Amy Lightner

Professor Amy Lightner holds joint appointments in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Scripps Research and as a colorectal surgeon at Scripps Clinic/Rady Children's Hospital. A Stanford University (Human Biology) and Boston University (MD) alumna, she completed surgical residencies at UCLA and Mayo Clinic, with postdoctoral training in stem cell biology at Stanford. Her research focuses on regenerative therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Lightner leads six active phase II clinical trials exploring mesenchymal stem cell applications for IBD, supported by the Helmsley Foundation and Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. She previously directed Regenerative Medicine Centers at Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. Professional leadership includes Surgical Co-Chair for the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization and committee roles in major surgical societies.