I am a strong supporter and advocator for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. As an out gay faculty, LGBTQ+ representation in science and my field is important to me. It's crucial for everyone to feel included and valued in their workplace and community.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our center is our patient-derived iPSC bank, through which we have shared 100's of vials of our cells with the international research community as an Open Source reagent.

The ISSCR promotes and stands by principles of rigor, transparency, diversity, and equity in all areas of stem cell research. I am proud of being an active member of this community that, through policy initiatives, is shaping the future of stem cell research.

I became interested in research when I read a novel about the first clinicians and researchers who understood that HIV was the cause of AIDS. It was very clear to me that scientists could contribute to the good of mankind.

“There are also many websites and businesses out there [falsely] claiming to be able to treat all sorts of ailments with so-called ‘stem cells’. [Our] research will help patients make informed decisions about the various options with their doctor that are in their best interests.”