Stephan Emmrich
Visiting Postdoctoral Fellow, The Gorbunova Lab
You work in a laboratory. What are you currently researching?
I am comparing naked mole rat blood and skin stem cells to those of wild type BL6 mice, rats, and a mouse model overexpressing Hyaluronic Acid Synthase 2 to find new mechanisms of sustained stem cell function at a higher age.
What was it that originally sparked your interest in biology?
Insects - precisely, it was looking at a wasp's face through a binocular with 4x magnification. I felt as though I was looking into the eyes of an alien.
What do you enjoy most about working here at the U of R?
The heartfelt, welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome. Plus, the opportunity to walk to the Medical Center (URMC) every day is great.
What is the most important thing you've learned working here and/or studying biology?
Naked mole rats are fascinating; a genetic and phenotypic treasure trove for life sciences. And they're cute; you just have to look at them a bit longer!
What is one thing about yourself that you'd like more people to know?
I am, through and through, a truly bona fide Star Wars fan and believe that if everyone was, this world could be a better place.