Dean Betts

Dean Betts is a Professor at the University of Western Ontario's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. He holds a BSc and MSc from the University of Western Ontario's Department of Zoology, a PhD from the University of Guelph's Department of Biomedical Sciences, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University's Department of Genetics. His research focuses on early embryo development, pluripotent stem cells, and metabolic pathways, with a particular interest in translating canine stem cell therapies to human applications. He leads the Betts Lab, emphasizing regenerative medicine and cellular metabolism. His work explores p66Shc's role in stem cell behavior, metabolic reprogramming for pluripotency induction, and overcoming barriers in veterinary stem cell therapies.

Dr. Betts' research has produced over 60 publications, including studies on fatty acid effects on embryo development, autophagy regulation, and canine iPSC generation. He mentors students, emphasizing their growth in scientific inquiry and innovation. His lab collaborates on projects addressing metabolic plasticity, microRNA expression in embryos, and educational strategies for inclusive higher education.