Stem Cell Biology Training Grant Trainees
Predoctoral trainees: Current students
Ifeola Akkinola

MD/PhD dual-degree program, PhD in Integrative Biology & Physiology
Advisor: Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari, PhD
Mikayla Hall

PhD student, Biomedical Engineering
Advisor: Brenda Ogle, PhD
Miles Smith

Garrett Draper

PhD student, Comparative Molecular Biosciences, Dept. of Pediatrics
Advisor: David Largaespada, PhD
The genetic tumor predisposition syndrome Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) results from the inheritance of a mutant copy of NF1, a Ras-GAP tumor suppressor gene. Loss of the remaining wild-type allele in Schwann lineage cells leads to hyperactive Ras signaling, cell proliferation, and the formation of benign plexiform neurofibromas. These benign tumors can progress to lethal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Although NF1 and other mutations have been associated with MPNST formation, their temporal dependence during Schwann cell development using a human cell model has not been studied. I aim to develop a model of induced MPNSTs (iMPNSTs) for a better understanding of the timing at which these mutations occur during Schwann cell development to result in MPNST formation.
Previous Trainees
2017-2019
- Timothy Monko
- Daniel Sorensen
2016-2018
- Thera Lee
- Natalya Goloviznina
2015-2017
- Catherine Lee
- Keith Sabin
2014-2015
- Mathew Angelos
- Christine Robinson
2013-2015
- Jami Erickson
- Michael Vanden Oever
- Teng Zhang
2012-2015
- Keli Holzapfel
2012-2013
- Patrick Ferrell
- Jacqueline Wendel
2011-2013
- John Chan
2011-2012
- David Knorr
- Nathan Weidenhamer
2010-2012
- Beau Webber
2011-2011
- Krista Bluske