Brenda Ogle, PhD, Named Stem Cell Institute Director

“Nothing succeeds like successors.” John Kenneth Galbraith

I’m not exactly sure how this quip was originally intended, but in the case of the Stem Cell Institute, I have no doubt it will be perfectly true.

With great pleasure, I would like to announce that Brenda M. Ogle, PhD, is assuming directorship of the SCI effective today. Dr. Ogle is a professor with joint appointments in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pediatrics, and has been part of the SCI Leadership Team since its development in 2016. Focused on using technology to advance stem cell biology and to translate that research into clinical practice, she is a superb scientist, an outstanding collaborator, and a leader with vision and purpose.

Dr. Ogle has used her bioengineering expertise to advance the technology of using 3D matrices in which to grow stem cells, a critical aspect of making regenerative medicine advancements in organ replacement and repair. Her expertise in tissue engineering extends into decellularization and 3D bioprinting of organ scaffolds.

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Catherine Verfaillie, the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute (SCI) was the first organization dedicated solely to the study of stem cells in the US, possibly in the world. A forerunner of collaborative and team science models, the Institute’s membership has grown to more than 50 members from 22 departments across the University. Since it was founded, the SCI has only had three directors Drs. Verfaillie, Jonathan Slack, and most recently myself. Beginning in 2018, an international search was held to find a new director. As it turns out, the best candidate for the position, Dr. Ogle, was already an active leader and researcher within the Institute.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Ogle and in assisting her in every way possible to ensure her success in this leadership position.