Following a rewarding career in education and business management, I took a leap of faith to re-enter the world of research. I received a Fulbright scholarship, earned a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and did my post-doctoral training in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. For the past few years, I have been using the latest technologies to develop 3D cell culture model systems using human induced pluripotent stem cells to study neurodevelopmental diseases, and to interrogate the interaction of nanomaterials with human glioblastoma cells in a 3D context. I am experienced in advanced cell culture techniques, including handling and maintenance of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, differentiation and characterization of multiple types of neuronal and immune cells, generation and characterization of 3D cell culture model systems, including tumor spheroids, neuronal organoids, and co-culture systems. I am also experienced in biological assay development, immunocytochemistry, different staining and imaging techniques, including confocal and light-sheet imaging. I have a strong background in microbiology and molecular biology with experience in recombinant DNA synthesis and mutagenesis, PCR, protein and lipid purification and analysis, FACS analysis, and MACS cell sorting. Throughout the years I have worked with people from different scientific backgrounds and trained undergraduate and graduate students to be meticulous and confident researchers. On a personal level, I am very motivated, independent, creative, and organized. I particularly enjoy solving problems and tackling research challenges. I am highly invested and interested in developing novel stem cell and organoid technologies for applications in translational research.