What inspired you to pursue aging research?
My interest in aging research began with a fundamental question: why does the body’s ability to repair itself decline over time? As I studied stem cell biology, I was struck by how dramatically tissue regeneration slows with age, particularly in older individuals who face delayed wound healing and increased complications after injury. This observation led me to explore the broader biological changes that occur with aging, especially the persistent low-grade inflammation that seems to accompany it. I became curious about how this altered environment affects tissue health and stem cell function. The idea that we might uncover ways to preserve or restore regenerative capacity in aging tissues deeply motivates me, not just as a scientist but also as someone who sees the growing need to promote healthier aging. This field offers the promise of meaningful translational outcomes, which is why I chose to dedicate my work to it.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean, for you, to receive an AFAR grant now?
AFAR has long stood as a cornerstone of the aging research community, both for its commitment to advancing foundational discoveries and for its role in supporting early-career scientists who are building their independent paths. The organization not only fosters high-quality science but also cultivates a sense of mission around improving health span and understanding the biology of aging at all levels. For me, receiving the AFAR grant at this stage is incredibly meaningful. I transitioned into aging research driven by a deep curiosity about how inflammation and stem cell function intersect during aging, a shift that has required developing new technical skills and forging connections across disciplines. The support from AFAR not only validates this scientific direction but also provides the encouragement and resources I need to take more ambitious steps forward. Being recognized by AFAR gives me a sense of belonging to a community of researchers who are asking bold, foundational questions. It also reinforces my confidence in pursuing complex problems in aging biology.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
What excites me most about this research is its potential to uncover how age-related inflammation leaves lasting epigenetic marks that impair stem cell function, an insight that could reshape how we approach aging-related regenerative decline. By identifying the molecular drivers of this dysfunction, my work aims to go beyond treating symptoms and instead target root causes at the chromatin level. If we can reverse or prevent these epigenetic changes, we may be able to restore the regenerative capacity of aged tissues. This could open new doors for therapies that not only enhance wound healing in older individuals but also broadly improve tissue resilience with age. The possibility of reawakening the body’s natural repair mechanisms is both scientifically compelling and personally motivating, especially as our population continues to age and the need for regenerative solutions becomes more urgent.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
As we get older, our bodies don’t heal as well as they used to. One reason for this is that the special cells responsible for repairing our tissues, called stem cells, start to lose their ability to function. My research focuses on understanding why this happens. We’ve learned that in aging tissues, there’s often a low level of inflammation, and this constant stress may leave lasting “scars” on stem cells that prevent them from doing their job. I’m studying how this inflammation affects the way stem cells turn genes on and off, and whether we can find ways to reverse these changes. The ultimate goal is to help the body heal better as it ages, which could lead to healthier, more independent lives for older adults.
