Awarded in 2018
Home Department: Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine
Faculty Advisors: Anthony Oro (Dermatology) and Joanna Wysocka (Chemical & Systems Biology and Developmental Biology)

Research Title: Identifying the role of craniofacial-associated non-coding genetic variants in directing surface ectoderm differentiation

Research Description: Using pluripotent stem cells for regenerative medicine, such as tissue engineering skin grafts, requires a mechanistic understanding of the production process. The Oro Lab has developed a protocol to manufacture certain skin cells called basal keratinocytes from human pluripotent cells, but increased efficiency in manufacturing the cells is needed prior to clinical trials. Understanding how keratinocytes are made will allow for early purification of cells capable of becoming keratinocytes, thereby increasing efficiency. Samantha has previously shown that critical developmental factors are sequentially and synergistically required in initiating keratinocyte differentiation. She will further investigate the mechanism of keratinocyte maturation in this project by combining a bioinformatics approach with molecular biology, genetics, and bioengineering. This can lead to the improved production of graftable human skin.

WHERE IS SHE NOW?

Samantha is a Research Scientist in Dr. Lee Hood’s laboratory at The Institute for Systems Biology where she is using multiomics placental data to understand the mechanism of pregnancy-related disorders including preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction.