Texas Biomed Staff

Heather Coan

Post-doctoral Scientist | Genetics
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Summary

Dr. Coan came to Texas Biomed in June 2011, bringing expertise in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine along with an interest in the genetics that underlie diseases of the bones and joints. She joined the lab of Lorena Havill, Ph.D., where scientists are looking for biomarkers that can serve as early warning signs of osteoarthritis. With her background in stem cell research and regenerative medicine, Dr. Coan will focus on developing a stem cell program that compliments Dr. Havill’s current osteoarthritis research.  Regenerative medicine is an emerging field that is exploring whether a patient’s own cells can be stimulated to grow the tissues needed to repair damaged bones, joints and other body organs. It is a new avenue of osteoarthritis work that could lead to new treatments for the disease. 


Education

Doctoral Degree: Ph.D. Molecular Genetics (2011)

Wake Forest University School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC

Bachelor's Degree

Appalachian State University Boone, NC

Research Focus

I earned a Ph.D. in molecular genetics with a dissertation topic focused on transcriptional events involved in stem cell osteogenic lineage specification. Inow am  beginning work in the area of transcriptome profiling of cartilage and blood mononuclear cells.  I am interested in making the transition from bone related genetics and expression profiling to osteoarthritis related genetics with a goal of identifying genes and networks that underlie variation in knee osteoarthritis.  My previous work focused on microarrays and determining networks and hubs important in osteogenic gene expression. I also was involved in exposing specific extracellular matrix components vital to the differentiation process. Ultimately, I have a broad interest in the field of musculoskeletal diseases and the underlying genetics.  


A primary focus of my work at Texas Biomed is to establish stem cell-related studies, which will complement the osteoarthritis research being performed in Dr. Havill’s laboratory. I am working to establish cell culture-related projects and standard operating procedures in order to increase the capability of the lab to include stem cell and other primary cell research. I am organizing a San Antonio City-Wide Bone Meet-Up, which will provide networking opportunities among bone researchers in the San Antonio area and will facilitate future collaborations with other investigators in the city.