Brian Ballios, B.Sc.E.
brian.ballios@utoronto.ca
Project Bio
Novel Stem Cell Delivery Systems to Treat Retinal Degenerative Diseases
Among the tissue engineering goals of the Shoichet bioengineering group is the development of new materials and techniques for cell delivery. My research interests lie at the intersection of neurobiology and applied science, as related to stem cell biology and bioengineering. Stem cells have unique properties of self-renewal and multipotentiality, as well as the potential to replenish multiple adult tissues. In particular, we are interested in designing novel stem cell delivery techniques to treat degenerative diseases of the retina (e.g. macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa). The importance of research in this field cannot be understated: retinal degeneration causes irreversible vision loss for which there is no definitive treatment.
Employment and Education
2007 - present
MD/Ph.D.
University of Toronto
Supervisors: Dr. Molly Shoichet and Dr. Derek van der Kooy
2003-2007
B.Sc.E. in Engineering Chemistry
Queen's University
Honours Supervisor: Dr. Michael Cunningham
2006-2007
NSERC USRA Studentship
Queen's University
Supervisor: Dr. Brian Amsden
2005
NSERC USRA Studentship
Queen's University
Supervisor: Dr. Richard Oleschuk
Awards
CIHR Graduate Training Award - Md/PhD Studentship
McLaughlin Centre for Molecular Medicine (MCMM) Award
