I am an academic dermatologist and dermatopathologist involved in bone marrow stem cell, regenerative medicine and translational research for more than 30 years. I was among the first to describe the trafficking and engraftment of bone marrow cells to wounded skin and the contribution of bone marrow cells to skin structures. I have been the principal investigator on protocols delivering bone marrow derived cells to wounds for more than 20
years and was the first to describe the delivery of fresh bone marrow aspirate and mixed cultured bone marrow cells to the chronic wounds.

I have been awarded five IND’s by the FDA for the delivery of stem cells and extracellular vesicles to patients with burns, epidermolysis bullosa and chronic wounds. I am among the first to demonstrate that many of the healing effects attributed to bone marrow stem cells are mediated by the extracellular vesicles they produce. My laboratory was the first to show that structural elements including Collagen VII are delivered by bone marrow stem cell derived extracellular vesicles. Our contributions have led to a better understanding of the mechanism by which bone marrow stem cells contribute to healing and tissue regeneration. Having worked in this area for years, I am well versed in all recent regulatory aspects of cell-based therapeutics.

My expertise in bone marrow stem cells began some time ago as a graduate. Since then I have completed postdoctoral training, medical school, residence and fellowship in dermatology and dermatopathology. I am a practicing academic dermatologist and dermatolopathologist with 25 years’ experience with particular interests in the histologic evaluation of wounds both clinically and in numerous preclinical models. I have been working with bioengineered skin materials for more than 30 years and have described several key histological features associated with the application of these materials to patients.

I have served as a consultant, NIH study section member and moderator for wound based and stem cell projects. I have an
extensive and diverse history of close collaboration with several highly regarded stem cell, bone marrow, biomedical engineering, burn/critical care and wound healing investigators. My unique training and experience have allowed me to comfortably move between these
sometimes-distinct fields.