Peter Baillie-Benson Email & Phone Number

Peter investigates the fundamental processes of early human embryonic development using small aggregates of pluripotent stem cells. His research focusses on the stage of gastrulation, when the embryo first forms its major tissues sets out the overall layout of the body. Peter oversees the day-to-day management of the Moris lab and supports the group in achieving their research goals, as well as conducting his own research. Peter is an expert in mammalian stem cell culture, with experience of 2D and 3D cell culture and differentiation techniques of both mouse and human cell lines. He has extensive experience of wide-field and confocal microscopy in imaging 3D samples, as well as the computational methods required to analyse and present complex imaging data, with ImageJ, Python and MetaExpress. Peter is a power-user of a Molecular Devices Confocal HT.ai high throughput imaging system and is developing new technologies to improve the throughput and data content of research in the Moris lab.Peter’s prior research in the Martinez Arias Lab (Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge) focussed on how mouse embryonic stem cells can organise themselves to form structures that recreate features of early mouse development and which chemical and mechanical factors influence this process. His past research in the laboratory of Professor Jennifer Nichols (Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge) examined how these stem cell aggregates form two types of embryonic tissue (mesoderm and endoderm) and the way in which the tissues interact during development. He developed a SOX17-null cell line as part of this research using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.During his PhD at the University of Cambridge, Peter pioneered the mouse gastruloid system which has been the foundation of his post-doctoral work. He used this system to investigate the origins of the murine spinal cord in vitro.Peter is a keen public speaker and educator, able to consolidate and communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences. He has previously taught Mathematical Biology at undergraduate level through supervisions at the University of Cambridge.