Dr. Diego Correa

Diego Correa, M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D.
USA/Colombia

Profesor Titular del Diplomado de Medicina Regenerativa CCME / ISIENA

Profesor Asistente, University of Miami, School of Medicine:
• Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Sports Medicine
• Diabetes Research Institute & Cell Transplant Center
El Dr. Correa es experto en Biología Celular y Molecular, con especial énfasis en Células Madre Adultas Mesenquimales (MSC) y su aplicación clínica en Medicina Regenerativa. Dirige y participa en múltiples proyectos relacionados con el uso de MSC en las áreas de:
• Ciencia básica, caracterizando subpoblaciones celulares con distintos potenciales terapéuticos.
• Terapia Celular e Ingeniería tisular en lesiones de Cartílago Articular y Hueso.
• Diseño y ejecución de estudios clínicos en las áreas de Ortopedia, Cirugía Vascular, Diabetes tipo I entre otras.
• Descripción del rol de las MSC en metástasis esqueléticas provenientes de melanoma y cáncer de seno.
• Médico-Cirujano de la Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá-Colombia).
• Maestría en Ingeniería Mecánica (Bioingeniería) de la Universidad de Los Andes (Bogotá-Colombia).
• Doctorado en Fisiología Celular y Molecular de la Universidad de Yale (2004-2008) y de la Universidad de Harvard (2008-2009).
• Asociado Sénior de Investigación del Centro de Investigaciones Esqueléticas de la Universidad de Case Western Reserve (laboratorio del Dr. Arnold Caplan), Cleveland, Ohio, USA (2009 – 2015).
Es autor y coautor de numerosos artículos científicos y merecedor de varias distinciones y becas, tales como:
• Premio al Joven Investigador de OARSI (Osteoartritis Research Society International).
• Delegado Especial para la Academy of Achievements (Cumbre Internacional).
• Beca George Robert Pfeiffer de la Gustavus Louise Pfeiffer Research Foundation en Yale University School of Medicine.
• Beca de investigación de la Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá (Colombia).
El Dr. Correa también participa en diversas actividades empresariales, como la creación y evaluación de empresas privadas en las áreas de Medicina Regenerativa y terapias basadas en Células Madre Adultas en América Latina.

M.D. with engineering (Biomedical Engineering – M.Sc.) and basic science (Cellular & Molecular Physiology – Ph.D.) training, offering over 15 years of basic and translational research experience in the areas of adult Stem Cell Biology andRegenerative Medicine, with emphasis on:
– Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Biology and Stem Cell-based Therapy
– Tissue Engineering (tissue injury and repair)
– Molecular Orthopaedics & Orthobiologics
– Adult Stem Cells in Islet transplantation for type 1 Diabetes Mellitus therapy International consultant, lecturer and instructor in the areas of Regenerative Medicine and Adult Stem Cell Biology/Therapy:

– Live events (2011 – present).
– Online courses (2015 – 2016): http://worldwidemedicalexchange.org/content/medicina-regenerativa

Plus: 6 years of experience creating/supporting successful private start-up companies in the areas of Regenerative Medicine and adult stem cell-based therapies.

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA:
Date and place of birth: 5/1/1973 – Bogotá (Colombia)
Migratory status: Permanent resident (January 2013)CURRENT ACADEMIC POSITION:
Assistant Professor (Research):
Dept. of Orthopaedics (Division of Sports Medicine)
Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) & Cell Transplant Center
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
1450 NW 10th Ave, Room 3014 Miami, FL 33136

– Adjunct Assistant Professor: 
Dept. of Biology, Skeletal Research Center.
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OHCOMMERCIAL / INDUSTRY-RELATED ACTIVITIES:
1. Founder & Owner: Lumos Biomed Consulting, LLC: Medical & Scientific consulting in the areas of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Biology/Therapies and Biotechnology; USA; 2016 – present
2. Shareholder & Strategic Scientific Consultant: Institute for Tissue Regeneration (Colombia); 2011 – present.
Private company (acquired by Procaps SA group), specialized on the generation of Regenerative Medicine-based products such as the autologous regenerative biomembrane – Cytogel®.
3. Scientific Advisory Boards (SAB) / Scientific Advisor:
– Society for Worldwide Medical Exchange, USA, 2016 – present
– Top Health Regenerative Medicine, Mexico, 2016 – present.
– Regenerative Medicine LLC, USA, 2015 – present
– Procaps SA, Cellular Medicine, Colombia, 2014-present.
– GID Americas, Nicaragua, 2013-2015.
– Stem, Medicina Regenerativa, SA, Colombia, 2013-2014.
4. Scientific evaluation of adult stem cell-based companies for capital investment.
– Institute for Tissue Regeneration (IRT): Bogota, Colombia, (2011)
– Cordgenics LLC: Huntington, WV- USA (2013)TRAINING AND EDUCATION:
Postdoctoral fellow / Sr. Research Associate:
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA); Department of Biology, Skeletal Research Center,
Arnold I. Caplan, PhD Laboratory: June 2009 – June 2010 (Post-doc); July 2010 – August 2015 (Sr. Research Associate).Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.):
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (USA)
Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Roland Baron, PhD Laboratory. Aug 11th 2004 – Dec 31st, 2007.
Recipient of the George Robert Pfeiffer Fellowship from the Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Research Foundation.
Harvard University Medical School – School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA (USA)
Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity (Dr. Baron moved to Harvard); Jan 1st, 2008 – May 27th, 2009Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery:
Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá – Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá (Colombia)
June 2003 – May 2004 (stopped for PhD application)Master in Science (M.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering (BME):
Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá (Colombia).
Biomedical Engineering Group. June 1st 2000 – June 1st 2003. Engineering school full time scholarship.Medical Doctor (MD):
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá (Colombia).
June 1st 1992 – June 1st 1998LANGUAGES:Spanish (Native);
English (Full professional proficiency);
French (Limited professional proficiency)WORK EXPERIENCE:

– National and International speaker: Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology/Cell Therapy (2011 – present).

– Scientific consultant and member of multiple Scientific Advisory Boards for companies in the area of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy (2011 – present).

– Sr. Research Associate: Skeletal Research Center, Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University (June 2010 – September 2015).
Responsible for writing, designing, executing and reporting the projects related with the use of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the areas of:
Articular Cartilage repair: Identified key components that improved the quality of stem cell-based engineered grafts for cartilage tissue repair, accelerating the transition of the program from the bench to a pre-clinical stage.
Skeletal Metastatic Cancer: Conceptually started and implemented a novel scientific program, fully funded by NIH, to study the function of bone marrow adult stem cells in the establishment and progression of skeletal metastasis from various cancer types. Assembled national and international scientific collaborations.

– Postdoctoral Fellow, Case Western Reserve University (June 2009 – June 2010).

– Graduate student, Yale University – Harvard University (August 2004 – May 2009).

– Research Scientist at the Biomedical Engineering Group and Human Genetics Laboratory. Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá – Colombia. Founder & Coordinator of the Tissue Engineering and Biomechanics research area (January 2001 –June 2003).

– Attending Physician (Emergency Room) and Surgery assistant physician – Orthopaedic Surgery Department. Clínica del Country, Bogotá – Colombia (Full time January 2000 – January 2001; Part-time February 2001 – January 2003).

– Director of the Medical Department, Geophysical Acquisition and Processing Services (GAPS company), Bogota – Colombia (September 1999 – January 2000)

– Attending Physician. Hospital San Rafael, Espinal – Colombia, Level II (August 1998 – August 1999).

HONORS AND AWARDS:

– Young Investigator Award, OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International). Highest Rated Abstract, World Congress on Osteoarthritis, San Diego, CA – USA, Sept 15-18, 2011.

– Academy of Achievements 46th International Summit student delegate, Washington DC, June 19-23, 2007.

– Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Research Foundation: George Robert Pfeiffer Fellowship, 2005-2006 (Graduate student – Yale University School of Medicine).

– NIH Training Grant, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine. August 2004 – August 2007.

– Engineering School Research Fellowship, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá (Colombia), 2001 – 2003.

PATENTS:
1. Correa D, Caplan AI: Bone Marrow Pericytes/MSC: Gatekeepers Controlling Skeletal Metastasis from Melanoma. Provisional patent submitted (2012-2138).
2. Correa D, Caplan AI: In vivo platform for the identification of controling elements during the process of metastatic cancer dissemination to target organs. In review/submission.
3. Ricordi C, García-Contreras M, Correa D, Tomei A: Co-Transplantation of Encapsulated Cell Types within Scaffolds for Cellular Therapies for Combined Intra- and Peri-Capsule Biologic Effect. In review/submission.RESEARCH SUPPORT:Active:
1. University of Miami, Department of Orthopaedics Faculty startup package
Role: PI $300,000 09/01/2015 – 08/31/2018
2. DRI Foundation
Co-transplantation of islet cells with MSC/Exosomes in a novel biological scaffold
Role: Co-PI (Dr. C. Ricordi) $225,927 07/01/2016 – 06/30/2017
3. R01CA163562-01
Bone marrow MSCs/pericytes: Gatekeepers Controlling Skeletal Metastasis.
Role: Co-Investigator Caplan AI (PI) 08/22/2012 – 07/01/2017
NIH-NCI – RO1 $207,500
4. RO1EB20367-01
Multimodal evaluation of engineered cartilage
Role: Co-investigator Caplan AI (PI) 08/01/2014 – 07/31/2016
NIH-NIBIB – RO1 $250,000
5. P41-NIBIB
MSCs as probes: Non-destructive evaluation of cellular differentiation during in vitro chondrogenesis.
Role: PI (TR&D 2) Caplan AI (PI) 06/01/2016 – 05/31/2021
NIH-NIBIB – P41PUBLICATIONS:
Peer-reviewed papers:
1. Carstens MH, Gomez A, Cortes R, Turner E, Perez C, Ocon M, Correa D: “Non-reconstructable peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremity in ten patients treated with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells” (in press Stem CellResearch).
2. Correa D, Lietman SA (2016), “Articular Cartilage repair: current needs, methods and research directions”, (in press Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology).
3. Correa D (2016), “Mesenchymal Stem Cells in tumor formation and dissemination” Current Stem Cell Reports 2: 174-182.
4. Correa D, Gomez A, Vargas C, Turner E, Carstens MH (2016): “Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for the treatment of Osteoarthritis of the knee, functional outcome and anatomic recovery of the cartilage: a case report”; CellR4Journal, 4 (1): e1768.
5. Somoza RA, Correa D, Caplan AI (2016): “Roles of Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Medicinal Signaling Cells”; Nature Protocols, 11 (1).
6. Carstens MH, Correa D, Gomez A, Turner E, Valladares S (2016): “Subcutaneous reconstruction of hand dorsum and fingers for late sequelae of burn scars using adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF)”; CellR4 Journal, 3 (5): e1675.
7. Correa D, Somoza R, Lin P, Schiemann WP, Caplan AI (2016): “Mesenchymal Stem Cells regulate melanoma cancer cell extravasation to bone and liver at their perivascular niche” Int. J. Cancer; 138 (2): 417-427.
8. Correa D, Somoza RA, Greenberg SA, Lin P, Rom E, Welter J, Duesler L, Yayon A, Caplan AI (2015): “Sequential stimulation with Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) 2, 9 and 18 regulate the ultimate phenotype of MSC-derived chondrocytes”,Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 23 (3): 443-453.
9. Somoza R, Welter JF, Correa D. Caplan AI (2014): “Chondrogenic differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: unfulfilled expectations and new challenges”, Tissue Engineering Part B, 20 (6): 596-608.
10. Lin P, Correa D, Caplan AI (2014): “Serial transplantation and long term engraftment of intra-arterially delivered clonally derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to injured bone marrow”, Molecular Therapy, 22 (1): 160-168.
11. Kiviranta R, Yamana K, Saito H, Ho DK, Laine J, Tarkkonen K, Nieminen-Pihala V, Hesse E, Correa D, Määttä J, Tessarollo L, Rosen ED, Horne WC, Jenkins NA, Copeland NG, Warming S, Baron R (2013): “Coordinated transcriptional regulation of bone homeostasis by Ebf1 and Zfp521 in both mesenchymal and hematopoietic lineages”, Journal of Experimental Medicine, 210 (5): 969-985.
12. Lin P, Lin Y, Lennon D, Correa D, Schluchter M, Caplan AI (2012): “Efficient lentiviral transduction of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) that preserves proliferation and differentiation capabilities”, Stem Cell and Translational Medicine1: 886-897.
13. Correa D, Segal SS (2012): “Neurovascular Proximity in the Diaphragm Muscle of Adult Mice”, Microcirculation, 19(4): 306-315.
14. Lin P, Correa D, Lin Y, Caplan AI (2011): “Polybrene Inhibits Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Proliferation during Lentiviral Transduction”, PLoS One, 6 (8): e23891.
15. Caplan AI, Correa D (2011): “MSC: An Injury Drugstore”, Cell Stem Cell, July 8; 9 (1): 11-15.
16. Caplan AI, Correa D (2011): “PDGF in Bone Formation and Regeneration: New Insights into a Novel Mechanism Involving MSCs”, Journal of Orthopaedic Research, Dec 2011; 29 (12): 1795-1803.
17. Correa D. and Goldberg VM (2011): “Stem Cells in Orthopaedics”, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS) News; July 2011; 5 (7): 41-45.
18. Seriwatanachai D, Densmore M, Correa D, Baron R, Lanske B (2011): “Deletion of Zfp521 rescues the growth plate phenotype in a mouse model of Jansen Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia”, FASEB Journal, 25 (9): 3057-67.
19. Hesse E, Saito H, Kiviranta R, Correa D, Yamana K, Neff L, Toben D, Duda G, Atfi A, Geoffroy V, Horne W, Baron R (2010): “Zfp521 controls bone mass by attenuating Runx2 activity in an HDAC3-dependent manner”, Journal of Cell Biology,191 (7): 1271-1283.
20. Correa D., Hesse E., Seriwatanachai D, Kiviranta R., Saito H, Yamana K, Neff L., Atfi A., Coillard L., Sitara D., Maeda Y., Warming S., Jenkins NA., Copeland NG., Horne WC., Lanske B., Baron R (2010): “The Transcriptional Co-regulator Zfp521Is a Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide (PTHrP) Target Gene that Transduces Key PTHrP Effects on the Growth Plate”, Developmental Cell Oct 19; 19 (4) 533-46.
21. Hesse E, Kluge G, Atfi A, Correa D, Haasper C, Berding G, Shin H, Viering J, Langer F, Vogt P, Krettek C, Jagodzinski M (2010): “Repair of a segmental long bone defect in Human by implantation of a novel multiple disc graft”, Bone 46 (5):1457-1463.
22. Hesse E, Kiviranta R, Wu M, Correa D, Saito H, Yamana K, Atfi A, Baron R (2010): “Zinc finger protein 521, a new player in bone formation”, Ann NY Acad Sci 1192 (1): 32-37.
23. Wu M, Hesse E, Morvan F, Zhang JP, Correa D, Rowe G, Kiviranta R, Neff L, Philbrick W, Horne WC, Baron R (2009): “Zfp521, a 30 zinc-finger protein, antagonizes Runx2 and promotes bone formation in vivo”, Bone 44 : 528-536.
24. Correa D, Cullinane D, Briceño JC (2003): “Influence of pre-conditioning loads on bovine articular cartilage stress relaxation behavior in confined compression”, Journal of Musculoskeletal Research; 7 (2): 145-150.
25. Correa D, Arroyo J, Llinás A, et al (2002): “Protocolos para el diseño in Vitro de Cartílago Articular animal, basados en métodos de Ingeniería de tejidos” (M.S. Thesis), Revista Colombiana de Biotecnología; 4 (1): 107-113.In review:
1. Somoza RA, Correa D, Labat I, Sternberg H, West MD, Tesar P, Caplan AI: “Mesenchymal stem cells do not make articular cartilage: a transcriptional profile overview” (Tissue Engineering Part A).
1. Correa D, Narcisi R (2016); MSC as chondrocytes, in Tissue Engineering and Regeneration; Springer Editors.Book chapters:
In review:
PROFESSIONAL AND HONORARY ORGANIZATIONS:

– American Academy and Board of Regenerative Medicine (AABRM): Board of Directors member, 2016 – present.

– Diplomat of the American Board of Regenerative Medicine (DABRM), 2016 – present.

– Fellow of the American Academy of Regenerative Medicine (FAARM), 2016 – present.

– Cell Therapy Society (CTS). Member of the Editorial Board, CELLR4 Journal. 2013 – present.

– International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR). 2013 – present.

– Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). 2011 – present.

– American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). 2006 – present.
1. California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Translational Research Program (TRAN) grant application reviewer; 2016 – present.
2. National Medical Research Council of Singapore: Grant proposal international reviewer; 2014 – present.

EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Grant peer reviewer (National and International):
Journal Services:
1. Editorial Board: CellR4 Journal; 2013 – present.
2. Invited Peer Reviewer.
– Area: Stem cell-based therapy and Adult Stem Cell Biology.
Circulation Research; Experimental Cell Research; Stem Cell Research; PLoS; Cell & Tissue Research.
– Area: Growth plate and bone development and physiology.
Molecular and Cellular Biology; Bone.CONFERENCES & MEETINGS:Conference organization/proceedings and panel member:
– Co-organizer: CELLS Musculoskeletal 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 7-9, 2016.
– Invited Panelist: Advances in the generation of a Chilean Regulatory Framework for Cell Therapy, Viña del Mar, Chile, July 23, 2016. Representing the scientific community in the discussion with the Chilean health authorities regarding theestablishment of a regulatory framework for cell-based therapy.
– Panelist/session moderator on OA treatment, OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis, Amsterdam, Netherlands, March 31-April 3, 2016.
– Co-organizer (scientific program design and abstract review) of the Latin-American stem cell society (SOLCEMA) annual meeting: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, October 16-18, 2014; San Salvador, El Salvador, October 30-31, 2015; Viña del Mar, Chile, July 20-23, 2016.Presentations in meetings:

– Griswold AJ, Nuytemans K, Correa D, Strong T, Wang L, Smith M, Vance DD, Vance JM, Pericak-Vance MA, Kaplan LD: ”Transcriptome analysis of cell-free synovial RNA identifies molecular pathways modulated by ACL and meniscus injuries”. ICRS annual meeting, Sorento (Italy), Sept. 24-27, 2016.

– Correa D, Somoza R, Welter J, Yayon A, Caplan AI: “Sequential exposure to fibroblast growth factors (FGF) 2, 9 and 18 modulate the in vitro hMSC chondrogenic phenotype”. Gordon Research Conference: Cartilage Biology and Pathology, Galveston, TX (USA), March 22nd-27th, 2015.

– Correa D, Rom E, Welter J, Duesler L, Yayon A, Caplan AI: “Fibroblast Growth Factors 18 and 9 Regulate Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells”. OARSI meeting 2011, San Diego, CA (USA), Sept 15-18 2011 (oral presentation). Highest Rated Abstract – Young Investigator Award.

– Correa D, Lin P, Caplan AI: “Bone Marrow MSC: gatekeepers Controlling Skeletal Metastasis from Melanoma”. MSC 2011 meeting, Cleveland-OH (USA), August 22nd-24th, 2011.

– Correa D, Kiviranta R., Hesse E., Saito H, Yamana K, Neff L., Sitara D., Maeda Y., Warming S., Jenkins NA., Copeland NG., Lanske B., Horne W.C., Baron R.: “The Transcriptional Co-regulator Zfp521 Modulates Chondrocyte Differentiation and Contributes to the Effects of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide (PTHrP) on the Growth Plate”. ASBMR meeting 2009 (oral presentation), Denver, CO -USA: Sept 2009.

– Correa D, Kiviranta R, Hesse E., Saito H, Yamana K, Neff L, Horne WC, Baron R: “Zfp521, a novel transcription factor, regulates chondrocyte differentiation downstream of PTHrP”. ASBMR meeting 2007 (oral presentation), Honolulu, HI –USA: Sept 2007.

– Correa D, Segal SS: “Neurovascular alignment in the mouse diaphragm muscle”, Experimental Biology Meeting 2007 (poster), Washington DC – USA: April 28th- May 2nd 2007.

– Suárez DR, Correa D, Abello S, García F, Briceño JC: “Alternative fixing of the arthrodesis of hallux metatarsophalangeal joint”. 52º Meeting of the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO), Washington DC – USA: June 2004.

– Correa D, Briceño JC: “Protocols for the In Vitro Design of Animal Articular Cartilage, Based on Tissue Engineering Methodologies” (MSc Thesis), II seminar of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá (Colombia),December 10-11, 2001.

– Correa D, Briceño JC: “Protocols for the In Vitro Design of Animal Articular Cartilage, Based on Tissue Engineering Methodologies” (MSc Thesis), I National Congress of Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá(Colombia), June 26-28, 2002.

Conferences & lectures:

– Invited speaker, CELLS Musculoskeletal 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 7-9, 2016

– Keynote Speaker, 4th International annual meeting, Latin-American stem cell society (Solcema); Viña del Mar, Chile, July 20-23, 2016.

– Invited speaker, Cell-based Therapy and Tissue Engineering (CTTE) short course; Cleveland, OH, May 24-26, 2016.

– Invited speaker, CELLS / Orthopaedics 2015 Meeting; Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Nov. 13-15, 2015.

– Keynote Speaker, VII International Meeting of Reconstructive and Burn Surgery: Lima, Peru, Nov. 6-8, 2105.

– Keynote Speaker, 3rd International annual meeting, Latin-American stem cell society (Solcema); San Salvador, El Salvador, Oct. 30-31, 2015.

– Keynote Speaker, II International meeting in Molecular Biology of Cancer; Lima, Perú, March 12-14, 2015.

– Keynote Speaker, VIII Meeting of the Costa Rican Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Association; San José, Costa Rica, Nov. 11-14, 2014.

– Keynote Speaker, GID Brasil opening symposium; Belo Horizonte, Brasil, Sept. 4-5, 2014.

– Keynote Speaker, 2nd International annual meeting, Latin-American stem cell society (Solcema); Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Oct. 16-18, 2014.

– Invited Speaker, International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) 2013 World Congress; Izmir – Turkey, Sept. 15-18, 2013.

– Invited Speaker, Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (Division of Vascular Biology), Karolinska Institute; Stockholm (Sweden), July 1, 2013.

– Invited Speaker, Molecular Skeletal Biology Group, University of Hamburg; Hamburg, Germany, June 28, 2013.

– Keynote Speaker, AO Foundation: 2013 eCM XIV: Stem & Progenitor Cells for Musculoskeletal Regeneration; Davos, Switzerland; June 23-25, 2013.

– Invited Speaker, Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine; Winston-Salem, NC; Jan. 16, 2013.

– Keynote Speaker, 1st International annual meeting, Latin-American stem cell society (Solcema); Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Nov. 26-27, 2012.

– Invited Speaker, Regenerative Medicine Foundation Conference 2012; Charlotte, NC; Oct. 18, 2012.

– Invited Speaker, Gordon Research Conference–Musculoskeletal Biology & Bioengineering; Andover, NH. Aug. 8, 2012.

– Keynote Speaker, International Organization of Teleton Foundation (ORITEL); Santiago, Chile; July 19-21, 2012.

– Invited Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Introduction to Tissue Engineering course, Fall 2012.

– Invited Lecturer, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Medical Physiology course, Spring 2012.

– Keynote Speaker, International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) World Congress; San Juan, PR; June 12-16, 2011.

– Guest Speaker, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, March 1, 2010.

– Invited Speaker, 4th National Meeting of Orthopaedic Basic Sciences: “All about Cartilage”, Colombian Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma (SCCOT); Bogotá, Colombia, August 2003.

– Invited Speaker in Orthopaedic Basic Science training course for residents (Synthes-AO Foundation): Bogota, Colombia, Sept. 2003 – Dec. 2003.

– Guest Speaker, Rice University (Invited by Dr. Kyriacos Athanasiou, PhD); Houston, TX, August 21, 2002.

MENTORING EXPERIENCE:Postdoctoral fellows:

– Joseph Laconti, MD, PhD. Rheumatology Fellow, Jackson Memorial Health System, (September 2015 – present).

– Marta Garcia-Contreras, MSc, PhD, (March 2016 – present).

– Simona Corrao, PhD, (March 2016 – present)

Students:

– Paula Rozenblum: Undergraduate student, University of Miami. August 2016 – present.

– Amanda Candelaria: Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate students, University of Miami School of Engineering. September 2015 – present.

– Carlos Dallera: Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate student, University of Miami School of Engineering. September 2015 – May 2016.

– Steve Greenberg: Physiology MSc student, Case Western Reserve University, March 2012 – March 2013.

– Luz Helena Cano: MD student, Universidad de Los Andes (Colombia). Research rotation, Harvard University, Feb 2008 – Aug 2008.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

– Universidad de Los Andes School of Medicine, Bogotá (Colombia). Lecturer in Medical Physiology, 2006 – present (Summer course in Cellular Physiology for Medical School students).

– Teaching Assistant: Biological mechanisms of reaction to injury. Department of Pathology,

– Yale University School of Medicine, Jan – May 2007.

– Teaching Assistant: Systems Physiology. Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology,

– Yale University School of Medicine, Sept – Dec 2006, Sept – Dec 2007.

– Teaching Assistant: Physiology for engineers. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá (Colombia), 2001 – 2003.

THESIS COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION:

– Flavia Bruna: PhD student in Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (Argentina), June 2014 – present.

– Jennifer Avila: MSc in Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), June 2013 – Dec 2014.

GRADUATE THESIS JURY:

– Ana Munar Sandström: PhD student, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (Spain), July 2016.

– Carlos H. Escobar, MD; PhD thesis: “Producción xeno-free de células madre mesenquimales derivadas de tejido adiposo humano y evaluación de su secretoma neovascularizante”; Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Nacional (Colombia), April 2016.

– Maria L. Gutierrez; PhD thesis: “Study of selected genes and enzyme activity during chondrogenesis in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells”; Dept. of Biological Sciences, Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), July 2011.