Member Spotlight: Valentina Fossati, PhD

Valentina Fossati, PhD
New York Stem Cell Foundation, USA

Hometown
Rovigo, Italy

Current Residence
New York, United States

Graduate Degree
2008, PhD in stem Cell Biology, University of Bologna, Italy

Postdoc Work
2008-2010 Black family Stem Cell Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY and NYSCF-Druckenmiller fellowship

Current Position
Senior Research Investigator at the New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute

ISSCR Participation
Speaker during the Modeling Brain Development and Disease  session at the 2025 Athens International Symposium

• What is the current focus of your research?

  I am working on developing human stem cell-based models of the central nervous system, with a specific focus on glial cells and their interactions with neurons. My goals is to establish innovative tools to study neurodegenerative diseases, where animal models often fall short, to identify and target the key glia-driven pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and demyelination. My primary interest is oligodendrocytes and the process of myelination, including strategies to protect these cells and promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases.

• How would you explain the significance of this work to a lay audience?

  I work on a new field that allows scientist to generate stem cells from each individual's blood and then to create models of the human brain in a dish, something that was considered science-fiction when I took my first biology classes. I focus on making the support cells called glia, to study how they interact with the neurons and how they change in disease. My goal is to develop new ways to study diseases like multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer that animal models can’t fully explain. I’m particularly interested in a type of glial cell called oligodendrocytes, which form the protective coating around nerve fibers. I aim to find ways to protect these cells and repair damage to this coating, which could lead to new treatments for multiple sclerosis, other brain diseases, and potentially also aging.

• What do you find most rewarding about your work?

  Watching mature cells under the microscope and witnessing their incredible transformation over the months from stem cells into entirely different specialized cells cells is something that continues to inspire me. However, what I find most rewarding is following the progress of my mentees, seeing them grow in their careers, and maintaining the passion for science and research

• What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?

  When I was young, I lost people close to me to cancer, including a classmate who was just 11 years old. Those experiences sparked a strong desire to make a difference and work toward changing these outcomes. I joined a lab focused on hematopoietic stem cells, but during my time there, we began a new project on mesenchymal stem cells. I was blown away by the immense potential of stem cells and regenerative medicine and I decided to pursue it further, eventually working with embryonic stem cells and later with induced pluripotent stem cells as soon as they were discovered.

• What guidance would you share in talking with trainees interested in pursuing your area of research?

  Love it or leave it. There is no other way when it comes to being a scientist. Stem cell research, in particular, requires immense commitment and countless extra hours. If you are truly passionate about this field, prioritize finding a great mentor to guide you along the way, rather than choosing a specific subject area.

• Do you have any mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your stem cell work?

  My first mentor, Professor Bagnara, was a true visionary and an enthusiastic guide who taught me to think big and always follow my passion. in NYC I was incredibly incredibly fortunate to first be exposed to the Keller lab, to meet Susan Solomon (NYSCF co-founder) and become part of the NYSCF Innovator Community, which has been a constant source of inspiration. Above all, remarkable scientists like Valentina Greco, our current ISSCR President, Paola Arlotta, and Malin Parmar, as well as Derrick Rossi, Paul Tesar, Marius Wernig, to name just a few. And Steve Goldman specifically for oligodendrocyte studies.

• How do you spend your free time?

  Being a mother and cooking take up most of my time, but whenever I can, I love to travel and practice yoga.

• What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?

  I only studied French at school, so I had to learn english when I moved to the States. I am not at all a quiet person by nature, I simply don't have the right words to express myself most of the times.

• What do you most value about your membership with the ISSCR?

  I have been part of ISSCR for a very long time, throughout my journey from graduate student to PI. It is at the ISSCR annual conference in 2005 that I was presented with the opportunity to join a stem cell lab in US, a decision that completely transformed my life. This has created a very special connection to the ISSCR community, where I've formed many lasting friendships and found a continuous source of inspiration.

• What excites you most about ISSCR 2025 in Hong Kong?

  Each city adds its own unique flavor to the conference. In Hong Kong, we can expect to see a stronger presence of researchers from Asia and Oceania, and I' m excited to learn more about their groundbreaking discoveries.