Davide Marotta, Ph.D., is the Program Director for In-Space Biomanufacturing at the International Space Station National Laboratory, managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS). Before joining the ISS National Laboratory in 2022, Davide worked as a scientist at the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF). During his time at NYSCF, his research was focused on developing advanced models of neurodegenerative diseases. He achieved this by using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids from patients and exploring the effects of microgravity on the development of these disease models in space. This research likely aimed to gain insights into how neurodegenerative diseases progress under altered gravity, which could also have implications for understanding these diseases on Earth. Davide's academic journey includes a B.Sc. in Molecular and Cell Biology and an M.Sc. in Biomedicine, both earned at the University of Palermo in Italy. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology at University College London (UK). Following his Ph.D., he conducted post-doctoral research at two prestigious institutions: the Institute of Cancer Research (UK), where he worked in drug discovery and cancer evolution, and Columbia University (NY), where his research centered on hematopoietic stem cells and aging. His background, along with his expertise in utilizing microgravity for studying biological processes, positions him as an accomplished and pioneering researcher in space biomanufacturing and life sciences.
CAREER PATHS IN STEM CELLS AND LEO
Friday, July 12, 2024
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM CEST