Los Angeles Biotech Center

LABC’s Winter Education Programs ❄️🔬

This winter, students in our Methods in Stem Cell Engineering program explored how scientists study cancer at the genetic level using RNA interference (RNAi)—a powerful technique to “turn off” specific genes.

By targeting Oct-4, a gene linked to stem cell identity and cancer, students designed and conducted their own experiments to better understand cancer stem cells—the drivers of tumor growth.

We also welcomed:
✨ CIRM Bridges scholars from Pasadena City College (Dec 15–21) for Advanced Stem Cell Techniques
✨ CIRM COMPASS students from CSU San Bernadino CSUSB (Jan 5–9) for hands-on mammalian cell culture training

Hands-on science. Real-world impact. The next generation of researchers starts here.

The LA Biotech Center is proud to welcome Dr. Yesai Fstkchyan as our new Director of Research and Education!

Dr. Fstkchyan, a cell-biologist and bioengineer, earned his BS in Cell & Molecular Biology from CSUN and his PhD from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His research uses CRISPR genome editing to study how DNA and the Y chromosome influence stem cell growth and bladder cancer.

In his new role, he will lead education programs, mentor students, and launch research services for biotech companies. This June, he will also introduce a hands-on research training program for high school students, helping expand opportunities for young scientists.

The LA Biotech Center is excited to partner with UC Santa Barbara to deliver a four-day advanced stem cell training through the CIRM-funded SRL Program.

Led by renowned scientist Dennis Clegg, the program expands access to advanced adult pluripotent stem cell techniques for students and professionals.

We’re incredibly proud of our Santa Barbara participants — your dedication and curiosity truly stood out. Wishing you continued success in your scientific journeys!

The LA Biotech Center has welcomed 20 college students from Cal State Long Beach and Cal State Northridge for an intensive 7-day training program in Advanced Stem Cell Techniques 🧫🔬

Funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), these students are now beginning year-long internships at leading research universities across Southern California, including UCLA, USC, and UCI!

For more than 15 years, LA Biotech Center has partnered with colleges and universities to prepare students for careers in biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and stem cell research.

We’re proud to help train the next generation of scientists and innovators.

...your new and improved destination for program information, course registration, and updates. Please note that visitors to our old website, stemcellpath.com, will be automatically redirected to our new website.
https://labiotechcenter.com/
Email: [email protected]

Week 12 concluded our summer school at the LA Biotech Center! ⚡️
Students dove into the science behind superspeed, inspired by The Flash, exploring whether muscle stem cells could power real-life regenerative abilities. 🧬
With mentorship and teamwork, they designed authentic experiments and showcased their findings to scientists and parents during a final poster presentation — celebrating a summer of creativity, curiosity, and innovation! 💡
Labiotechcenter.com
Email: [email protected]

For Week 10 at LA Biotech Center, our Regenerative Medicine & Disease Modeling students explored how stem cells can be used to study heart disease and carried out their own independent research! 💙
They designed experiments testing how the chemotherapy drug 5-FU affects cancer cell growth — gaining real-world lab experience and learning how data drives discovery. 🔬👏
Labiotechcenter.com
Email: [email protected]

During Week 10 at LA Biotech Center, high school students explored the fascinating world of stem cell biology.
Through hands-on experiments, they studied cancer stem cells, neural stem cells (neurospheres), and human induced pluripotent stem cells—learning how migration assays reveal important insights about cancer.
We are so proud to see the next generation of scientists growing their passion for research! 🌱🔬
Labiotechcenter.com
Info@labiotechcenter

Week 9 of Summer School featured our Regenerative Medicine and Disease Modeling Program students!
Our high school students got hands-on experience making stem cells from patient skin samples and studying heart disease in the lab 🧬
We’re so proud of the creativity, teamwork, and scientific thinking they brought to the lab and the classroom 💡💉
Labiotechcenter.com
Email: [email protected]

Week 8 at the LA Biotech Center was a week to remember!
Our amazing group of middle schoolers spent a week learning how to:
✔️ Clone the insulin gene
✔️ Engineer cells to make meat & insulin
✔️ Use bioreactors and chromatography
✔️ Culture muscle stem cells in a real biotech lab!
We’re so proud of these young scientists and excited to see how they’ll change the world. 🌍💖
Thanks to our incredible mentors and staff who made this all possible!
Labiotechcenter.com
Email: [email protected]