Stem Cell Engineering

Total days = 5 (Monday - Friday) Hours/day = 6 (two 3 hour sessions per day)

This course is intend to teach current understanding of stem cells with a specific focus on their characterization, function, and role in regenerative medicine. The course will expose students to the advancements in the field and current understanding of various stem cells ranging from adult stem cells to embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells.

The course will also discuss various bioengineering approaches to stem cell research.  The lectures will be organized into 5 lectures. The first lecture will give an overview of adult and pluripotent stem cells and their basic characteristics. Isolation, expansion, and therapeutic potential of multi-potent adult progenitor cells from the bone marrow stromal tissue will also be discussed.  The second and third lecture s will discuss three - dimensional culture systems and biomimetic systems employed to recapitulate cell matrix interactions, mechanobiology of stem cells, and biomaterials. The fourth lecture will discuss biomaterials and different biophysical tools used in stem cell research. The final lecture will focus on advancements in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. Lectures and discussions will be interactive and promote critical thinking in stem cell biology and biomedical applications of stem cells. Participants are required to read all submitted materials ahead of class for active participation.