University of Illinois College of Medicine Welcomes Dr. Constance Cepko for Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
On Tuesday, April 8, the University of Illinois College of Medicine welcomed Constance Cepko, PhD as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. Dr. Cepko is the Bullard Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She received her PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she was involve in the development of retrovirus-mediated gene transduction into the nervous system for lineage analysis and for studies of gene function in vivo.
Dr. Cepko's current research is focused on the development of diseases of the retina, addressing questions regarding the mechanisms of cell fate determination through the analysis of the behavior of progenitor and stem cells, and developing gene-agnostic gene therapy to prolong vision. Her lecture detailed her research into rod and cone degeneration and various therapies her team is testing to curb degeneration once it begins.
Prior to giving her lecture, Dr. Cepko met with students to discuss careers in research, mentorship and lab opportunities, and building a strong support system during medical or graduate school. Her unique insight into career medical science through the path of graduate studies rather than the MD track gave student attendees the opportunity to inquire about career mapping from a different angle.
The Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series was launched in the fall of 2022 in order to highlight research topics that integrate efforts by multidisciplinary teams. The purpose of the Series is to expose all members of the UI COM research community to leading-edge science that involves both the depth and the breadth of scientific knowledge and technical expertise.