Laura Stankiewicz
Research Summary:
The cells of our immune system, such as T cells, play a crucial role in detecting both pathogens and cancerous tissue, and then mounting a powerful, highly specific immune response to maintain the balance of our health. These cellular properties underline the potential for T cells to be employed as therapeutics for immunodeficiency, cancer treatment, and targeted immunotherapies. However, despite recent advances in individual, patient-specific T cell therapies, we lack a robust, economical method to produce T cells on the manufacturing scale necessary to support this growing field in regenerative medicine.In my research I use high-dimensional spatial imaging to study the development of T cells in the human thymus, the organ where T cells are trained, undergo selection, and differentiate into various subsets that could be targets for cell therapies. I believe that by improving our understanding of the native spatiotemporal signals directing T cell development, we can identify unique developmental niches within the thymus, and translate this knowledge to drive the advancement of culture systems to produce clinically-relevant, mature T cells for use in emerging cell therapies.
Personal Summary:
I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering at Queen's University prior to moving to the Rossi and Zandstra labs at UBC to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. In my spare time you can find me seeking sunlight and adventure. I love to play soccer, hike, row, and catch as many sunrises and sunsets as possible.
The cells of our immune system, such as T cells, play a crucial role in detecting both pathogens and cancerous tissue, and then mounting a powerful, highly specific immune response to maintain the balance of our health. These cellular properties underline the potential for T cells to be employed as therapeutics for immunodeficiency, cancer treatment, and targeted immunotherapies. However, despite recent advances in individual, patient-specific T cell therapies, we lack a robust, economical method to produce T cells on the manufacturing scale necessary to support this growing field in regenerative medicine.In my research I use high-dimensional spatial imaging to study the development of T cells in the human thymus, the organ where T cells are trained, undergo selection, and differentiate into various subsets that could be targets for cell therapies. I believe that by improving our understanding of the native spatiotemporal signals directing T cell development, we can identify unique developmental niches within the thymus, and translate this knowledge to drive the advancement of culture systems to produce clinically-relevant, mature T cells for use in emerging cell therapies.
Personal Summary:
I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering at Queen's University prior to moving to the Rossi and Zandstra labs at UBC to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. In my spare time you can find me seeking sunlight and adventure. I love to play soccer, hike, row, and catch as many sunrises and sunsets as possible.
