Dr. Lorena Maili, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Trainor Lab at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research has embarked on a journey of understanding within the realm of craniofacial developmental biology. Her path to this specialized field was an organic evolution, guided by a passion for science and an innate curiosity about the intricacies of life's fundamental processes. Reflecting on her initial inclination toward journalism during high school, Dr. Maili's trajectory took an unexpected turn when an internship at the Houston Chronicle sparked an interest in science. Her journey meandered through different scientific disciplines, from psychology to neuroscience, finally settling into the realm of molecular biology.
Her fascination with understanding the human body and an insatiable thirst for research led her to delve deeper into the mysteries of biological processes, particularly in craniofacial development. Through her academic journey and hands-on experiences, Dr. Maili discovered her love for basic science, especially within the context of craniofacial biology and genetics. In her postdoctoral role at the Stowers Institute, Dr. Maili focuses on neural crest cells (NCCs), which play a pivotal role in forming facial bone and cartilage. Her research is centered on understanding the sensitivity of NCCs to disruptions in protein translation, aiming to uncover why these cells are particularly affected and whether similar sensitivities exist in other stem cell populations.
A key aspect of Dr. Maili's work is the translational impact. She emphasizes the importance of fundamental research in laying the groundwork for potential therapeutic interventions and improved surgical outcomes. Her current project investigates the developmental aspects and sensitivities of neural crest cells while simultaneously exploring stem cell populations in the face, envisioning a future where these findings can inform better therapeutic strategies.
What sets Dr. Maili's work apart is her holistic approach. She not only delves into the intricacies of molecular and cellular processes but also aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications. Her efforts to quantify craniofacial phenotypes and establish a quantitative basis for understanding facial differences highlight her commitment to a comprehensive understanding of craniofacial development.
Furthermore, Dr. Maili actively seeks collaborative opportunities, promoting interdisciplinary interactions between basic researchers and clinicians. Her initiatives include continuing the organization of The Translational Research Seminar Series bringing together researchers from the Stowers Institute, Children’s Mercy Hospital, the University of Kansas Medical Center, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City to foster collaboration and share insights.
Beyond her scientific endeavors, Dr. Maili remains dedicated to understanding the human side of craniofacial disorders. Her participation in a family retreat for the disorder she studies provided invaluable insights into the personal struggles and clinical complexities faced by affected individuals and their families, “Although I had read many research articles describing the numerous clinical challenges that patients with craniofacial disorders and their families encounter, hearing firsthand accounts of these experiences during the retreat added an important context to this knowledge, and helped to further solidify for me the importance of our lab’s research.”
Dr. Maili's hopes to begin unraveling the intricacies of ribosome biogenesis and its impact on craniofacial development, shedding light on postnatal consequences and potential therapeutic windows. Her work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also holds promise for practical applications in treating craniofacial disorders.
As she continues her journey in craniofacial research, Dr. Maili embodies the spirit of lifelong learning, collaboration, and a deep commitment to making meaningful contributions to understanding and treating craniofacial anomalies. Her unwavering dedication to this challenging yet critical field shines as a beacon of hope for better futures for those affected by craniofacial disorders.
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