Sean Palecek

Sean Palecek is the Milton J. and A. Maude Shoemaker Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on engineering platforms to regulate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation for cardiovascular and neurovascular applications. He is based in 3637 Engineering Hall and leads the Palecek Lab, which develops innovative methods for stem cell fate specification and tissue engineering.

• BChE, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
• MS, Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• PhD, Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Postdoc., Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago

His research integrates stem cell biology with biomaterials and engineering principles to generate functional cardiomyocytes, brain endothelial cells, and mural cells. His lab leverages Notch3 signaling, proteomics, and organoid systems to model diseases and develop regenerative therapies. Current projects emphasize hypoimmunogenic cardiac organoids, vascular grafts, and blood-brain barrier models for neurotherapeutic screening.

The 15 most recent articles highlight his work in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation to cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and brain mural cells. Key trends include organoid manufacturing, neurovascular unit modeling, metabolic profiling, and biomaterials for cell transport. His team explores Notch3 activation, SNRK signaling, and transcriptional analysis to optimize cell therapy and disease models.

Scientific contributions include the Milton J. and A. Maude Shoemaker Professorship, a named chair recognizing his leadership in chemical and biological engineering.

For more details, visit his lab’s website: Palecek Lab.