Rana El-Rass, graduate student - (ranarass<at>hotmail.com)
I obtained my Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto in 2004. During the last year of my undergraduate studies, I developed an interest in the field of developmental biology.
Following graduation, I worked in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology in different countries including Canada, UK, Saudi Arabia and Italy. My passion for research drove me to enroll in a Master of Science in Clinical Embryology at the University of Leeds, which I obtained in 2007. The program enabled me to develop strong analytical skills and become critical, meticulous and accurate. It also introduced me to the field of stem cell biology. This field is of great interest to me as it might lead to the development of stem cell strategies for the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
I am currently enrolled in a graduate program at the Nagy Lab. My project involves the use of cell reprogramming technology, originally developed to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), to expand pancreatic beta cells in vitro.