معرفی
Dr. Maria Alcolea is a Principal Investigator at the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and an affiliate of the Department of Oncology at the University of Cambridge. She holds a Wellcome/The Royal Society Sir Henry Dale Fellowship and has been recognized with a Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship (FP7). Her research focuses on epithelial stem cell plasticity, tissue regeneration, and cancer biology, utilizing genetic lineage tracing, live-imaging, and single-cell molecular profiling.
Maria’s research explores the adaptive behavior of epithelial progenitor cells in response to injury and preneoplastic mutations. She investigates mechanisms governing tissue homeostasis, wound repair, and early cancer development, with a particular emphasis on the balance between controlled regeneration and oncogenic processes. Her work spans in vivo and 3D in vitro systems, including oesophagus and skin models.
Her recent publications highlight advancements in understanding clonal dynamics, transcriptional networks, and biomechanical regulation in epithelial tissues, contributing to fields such as cancer genetics, regenerative medicine, and developmental biology. She has mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Harikrishnan Ajith, Undine-Sophie Deumer, Shiqing (Angel) Ma, and others.
Scientific Awards:
- Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship (FP7)
- Wellcome/The Royal Society Sir Henry Dale Fellowship
Grants: Funded by Wellcome, Royal Society, Isaac Newton Trust, Medical Research Council, Worldwide Cancer Research, and The Leverhulme Trust.
Current Lab Members:
- Harikrishnan Ajith (Research Assistant)
- Maria T. Bejar (Post-doc Researcher)
- Undine-Sophie Deumer (PhD Student)
- Emily Jane Hill (PhD Student)
- Shiqing (Angel) Ma (PhD Student)
- Davide Rossetti (CRUK CC 1+3 PhD)
- Greta Skrupskelyte (Post-doc Researcher)
