Francesca Oieni is a Research Assistant with the Spinal injury Project Team. She is a Molecular Biologist and holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and a Bachelor of Natural Sciences achieved respectively from the University of Paris and the University of Rome. Francesca will collaborate with Dr Tammy Tseng and Dr Mo Chen to develop peripheral nerve bridge constructs.
1) What is you name and where you are you from?
Hi everyone! I am Francesca, Fran here in the lab 🙂 and I am from Italy!
2) Current role within the Spinal Injury Project?
I have been a research assistant in the SIP team for almost 1 year now. I was helping in the collection and culturing of primary cells and have also been involved in the development of our amazing 3D cell culture method! However, I am going to be a PhD student soon I will be working on trying to purify the cells that we hope to use one day to fix spinal cord injuries.
3) What outcomes are you hoping to achieve with your particular role?
I truly hope to find an even better way of purifying olfactory ensheathing cells to improve our path for a clinically viable treatment in the future.
4) What’s a day ‘on the job’ look like for you?
I usually start my day at around 8.30am. My day could go from the production of cells, assisting during surgeries, learning new and exciting techniques, to taking care of the lab maintenance. Busy, full days and always in a stimulating environment surrounded by passionate people!
5) What keeps you inspired with your work?
I deeply believe in research and in the fact that the small steps that we do day-by-day could change the life of someone one day.
6) What are you most excited about working on the Spinal Injury Project?
I can’t wait to start my own project, challenge myself and be part of the change that all together we can contribute to achieve!
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