Anoothi Seth
Project Manager of Organoid Models
anoothi.seth@med.usc.edu
Anoothi Seth brings expertise in stem cell and organoid culture, with experience developing the Quadrato-lab human iPSC-derived cerebellar organoids protocol and establishing this complex model to investigate neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases in the human cerebellum. They are now generating iPSC derived kidney organoids from the Lindström lab to develop clinically important models for human renal cell-types. They have a passion for teaching and learning and completed their Master’s in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, with an emphasis in Stem Cell Technology and Laboratory Management, from California State University, Channel Islands.

Kari Koppitch
Project Manager of Genomics and Transcriptomics
kari.koppitch@med.usc.edu
Kari Koppitch has extensive experience in single-cell and single-nuclei technologies and a track-record of applying these to produce high-impact publications. Her work has explored mechanisms of stem cell biology and in vivo development and she masters a broad range of applied and computational technologies. She is also an excellent teacher with enthusiasm for educating the next generation of scientists. She completed a BS. in Neuroscience from the University of Florida, a Master’s in Stem Cell Biology from California State University, Fullerton, before applying her skills in the labs of developmental biologists Eric Davidson at Caltech and Andrew McMahon at USC.

Nils Lindström, PhD
Program Director
nils.lindstrom@med.usc.edu
Dr. Nils Lindström and his group delineate cellular diversity-forming programs in the nephron and build systems to generate functional nephron cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Using multiomic, spatial transcriptomic, and new imaging modalities, his lab contrasts features of human development, stem-cell derived organoids, and pediatric tumors to engineer artificial kidneys and understand disease origins.

Giorgia Quadrato, PhD
Program Director
giorgia.quadrato@med.usc.edu
Dr. Giorgia Quadrato and her lab focus on understanding the cellular and molecular basis of human brain development and disease. By combining the use of emerging models of the human brain with single cell omics approaches, her lab is aiming to identify cell type specific disease mechanisms, and above all, new treatments for human neurodevelopmental disorders.

Francesca Mariani, PhD
Program Director of Education
fmariani@usc.edu
A leading scientist in the field of stem cell and developmental biology, Dr. Francesca Mariani and her team focus on the role of stem cells in large-scale cartilage and bone regeneration. She is a sought-after educator who has created independent cutting-edge research opportunities in her lab for students from the high school to PhD levels. She directs USC’s MS program in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, is the Program Director for the CIRM EDUC4 training grant, and guides USC CIRM COMPASS students through the USC curriculum.

Louise M. Menendez, PhD
Curriculum Coordinator & Instructor
lmenende@usc.edu
Dr. Louise M. Menendez is an accomplished Assistant Teaching Professor in the department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. With a PhD in Neuroscience from USC, her research focused on developing in vitro models of inner ear sensory cells through cellular reprogramming. Dr. Menendez’s expertise spans cellular, molecular, and developmental biology. Her teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and master’s level courses in stem cell biology, gene editing, and scientific research. She is actively involved in curriculum development and academic advising, as well as leading intensive laboratory training programs. Her previous roles include adjunct professorships at Long Beach City College and Los Angeles Mission College, where she taught a range of biology courses.