26 August 2025
Lab Members at ISRB 2025
Daniela Muench earned the Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation Award, while Kelsey Scott, Logan Sabin, and Ya-Yin presented posters at the 2025 ISRB conference.
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News
"I hope to continue collaborating with curious and passionate scientists, sharing in their enthusiasm."
What is your current research focus and why?
I study the transcriptional and regulatory signatures of different lateral line cell types, comparing zebrafish and killifish to investigate how changes in genomes shape the diversity of traits in vertebrates. I work on that because I find it fascinating to explore the molecular basis of life’s diversity.
Growing up, what career did you want to pursue?
I didn’t think much about a specific career, but I’ve always loved science and thought math was exciting (I know…).
When and how did you become interested in a career in science?
Since the amber-embedded mosquito in Jurassic Park. Obviously.
What made you decide to join the Piotrowski Lab at the Stowers Institute?
I was drawn to the lab’s expertise in sensory organ development and the lateral line system. Their technical skills in confocal microscopy and single-cell sequencing were also a perfect match for my research goals.
What is your favorite non-research related memory at the Stowers Institute so far?
Discussions in the Café.
What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?
I love going on hikes with my daughter and friends. Or rock climbing. We also recently discovered that roller skating is a lot of fun!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to continue collaborating with curious and passionate scientists, sharing in their enthusiasm. I also hope that academia will keep moving toward creating a healthy environment where creativity and innovation can thrive, both by supporting people and fostering quality science.
What advice do you have for other people curious about a career in science?
Write down what excites you about science, what you love and why it’s fun. Keep that note and revisit it when things get tough. Make sure to bring enough of that interest into your work.
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In The News
25 July 2025
Published in Technology Networks, scientists have discovered how two genes control the regeneration of sensory hair cells in zebrafish, offering new clues for addressing hearing loss in humans. Published in Nature Communications, the study, led by Tatjana Piotrowski, PhD, provides a clearer picture of how stem cells and their progeny divide to replenish damaged tissue – a process that fish perform naturally but humans cannot. These findings could open new avenues for regenerative medicine research targeting hearing and balance disorders.
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In The News
22 July 2025
From SciTechDaily, zebrafish can regrow hearing cells we can’t, and scientists have just found two genes that may explain how. This discovery could pave the way for future therapies to reverse hearing loss in humans.
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In The News
20 July 2025
From StudyFinds, new research from the Piotrowski Lab published in Nature Communications, the study reveals that the regenerative process is far more flexible than previously understood, opening new avenues for therapeutic approaches that don’t rely on traditional cell division pathways.
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