Member Spotlight: Ya-Wen Chen, PhD

Ya-Wen Chen, PhD
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA

Hometown
Changhua, Taiwan

Current Residence
New York, USA

Graduate Degree
PhD

Postdoc Work
Stem cell biology and lung biology

Current Position
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Co-Director of the Center for Epithelial and Airway Biology and Regeneration, Director of Basic Research Science of Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

• What is the current focus of your research?

  My lab focuses on applying human pluripotent stem cells as a model to study the mechanisms of lung injury repair and to model disease and to ultimately apply stem cell-derived lung stem/progenitor or mature airway/alveolar epithelial cells to lung injury repair, stem cell-based therapy, and regenerative medicine.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  A leading cause of death and disability, respiratory diseases affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and include cancer, influenza, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), cystic fibrosis (CF) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For some of these diseases, the only definitive treatment is lung transplantation. However, there is a severe shortage of donor organs, because only one out of five donor lungs meet the criteria for transplantation. As an alternative treatment, can we use stem cells to promote normal lung injury repair, to reconstruct a function lung in vitro for transplantation, or to regenerate a functional lung in situ inside a patient's body? I believe the answer is YES!

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  I have always been a person with endless curiosity and have been drawn to science and my work because it gives me the greatest satisfaction of finding answers that allow me to tackle vexing clinical problems and offer real solutions. Moreover, I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my amazing mentors, who have supported me throughout my entire career journey, from my high school days to my current position as a faculty member. Thanks to their guidance and encouragement, I have been able to pursue my passion and achieve my goals. It is truly fulfilling to be in a position where I can now offer the same level of support and mentorship to my mentees.

• What is the most exciting aspect of your work?

  Everything (when it works)!

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  My research career began as a high school student where I studied how serotonin controls blood sugar using crayfish as a model. I recall having to chase and catch crayfishes escaping from their housing facility in the sewer systems. During my PhD training, I was introduced to the concept of stem cells and became fascinated by how they could regenerate the skin. This led me to choose stem cell-related research for my postdoctoral training. Little did I know at the time that this decision would become a game-changer for my career, opening up new and exciting opportunities that I never imagined possible.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  Maintain your curiosity and make sure this is something that you love! Dream big and in the meantime know what's missing in pursuing your dream and try to make it up. Don't be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  My fascination with stem cell regenerative therapies began during my PhD studies, as I became intrigued by their potential to benefit humanity. I have been fortunate to have great mentors throughout my journey exploring stem cell research, who have shown trust in me and supported my pursuit of crazy ideas.

• How do you spend your free time?

  When I have free time, I enjoy engaging in a variety of hobbies. I find it relaxing to create moss terrariums and breed strawberry plants. I also like to hang out with my friends and catch up with them over coffee or a meal. If I have more leisure time, I enjoy playing video games and reading comic books to unwind and escape into different worlds. Additionally, I have been thinking about snowboarding again after taking a five-year break. It would be great to hit the slopes and enjoy the thrill of the sport once more.

• What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?

  That I am actually a shy person and I won't be able to connect peoples’ names and faces unless we’ve met and talked for more than three times.

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  I appreciate the network of scientific experts and professionals, as well as the friendly and inclusive environment that ISSCR provides. Being a member allows me to stay up to date with the latest developments in stem cell science and collaborate with like-minded individuals from around the world.

• What does LGBTQ+ representation in science and your field mean to you?

  I am a strong supporter and advocator for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. As an out gay faculty, LGBTQ+ representation in science and my field is important to me. It's crucial for everyone to feel included and valued in their workplace and community, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect of their identity. Having more LGBTQ+ individuals visible in science can help break down stereotypes and biases and create a more welcoming and diverse environment for everyone. It's also important to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have equal opportunities to succeed in their chosen field and that their contributions are recognized and celebrated. Ultimately, promoting LGBTQ+ representation in science and my field is about creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all.