Discovery Program Awarded to Dr. Xiaofeng Jia by the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF)

Dr. Jia has been awarded a $345,000 Discovery Program over a two-year period from Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF). Stem cell research offers extraordinary promise for new medical therapies and a better understanding of debilitating human diseases, injuries and conditions. The development of new medical strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of human diseases, injuries and conditions through human stem cell research is a high priority for the State of Maryland.

This proposal will investigate the effect of neural crest stem cells therapy delivered by 3D printing of bifurcated multi-gradient nerve scaffold in a peripheral nerve defect repair animal model via histopathological, electrophysiological and functional outcome measurements. Dr. Jia collaborates on this project with Dr. Gabsang Lee, Assistant Professor, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, and Institute of Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University.

In addition, Dr. Jia is also collaborated with Dr. Blake N. Johnson, Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech.