Member Spotlight: Silvia Velasco, PhD

Silvia Velasco, PhD
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute & reNEW, Australia

Hometown
Moncrivello, Piedmont, Italy

Current Residence
Melbourne, Australia

Graduate Degree
Ph.D. in Human Biology. University of Turin, Italy

Postdoc Work
Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Neuroscience. The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and New York University, USA

Current Position
Associate Professor at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and Principal Investigator at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Melbourne, Australia.

• What is the current focus of your research?

  With my Team, I am interested in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying abnormal brain development and neurocognitive dysfunction. By using pluripotent stem cell-derived 3D brain organoid models of the developing human brain and multidisciplinary research approaches, we aim to uncover cell-type specific disease mechanisms to advance new effective therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and intellectual disability, as well as other brain conditions of developmental origin.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  Using stem cells, it is now possible to generate complex human neural tissues, named brain organoids, to investigate processes of early human brain development and disease, that would be otherwise impossible to study. Using these models, we aim to gain insights into the disease mechanisms and contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  I love to see the excitement of my trainees while talking about their work and observing their growing interest for stem cell biology and developmental neuroscience. Witnessing their progress, both in terms of acquired technical expertise, critical thinking and scientific maturity is extremely rewarding and motivating for me.

• What is the most exciting aspect of your work?

  Recognizing that our work has the potential to answer long-standing questions in the field of neuroscience and to contribute to find new therapies for currently untreatable neurological disorders. More immediately, I am excited to think about effective experimental approaches to answer relevant biological questions, to dig into new data with my trainees, and share with them the excitement for new scientific discoveries.

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  My father, a geologist, inspired me, encouraged, and nurtured my love of science since I was a kid. As a student, I witnessed major breakthroughs in stem cell research, such as the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. Fascinated by the potential to obtain specific cell types in vitro through the forced expression of transcription factors, I joined Prof. Esteban Mazzoni’s group at New York University, to study direct programming of stem cells into motor neurons. My interest for stem cell biology and neuroscience brought me then to join the group of Prof. Paola Arlotta, at Harvard University and the Broad Institute, where I gained expertise in the establishment of brain organoids to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  Try to identify the research areas that you are most passionate about and the professional environment that can best support you realize your scientific and professional aspirations. Embrace new challenges fearless, work hard to achieve your objectives and be persistent. Find good mentors and build a supportive, collaborative, and healthy professional network.

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  I feel very fortunate to have met key inspirational scientists and stem cell research leaders who have guided and supported me throughout my scientific journey. Prof. Paola Arlotta and Esteban Mazzoni have been invaluable advisors and mentors and had a tremendous impact on my growth as a scientist. More recently, Prof. Melissa Little, has been paramount in helping me build the confidence to embrace the new professional challenge of starting my independent research group at MCRI, and continues to be extremely supportive in this exciting new journey.

• How do you spend your free time?

  When I am not at work, I enjoy doing outdoor activities, like swimming and surfing in Australia’s beautiful beaches, or skiing in the Alps when I go back to Italy. I also love travelling, listening to music, dancing, and spending time with my family and friends.

• What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?

  I love motorbikes. Despite as a Ph.D. student in Italy I was paid incredibly low, I managed to buy a beautiful Ducati Monster 600 Dark which made my commute to the Lab more fun ad faster!

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  I became a member of ISSCR soon after joining the stem cell research field. Being part of ISSCR has been fundamental in making me feel part of the global stem cell community. I enjoy receiving ISSCR news updates, participating to ISSCR annual meetings, international symposia, and webinars, and being connected with other stem cell scientists.