As MSc student in laboratory of Prof. Yoshio Masui,
Department of Zoology, University of Toronto, 1986-1988.
When I entered graduate school to study developmental biology I was guided to follow my heart.
Forty years on, my fascination with how organisms develop from single cells has taken me across disciplines, institutions, sectors, and continents.
Knowledge for knowledge sake
Advancing science, technologies and their applications begins with a fundamental interest to understand. I wanted to answer questions about how life begins from single cells.
This began with what makes a good egg, and how early embryonic cells develop and communicate with each other to form new tissues.
Confocal immunofluorescence image of gap junction protein connexin43 localising at intercellular boundries of compacting mouse embryo. Investigated in PhD Thesis research, laboratory of Prof. Gerald Kidder, Department of Zoology, University of Western Ontario. 1989-1993.
Dolly the sheep was the first animal cloned from an adult cell. This revised perspectives on the potential to reset the expression of genentic information in cells.
Joining the team responsible at the Roslin Institute in Scotland was my once in a lifetime opportunity to grow beyond my wildest dreams.
Dolly, (1996-2003), the first animal cloned from an adult cell in research led by Prof. Ian Wilmut at the Roslin Institute.
Applying knowledge for biotechnology
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Applying knowledge for biotechnology –
Discovery and practical application of knowledge is doubly challenging and gratifying. For me, it required developing basic understanding, methods and tools for cloning other species and for cellular reprogramming.
Demonstration of micromanipulation of sheep eggs prior to enucleation n somatic cell nuclear transfer by Dr William Ritchie at the Roslin Institute .
From animal cloning to human stem cells
Human pluripotent stem cell colonies merged in the shape of a valentine heart sorounded by spontaneously differentiating cells. Courtesy of Dr Erini Koutsouraki, PhD student in my University of Edinburgh laboratory, 2009-2013.
Following my heart has taken me from totipotent embryos to pluripotent stem cells discovering biology, innovating technology and manufacturing cells in support of the applications they serve. This is my grounding to help you on your journey.
Paul in Soalheira, Portugal, 2024
My Values
As an academic scientist, mentor, biotechnolgy entrepreneur, husband and father I believe in:
Authenticity, that is grounded in experience,
Transparency, backed by evidence based thinking,
Advocacy, to raise standards & build communities, and
Heart, to find your way.