Member Spotlight: Catharina Brandsten, PhD, DDS

Catharina Brandsten, PhD, DDS
Takara Bio Europe, Sweden

Hometown
Lund, Sweden

Current Residence
Gothenburg, Sweden

Graduate Degree
PhD

Postdoc Work
I made my post-doc at the Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA. It was in the lab of Vicki Bautch. We used vessels derived from mouse ES cells to analyze different aspects of vascular sprout formation.

Current Position
Director of Cell Operations and Development at Takara Bio Europe

ISSCR Participation
Part of Working Groups for the ISSCR’s Best Practices for the Development of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Therapies

• What is the current focus of your research?

  We are working on improving/facilitate culture conditions for different types of stem cells, but also on how to enhanced the functional performance of hepatocyte in organoids cultures.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  I have no general answer as I tend to adjust the explanation based on the question and the audience.

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  There are so many rewarding things. Often it doesn’t feel as work. It is rather a privilege to be in such stimulating environment, exposed to new thoughts and technologies and working with dedicated and smart people.

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  In my teens I read an article about Dr John Gurdon’s work, including the cloning of frogs – that opened up a new amazing world for me. Then during my first year of my studies at the university I was enchanted by the cell and developmental biology, and that feeling has never left me.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  Follow your passion!

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  Again, John Gurdon opend up a new world to me.

• How do you spend your free time?

  I love being outdoors , preferentially in the company with family members and our dogs.

• What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?

  I do not only grow stem cells, but I also enjoy growing plants, such as orchids, roses and dahlias.

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  The ISSCR has played an important role for me in terms of networking and connecting with other stem cell scientists around the world. Priceless!

• What is the significance of the Best Practices resource, and how do you think it will impact the development of PSC therapies?

  It was written by scientists and regulatory experts from around the world, people from academia, non-profit organizations, biotech’s and pharmaceutical companies that came together and shared experience and know-how. Hence, I really think it significantly will facilitate the work for those that now are starting up their translational work. The better overview you have of the process, the better your chances of success.