Tracie Ferreira

Biography

Ph.D. in Microbiology, Georgetown University, 1996 BA in Biology/Chemistry, Wheaton College, 1990

Research Interest

Biological engineering: how do we define a biological system and understand the components that drive the formation and processes of that system?  Organisms use complex pathways and signals to elicit very specific developmental outcomes as well as to regulate day to day activities. Using the zebrafish Danio rerio as a model for development we ask questions regarding the cell signals that drive development of craniofacial elements as well as the signals required for tissue regeneration in the zebrafish.  Due to the evolutionary conservation of genes and proteins between humans and lower vertebrates such as zebrafish, we can apply what we learn in this model to various goals in bioengineering.  Understanding multipotent cell types and the signals required for their differentiation generates the potential to assist in designing tissue engineering experiments. Furthermore, understanding the characteristics of the zebrafish that allow them to regenerate fins, heart and liver tissue will help us define events that may lead to potential therapies in humans who have lost the ability to regenerate most tissues.