Name: Lisa Mitchell
Hometown: Lone Tree, Colorado
Hobbies: Hiking, yoga, movies, ceramics
Lab: Gage Lab
Lab website: https://gage.salk.edu
What do you study?
I study brain development using organoids models. I differentiate stem cells into neurons and pattern them to form an in vitro human forebrain. With this model, we study the impact of specific cell types on early brain development.
Why is it important?
These models will help us better understand human brain development which will lead to better treatments for diseases where normal development is disrupted. We can use patient cell lines (some that are diseased) to recapitulate where during brain development things go wrong. These in vitro models are extremely valuable for learning more about forebrain development.
What piqued your interest in science?
In elementary school, I remember getting super excited for the science fair every year. But it really wasn’t until high school when I loved all my science classes- biology, chemistry, and physics- that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in a scientific field.
What do you like about being a scientist?
I love that I get to come to work every day and do something different than the day before. It is fun to plan new experiments and pivot when things don’t go as expected. Also, I love microscopy and enjoy the satisfaction of imaging a successful experiment.
What are 5 general vocabulary terms someone should know going into your field of science?
Stem cells, neurons, microscopy, synapses, protein
What are 5 specific vocabulary terms someone should know about your research?
Microglia, growth cones, phagocytosis, neural development, organoids