Engineering Health Equity for Sickle Cell Disease

Mykel Green, PhD
University of Texas at Austin

Abstract: Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people worldwide, yet it has been largely overlooked by the scientific community for decades. Despite significant advancements in gene-editing technology, there remains an urgent need to deepen our understanding of the physiology of the sickle bone marrow microenvironment and stem cell engraftment. This understanding is crucial to ensure the success of future curative hematopoietic stem cell transplants in this complex patient population. To address this challenge, we are focusing on gaining valuable insights from comprehensive exploration of animal models. Our goal is to develop advanced cell-releasing biomaterial carriers specifically designed for stem cell transplantation in sickle cell disease. By combining these biomaterial therapies with a profound understanding of the native pathophysiology, we aim to pave the way for improved treatment strategies not only for sickle cell disease but also for malignant and other hematological disorders.

Biography: Mykel Green is the Provost Early Career Research Fellow in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. His research specializes in understanding the pathology of sickle cell disease and developing new technologies to cure sickle cell disease. Mykel is an alumnus of Morehouse College with a degree in Biology and earned his Ph.D. from The City College of New York in Biomedical Engineering. As an ardent advocate, he promotes participation and empowerment of marginalized communities in STEM, holding key roles in BlackinBME, National Black Postdoc Association, and the Society for Biomaterials Young Scientist Group. Outside the lab, he loves spending time with his family, traveling, and finding new places to eat.