UNMC Stem Cell Experts

UNMC leadership and researchers have lead the way in educating the citizens of Nebraska on the importance of stem cell research in the discovery of cures and treatment of disease.  To contact a UNMC expert in the most timely fashion, we recommend contacting a member of the UNMC media relations team during work hours at (402) 559-4353. In most instances, they will try to have the expert return your call within 30 minutes. If you need to reach someone after hours, call (402) 650-7063.

Thomas Rosenquist, Ph.D. Title/Department Vice Chancellor for Research Professor, Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy     Expertise Cardiology Dr. Rosenquist leads UNMC's research enterprise. He is a developmental biologist with special interest in the causes and prevention of congenital heart defects. His team studies the role of folic acid and vitamin B-12 in preventing heart defects. They are particularly interested in the emerging field of gene -environment interactions and their role in the cause or prevention of birth defects, and in the identification of abnormal genes that may cause heart defects.

David A. Crouse, Ph.D. Title/Department Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs     Expertise Stem Cell Education Dr. Crouse is a leader of efforts to increase understanding of the science and ethics of stem cell biology in our community. He has developed programs and teaches courses related to Responsible Conduct in Research. Dr. Crouse's research focused on thymic regeneration and development of T-cell function.

James Turpen, Ph.D. Title/Department Interim Director Regenerative Medicine Professor of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy     Expertise Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy Dr. Turpen leads Nebraska's IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence program (INBRE), which enhances research and increases the number of students pursuing careers in biomedical research in the state. He is an advocate for stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

Stephen Rennard , Ph.D. Title/Department Larson Professor of Medicine, pulmonary and critical care - internal medicine, College of Medicine     Expertise Pulmonary/Lung Dr. Rennard studies Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) at both the clinical and basic science level. These studies include development and testing of new therapies, particularly as they relate to lung repair and tissue regeneration and range from studies of stem cells to tools for smoking cessation.

Angie Rizzino, Ph.D. Title/Department Professor, Eppley Institute     Expertise Regenerative medicine, Cancer The research in Dr. Rizzino's laboratory seeks to decipher the molecular machinery that enables stem cells to replicate with little or no limit, which leads to cancer. During development, stem cells give rise to all differentiated body cell types. His research is focussed on learning how to re-direct cancer stem cells from replication to differentiation in order to improve treatment of cancer.