Kristen Seiler, MD

Resident Physician in Surgery and Research Fellow, Washington University School of Medicine

Poster: Induced Endodermal Progenitor Cells Assume Epithelial Gene Expression Profiles when Cultured on Acellular Intestinal Scaffolds without the Addition of Exogenous Growth Factors (Su1300) to be presented Sunday

What was the impetus for your research?

Key challenges in tissue engineering are identifying reliable scaffolding substrates and avoiding the use of exogenous growth factors to drive tissue identity. This project was inspired by work that uses decellularized scaffolds for tissue engineering and leverages single-cell RNA sequencing to identify how those scaffolds drive cell identity/lineage commitment, even without added growth factors.

What’s one thing that surprised you while doing your research?

I wouldn’t call it a surprise, but I have been overwhelmed by the “above and beyond” support of my colleagues and mentors.

What DDW^® educational track are you most interested in?

Basic science! I feel very fortunate that I can participate in dedicated research time during my clinical training, and DDW is a great way to learn about advances in basic science that are closest to changing our clinical approach.

What are you most looking forward to as a first-time DDW attendee?

I look forward to meeting people, and especially other early-career investigators.

Apple or Android?

Apple

Best binge-worthy Netflix show:

Stranger Things

How many steps do you think you’ll take during DDW?

I don’t know, but this reminds me to buy comfortable shoes.

Presenters will be at their posters from noon to 2 p.m. on their presentation day.