Project: Single Cell Analysis of the Human Pancreas in Type 1 Diabetes

►Where are you from originally, and where did you go to school?

Germany, University of Heidelberg

►What is your current position?

Professor, University of California, San Diego & Director, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center

►Why did you decide to become a researcher?

Because there is an inherent thrill in discovering new things.

►What is the “Big Picture” of what you study?

The goal of our research is to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie the formation and function of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, which are affected in diabetes.

►What is your favorite aspect of your research?

Discussing data with trainees and learning through collaboration with others.

► What do you hope to achieve with your research?

My laboratory aims to identify strategies for beta cell regeneration and replacement in order to develop novel treatments for diabetes.