Member Spotlight: Madeline Lancaster, PhD

Madeline Lancaster, PhD
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, UK

Hometown
Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Current Residence
Cambridge, UK

Graduate Degree
PhD

Postdoc Work
Postdoctoral Fellow in the Knoblich Lab, IMBA, Austria

Current Position
Group Leader, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

• What is the current focus of your research?

  My laboratory is focused on the study of human brain development, using cerebral organoids, which we developed to model the early human developing brain. The long-term goal of my lab is to identify molecular mechanisms underlying human-specific features of neurodevelopment.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  The human brain is what sets us apart as a species, but how exactly it gets to be so unique is unknown. My lab is using stem cell-derived brain tissues made in the lab to uncover the mechanism underlying the most striking feature of the human brain: its size.

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  The most rewarding aspect is the discovery of something completely new and then being able to tell the world about it. I love that sense of exploration and going into uncharted territory.

• What is the most exciting aspect of your work?

  I find it truly exciting the new tools we develop can open up brand new areas of research so we can ask really big questions that were just not possible before.

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  I have always been fascinated by the brain, and perhaps even a bit obsessed by the fact that the human brain not only gives us amazing cognitive abilities but also that there are such devastating consequences when something goes awry. I've always wanted to understand the basis of that unique power and susceptibility.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  Curiosity and creativity are the most important qualities one can have as a scientist. A lot of people are smart, but it's that motivation from deep within that I think makes a researcher most successful. And being unafraid to take risks and follow what truly excites you will pay off in the end.

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  I have had the pleasure of working with several developmental and stem cell biologists who have influenced me as a scientist and in my career. I worked with Joseph Gleeson during my PhD where I truly became a developmental biologist and learned from Joe the power of human genetics and the insights even into basic biology that it can provide. During my postdoc, I worked with Juergen Knoblich where I learned all about the importance of fundamental biological research and how much of what we know about neural stem cells comes originally from flies. I have also been heavily influenced by a number of leaders in the stem cell field, many of whom I view as role models including Paola Arlotta, Fred Gage, Sally Temple, Ali Brivanlou, Wieland Huttner, Fiona Watt, Francois Guillemot, Pierre Vanderhaeghen, and Elaine Fuchs.

• How do you spend your free time?

  It may sound cliche, but I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my kids. They are at a great age and I just want to enjoy it as much as possible while it lasts. I also enjoy doing art (mainly painting and pen and ink), playing video games (love the new Zelda), and when I'm back home, skiing.

• What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?

  When I was in college, I worked for a while for the LAPD, yep that LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department). But I wasn't a police officer, I just proctored the exam people take to get into the LAPD. But I saw some very interesting people and have a few stories from that time.

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  I appreciate the meetings and networking opportunities, as well as the initiatives that ISSCR takes in setting an example, for instance through the guidelines that make a difference in policy making.