This month, we welcome Mengyu Wang to the STARSTEM project. Mengyu recently started a new job in REMEDI at NUI Galway.

The Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) is a world-class, state-of-the-art research biomedical research centre, whose main focus is stem cell research. REMEDI delivers crucial basic research programmes on adult stem cells including mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells, immunology underpinned cell therapy, and tissue engineering efforts.

Tell us about your background and research interests

I am a research assistant with a MSc of Cellular Manufacturing and Therapy in NUIG. I gained laboratory-based skills through practical activities in REMEDI and professional knowledge in GMP-manufacturing of therapeutic cells for clinical applications by learning from the Center for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI).

I completed a REMEDI placement in a project related to cell therapy for canine osteoarthritis treatment. I was responsible for summarising canine MSC characteristics cultured in various media and the market analysis of canine MSC products for commercial use. To obtain a market license for commercial use of MSC products, sponsors and manufacturers need to verify the safety, efficiency and quality of batches of cell products to authorised agencies, e.g. EMA, FDA. However, conventional absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion (ADME) studies are not appropriate for determining the pharmacokinetics of MSCs, which will impede the development of regenerative medicine research and market.

What is your role in REMEDI and STARSTEM?

STARSTEM will develop and validate innovative optoacoustic imaging (OAI) platform to make cytokinetics clear and overcome MSC research and clinical application barriers. These are the driving force of my work. My duties in the STARSTEM project are to characterise nanostars-tagged MSCs, culture cells for in vivo study, investigate in the safety and efficiency indicators of nanostars-tagged MSCs, and assess histology for imaging data validation. I appreciate joining the REMEDI group to participate in the STARSTEM project, which will be a valuable asset in my life.

What is it like to start a new job during the Covid pandemic?

I got the job offer before Christmas, and that was exciting and thrilling. However, REMEDI cancelled the Christmas celebrations due to the Covid pandemic, which should have been a great opportunity for me to get in touch with my colleagues. To maintain social distance and reduce coronavirus transmission, the security officer of lab building restricts employee’s access strictly. When I finished my daily experiments, I pass by the empty PI office, tea room, hall and get off work quietly. It’s hard to imagine the original office and lab culture. I hope to meet everyone in person as soon as possible. Nevertheless, this job gives me a new passion for life. I can still explore and learn through the work and make progress in MSC related research.