop new strategies for precise tissue repair.

Our focus is on the role that cytoskeletal proteins, especially microtubules and actin filaments, play in establishing and maintaining neuronal networks.

We study the mutant stem cells and progenitor cells in myeloproliferative neoplasms that can give rise to cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells may lie low to evade chemotherapy and then activate again later, causing disease progression and resistance to treatment. Our goal is to find more selective, less toxic therapies.