Pieter B
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Stanford University
Expertise
Stem Cell Biology, Tissue Regeneration, Metabolism, Aging, Image Processing
Bio
I am a stem cell biologist who is fascinated by the processes that maintain tissue integrity and restore tissue function after injury. In many adult tissues, stem cell function naturally declines during aging, leading to impaired tissue regeneration. While exploring practicable interventions that can help maintain or improve stem cell function during aging, I have developed a unique background at the intersection of stem cells, muscle and fat biology, aging, and metabolism. My academic pursuits have broadly included the impacts of diet, exercise, and antioxidant metabolism on stem cell aging. My personal interests include economics, exercise, sports, and moral philosophy. I am a retired rugby player and a Springboks supporter. As a father of two and a medical student, I have little time for hobbies, but my favorite ones are reading and barbecuing. I also love animals, especially dogs.Project ideas
Fundamentals of stem cell biology
My primary area of expertise is stem cell and tissue regeneration. In this project, students will choose a regenerative adult tissue and write a scientific review about the resident stem cells of that tissue. The goal is for students to understand the fundamental role of stem cells during tissue regeneration and highlight the characteristic features of a specific stem cell population (eg. from muscle, liver, brain). Students will learn the answers to fundamental questions about stem cell biology, such as, “What is a stem cell? What do stem cells do prior to and after injury? How do they respond to injury? How do they form new tissues?” The outcome of this project will be a review article that can be submitted to a high school-level scientific journal.
Introduction to computational analysis of biological images.
One of my areas of expertise is automated biological image analysis. Microscopy imaging is a common and useful tool to readout biological data. Processing and analyzing biological images are important skills for biologists to acquire if they are to become independent researchers. In this project, students will develop basic skills in quantifying biological images using introductory level Python script. Students will be presented with microscopy images and will learn to extract useful information, such as pixel colocalization. Using introductory level Python-based data visualization, students will compile the relevant information into graphs and interpret the information. The outcome of this project will be a set of Python scripts that 1) reads and quantifies biological imaging data and 2) plots the relevant data intuitively. Given enough time, students could compile these scripts into a standalone desktop application.