Camilla Forsberg

Camilla Forsberg is a Professor in the Department of Biomolecular Engineering at the Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). She leads the Forsberg Lab, which is affiliated with the UCSC Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells (IBSC). Her research focuses on hematopoietic stem cell biology, stem cell fate decisions, and blood development, with strong emphasis on aging, leukemia, and immune cell differentiation.

• University: University of California, Santa Cruz
• School: Baskin School of Engineering
• Department: Department of Biomolecular Engineering
• Lab: Forsberg Lab
• Institute: UCSC Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells (IBSC)

Dr. Forsberg's research centers on understanding how hematopoietic stem cells make fate decisions to generate diverse blood cell types. Her lab investigates molecular mechanisms regulating stem cell differentiation, chromatin dynamics, and lineage commitment using mouse models, CRISPR technology, and single-cell genomics. Key areas include aging-related hematopoiesis, thrombosis, megakaryocyte development, and the role of receptors like Robo4 and IL-7R in stem cell trafficking and immune cell homeostasis.

The recent publications from the Forsberg Lab span high-impact journals such as Cell, Nature, and Immunity, reflecting a strong trend in integrating epigenetics, developmental biology, and translational approaches. Her work increasingly focuses on aging, clonal hematopoiesis, and the clinical implications of stem cell dysregulation in thrombosis and leukemia. The use of advanced tools like lineage tracing, CRISPR, and single-cell RNA-seq underscores a data-driven, mechanistic approach to hematopoietic biology.

Scientific recognition includes multiple lab members receiving prestigious fellowships such as T32, IRACDA, and CIRM. Her work has been selected for Faculty of 1000 and featured with cover images in Cell Stem Cell and Stem Cell Reports, highlighting the impact and visibility of her research.

Dr. Forsberg actively mentors postdoctoral researchers and students, with a strong record of training successful scientists. Her lab has received support from major funding agencies, including the NIH and CIRM, enabling innovative research in stem cell biology and hematopoiesis. She is currently recruiting postdocs and research specialists, indicating an active and expanding research program.

The Forsberg Lab operates at the intersection of basic science and translational medicine, utilizing transgenic mouse models, CRISPR bioengineering, and genomic technologies to dissect hematopoietic mechanisms. The lab fosters a collaborative environment with strong ties to the UCSC Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells and external collaborators in immunology and cancer research.