ALUMNI
Graduate Education: Boston University Molecular Medicine and Cell and Molecular Biology, PhD
Undergraduate Education: University of California, Davis
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Davis, CA
Sarah’s project was focused on using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create a disease model for sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia, caused by a point mutation that affects the beta-globin gene, has high morbidity and mortality. Her goal was to create sickle cell anemia-specific iPSCs that can be used for the generation and characterization of sickle iPSCs and their progeny: cells differentiated into the erythroid lineage. The potential to derive large quantities of highly purified human iPSC-derived erythroid-lineage cells can provide an experimental model for the investigation of the early stages of human erythropoiesis, including the possibility of unraveling the molecular cues involved in globin switching.
She claims to have a life outside of lab that includes running, swimming, cycling, baking (yum!), and raising funds for other women pursuing their degrees (P.E.O.)
UPDATE: Sarah is now a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Ann Mullally, MD at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
