More than seven million people in the US struggle to see. While most are not completely blind they have difficulty with, or simply can’t do, daily tasks most of us take for granted. CIRM has committed more than $100 million to 17 projects trying to solve this unmet medical need. Two of those projects have begun clinical trials testing cell therapies in patients.

Wednesday, October 14th 2015 marks Stem Cell Awareness Day, which brings together organizations and individuals around the world working to ensure that we realize the benefits of one of the most promising fields of science in our time. The day is a unique global opportunity to foster greater understanding about stem cell research and the range of potential applications for disease and injury. UC Santa Barbara researchers participated in the event with local outreach talks in Santa Barbara at the Vista Del Monte Retirement Community, the annual meeting of the UCSB Board of Trustees, and at San Marcos High School. In addition, our latest research was presented at scientific meetings, including the Stem Cell Meeting on the Mesa, the American Association of Blood Banks, and the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine in London. UC Santa Barbara is at the forefront of research in stem cell biology and engineering, with advances being made in understanding molecular mechanisms of stem cell biology, the discoveries of novel biotechnologies, and translation of cellular therapies for ocular disease. For information, please see www.stemcell.ucsb.edu.

Roxanne Croze was one of 19 United States Delegates to participate in the Meeting of the Nobel Laureates, Physiology and Medicine. She interacted with over 600 young researchers and 37 Nobel Laureates from 80 countries in a week long conference. 

As one of her faculty references states, “In my 25 years at UCSB, she ranks at the very top in terms of teaching ability and enthusiasm for science education and teaching. She is also an intelligent and capable researcher with a strong and passionate commitment to science, and she is already making an impact on the field. She is one of a kind!”