STaR Center Mission and Goals
Adult and embryonic stem cells have received immense attention recently because of their enormous therapeutic potential. Despite the great promise of stem cells, most therapeutic applications are years away, in part because many fundamental questions have yet to be answered.
The overall mission of the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center is to facilitate stem cell research of all types at Baylor College of Medicine, and the clinical translation of such research into regenerative medicine.
Specific goals
To facilitate stem cell research, we plan to focus on enhancing basic research, developing training programs in stem cells, improving the infrastructure to support the research, and reaching out to our local community to augment their understanding and support of our endeavors.
More specifically, we will:
- Recruit two to three new primary faculty to the STaR Center
- Recruit faculty with an interest in stem cells to other departments at BCM
- Develop a training program, including a course on stem cell biology that will be offered to the entire BCM community
- Bring in seminar speakers, and host workshops for investigators at BCM
- Interact with the community to improve the public understanding about stem cells
- Obtain core equipment, such as new fluorescence activated cell sorters, or imaging equipment, that will enhance research of STaR Center members
Who we are
The STaR Center was founded in 2005 and is directed by Dr. Margaret Goodell. Dr. Karen Hirschi serves as deputy director. There are more than 30 other associate members, who are also part of the BCM faculty.