Objectives
The objective of this IMPSS interest group is to engage with early career scientists within the microphysiological systems field to provide opportunities to learn, network, and present, in order to build a positive and supportive IMPSS early career community.
Short Term Goals:
- To establish needs of early career IMPSS members.
- To set up a social media community for the interest group.
- To host a series of career development workshops.
Long Term Goals:
- To create a platform to host MPS job openings.
- To create an online community forum to allow members to engage with each other.
- To establish an MPS mentoring program to support early career members.
Chairs
Ana Mora-Boza
Ana Mora-Boza is a Postdoctoral Fellow working at Georgia Tech in Atlanta (US). With a specialization in biotechnology and a strong focus on biomaterials research, Ana obtained her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering in 2020 from the Spanish National Research Council and the Carlos III University in Madrid (Spain). During her postdoctoral period, she participated in the HOPE project, funded by Wellcome Leap. The project aims to leverage the power of bioengineering to advance stem cells, organoids, and whole organ systems and connections that recapitulate human physiology in vitro and restore vital functions in vivo. In 2021, Ana was awarded a Marie Curie Fellowship from the European Commission and is leading the project "SYNMAT FOR ORGANOIDS" focused on the high throughput generation of intestinal organoids using synthetic materials. Outside the lab, she loves gardening and painting animals using watercolors.
Jack R. Thornton
Dr Jack R. Thornton is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins University (US). He earned his Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biology and Neuroscience from Newcastle University (UK) in 2023, where his work centred on neural differentiation and the development of human in vitro models of nociception. His current research focuses on developing human brain organoids integrated with microglia to model neurofibromatosis type 1, neuroimmune interactions, and the foundations of organoid intelligence. At Johns Hopkins, Jack also contributes to community leadership as Co-Chair of the Bloomberg School of Public Health Committee for the Johns Hopkins Postdoctoral Association, Postdoctoral Representative for the department of Environmental Health and Engineering, and member of the management committee for the Annual Postdoctoral Conference. Outside of research, he enjoys calligraphy and exploring the outdoors through hiking and bushcraft.