معرفی
Kim C. O’Connor is a Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Tulane University’s School of Science & Engineering. She holds courtesy appointments across multiple interdisciplinary centers, including the Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, Aging Center, Cancer Center, Center for Computational Science, and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program. Her work bridges chemical engineering and stem cell research, focusing on MSC heterogeneity and its implications for disease treatment.
Education:
- B.S., Chemical Engineering, Rice University (magna cum laude)
- Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology
- Postdoctoral Training, Chemistry Dept., Caltech and Northwestern University
Prof. O’Connor’s research explores the molecular and functional heterogeneity of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly how subsets of these cells can be leveraged for regenerative therapies in arthritis, heart attacks, and cancer. Her group pioneered high-capacity assays for MSC heterogeneity, clarified proliferation-potency relationships at the clonal level, and identified cell-surface markers for MSC subsets. Recent publications highlight MSC aging, TRAIL receptor roles, and molecular profiling to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Scientific Awards:
- 2013 Biotechnology & Bioengineering Gaden Award
- NASA Space Act Award
- Tulane IDEA Award
- Tulane Health Sciences Award for Intercampus Collaborative Research
- Provost’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
- Society of Tulane Engineers and Lee H. Johnson Teaching Award
- Honors from Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, and Phi Lambda Upsilon
Her research, funded by NASA, NIH, and NSF, has produced over 65 peer-reviewed publications and patents cited >3,000 times. She has mentored 20+ graduate/postdoctoral fellows and 30+ undergraduates, many of whom now hold prestigious roles at institutions like NIH, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, and Merck.
