Dr. Ryan Driskell
Dr. Driskell is the head of the Fibroblast and Skin Regeneration Laboratory at the School of Molecular Biosciences in Washington State University. He trained as a Cell and Developmental Biologists in the laboratory of Dr. John Engelhardt at the University of Iowa where he received his Ph.D. in 2006 studying lung biology and Wnt signaling. Dr. Driskell did his post-doctoral training in Dr. Fiona Watt’s Laboratories at Cambridge University and King’s College London in the UK, where he established a functional fibroblast lineage hierarchy that is important in regulating the architectural nature of skin development and wound repair. The Driskell Laboratory utilizes the transgenic mouse technologies in conjunction with molecular and histological techniques to deduce an understanding to induce skin regeneration.
Dr. Iwona Driskell
Dr. Driskell has a BS and MS in Biochemistry from University of Illinois and University of Iowa respectively. She moved to the United Kingdom and obtained her Ph.D. at University of Cambridge in stem cell biology while working in the laboratory of Dr. Michaela Frye. Her graduate work focused on defining an understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that regulate stem cells in the hair follicle during homeostasis and wound repair. Following graduation, Dr. Driskell joined the biotech industry as a specialist providing technical support for customer at stem cell focused companies (Axol Biosciences Ltd. and STEMCELL Technologies Inc.). On her return to the United States, she joined WSU and is currently an Assistant Research Professor investigating the mechanisms involved in wound healing and how to manipulate fibroblasts to induce skin regeneration
Quan Phan
Quan Phan is a graduate student in the School of Molecular Biosciences. He joined the Driskell Lab in spring 2019, during which time he has focused on developmental biology, skin cell differentiation, and next-generation sequencing. After he completes his PhD, Quan hopes to continue his research in the field of translational science. During his free time, Quan enjoys building custom keyboards.
Jasson Makkar
Jasson Makkar is a graduate student in the School of Molecular Biosciences. He joined the Driskell Lab in spring 2022, during which time he has focused on manipulating genes for treatment of disease and disorders.
Sean Thompson
Sean Thompson is a first-year graduate student in the School of Molecular Biosciences. He joined the Driskell Lab as a freshman in fall 2018 and has been involved ever since, focusing on skin development and wound healing. After Sean completes his PhD, he hopes to continue his research as a post-doc or start his own lab. Interestingly, Sean is an identical twin — but he’ll never say if he’s the good or evil twin.
Isabelle Busch
Isabelle Busch is a senior biology major in the School of Biological Sciences. She joined the Driskell Lab in fall 2021, during which time she has focused on skin development, structure, and healing, especially in exotic animals. Following graduation, Isabelle plans to tap into the ecology and evolution focus of her biology major by writing about the natural world and how to conserve it. Interestingly, Isabelle’s favorite species is Corvus corax, or the common raven — which she finds fascinating for the dialectal differences across regions.
Matteo Corneto
Matteo Corneto is a senior genetics and cell biology major in the School of Molecular Biosciences. He joined the lab in summer 2022 and is interested in researching how model organisms serve as analogs for humans. After graduating, he hopes to join a research program focusing on inheritable genetic diseases. In his free time, Matteo folds origami, which he has been doing for 13 years. Some of his pieces have appeared in exhibits.
Maxwell Franz
Maxwell Franz is a senior economics major in the School of Economic Sciences. He joined the lab in fall 2022 to explore alternative ways of visualizing data, with the goal of making scientific findings more accessible. Following graduation, Max hopes to pursue a career in science communication or developing laboratory equipment. In his free time, Max loves to paint and try new foods that he cooks.
Tommy Duong
Tommy Duong is a second year electrical engineering major in the Voiland School of Architecture and Engineering. He joined the Driskell Lab in 2022 focusing on developing tools for skinregeneration.com as well as combining the use of artificial intelligence with biology. After graduating, he hopes to pursue a field in developing technology and software. On his free time, he develops his skill as a digital artist.
Sam Kindl
Sam Kindl is a second-year genetics and cell biology major in the School of Molecular Biosciences. He has been involved with the Driskell Lab since fall 2021, and his research focuses on aging, longevity, and the biological applications of machine learning. Following graduation, Sam hopes to go to graduate school with the ultimate goal of becoming a professor. In his free time, Sam enjoys working with computers. He programed the third version of skinregeneration.com, creating the site from the ground up.
Sydney Spires
Sydney Spires is a second-year biology major in the School of Biological Sciences. She has been involved in the Driskell Lab since spring 2022, and her research focuses on keloid scars and using animal models to develop scar treatments for humans. After she graduates, Sydney plans to attend medical school specializing in pediatrics or another field that interests her along the way. In her free time, Sydney can be found playing soccer or painting.
Joyce Lee
Joyce Lee is a second-year biology major in the School of Biological Sciences. She joined the Driskell Lab in spring 2021 because she is interested in dermatology. Since then, she has researched how skin develops and regenerates over time. Following graduation, Joyce plans to attend medical school to become a dermatologist. In her free time, Joyce loves to stay active at the gym.
Corin Yanke
Corin Yanke is a junior biochemistry major in the School of Molecular Biosciences. She has been involved with the Driskell Lab since fall 2021, during which time she has focused on skin cancer and how the structure of skin changes between healthy and diseased samples. After she graduates, Corin plans to go to medical school with the eventual goal of becoming a dermatologist specializing in Mohs and skin surgery. In her free time, Corin loves to be active playing sports such as soccer and hockey.
Violet Yaple
Violet Yaple is a senior biochemistry major in the School of Molecular Biosciences. She has been involved with the Driskell Lab since summer 2022, working on histology imaging and cellular developments that could lead to medical advancements. After she graduates, Violet plans to go to medical school. In her free time, Violet enjoys spending time with her cat — who has several extra toes.
Jed Canfield
Jed Canfield is a four-year biochemistry major in the School of Molecular Biosciences. He joined the Driskell Lab in fall 2021 with hopes of helping medical patients. During that time, his research has focused on cell signaling of the skin and differences in skin across body regions. After he graduates from WSU, Jed plans to attend medical school and conduct research so he can help as many people as possible. During his free time, Jed volunteers as a firefighter/EMT in Pullman and Whitman County.
Anisha Karnik
Anisha Karnik is a second-year bioengineering major in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. She joined the Driskell Lab in fall 2022 after meeting other members at an undergraduate research fair. She is interested in combining medical sciences with technology to create new products. After graduation, she will pursue a PhD before working in the bioengineering industry. Interestingly, Anisha lived in five different states during the first five years of her life.