Topic: Regulation of Cord Blood Stem and Progenitor Cell Function

James Ropa, PhD is a postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University School of Medicine currently under the mentorship of Dr. Mark Kaplan. A trainee of the late Dr. Hal Broxmeyer (known by many as the “Father of Cord Blood”), Dr. Ropa’s research focuses on understanding changes in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function, often in the context of enhancing cord blood transplantation. Using integrated omics, cell biology, biochemistry, and in vivo modeling approaches, Dr. Ropa seeks to use insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying stem and progenitor cell competency to find novel manners by which to improve transplantation and other hematopoietic stem cell therapies. Dr. Ropa is currently supported by a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Pathway to Independence Award and hopes to be establishing his independent research program in 2024.

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