Julie Chen

Julie Chen seeks to uncover mechanisms of cellular decision-making and to eventually apply these insights toward engineering cells and tissues to improve human health through regenerative medicine. She plans to pursue a doctorate in cellular and developmental biology at Rockefeller University.

As an undergraduate in computer science at Stanford University, Chen worked on a range of projects, from studying lysosomal metabolism and aging to developing machine learning methods for the emergency department. She eventually became fascinated with studying complex biological systems and the regulation of cell fates. Working with Dr. Kyle Loh, she developed a novel method to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into putative umbilical cord progenitors. Chen applied this in vitro system to understand when and how cells decide to become umbilical cord versus other tissues such as the heart. Chen’s work has been recognized by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship.

Chen grew up in Salem, Oregon.