Meet Clarisse, Research & Development Scientist at BrainXell, Inc.
“I knew I always wanted to be in industry versus academia. I really like that in R&D I am able to create something from the ground up. Sometimes you have a lot more input towards the end, and the cell type is already established. With the flexibility of time and perspective, I know I have opportunities to develop new outcomes. And I like the whole conception – I’m part of something from start to finish.”
Clarisse joined BrainXell’s R&D team in the fall of 2023 and holds a Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biology from Purdue University. As part of an innovative team, she showcases BrainXell’s exceptional adaptability and versatility in tackling specialized projects. Clarisse, as a valued member of this dynamic team, embodies these qualities while her background in biology is showcased. Collective flexibility and cross-departmental collaboration not only underscores the team’s strength but also enables the company to address diverse challenges and push the boundaries of neuroscience research.
Being part of a progressive group is also something that is important to Clarisse. More than half of BrainXell’s scientists are women with a similar passion for expanding representation. As a woman paving ground in the neuroscience field, she reflects on experiences in her education that she values.
“During my Ph.D. we had a program I was a part of, and we presented at various schools sharing information to younger children. Many of them did not have science classes at all. I asked the children to draw what a scientist looked like, and many drew a mad scientist, maybe like Albert Einstein. It was clear there is not a lot of exposure to diversity in science and STEM. I told the kids, I’m a scientist, and it was funny to see their reactions. One of the children stated, “girls can be scientists!”
“Right now, I’m working on generating oligodendrocytes from our pluripotent stem cells. And what’s unique about this cell type is it usually takes a very long time to make — multiple months. They are important support cells in terms of myelinating axons and contributing to the maturation of other cells. I’m thrilled to be a part of generating that cell type, but in a much shorter time span. We have our protocol down to about 30 days. I’m really excited about getting into the implementation of the cells – the functional assay experiments, co-cultured with other cell types, and seeing if they’re able to accomplish that wrapping when you think of myelination.”
“I’ve always been drawn to neurons. It’s that comfort zone of knowing the different growth factors or the different genes and pathways, being able to rely on that inherent knowledge – it’s exciting! I’m looking forward to presenting my research at upcoming conferences and I’m working on abstracts to submit. I get to use my creativity and that’s what draws me to R&D and science the most. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge with other people and we do a lot of outreach with the university (UW-Madison).”
Clarisse shares a secret to her team’s success is not only close proximity to colleagues but the cross-departmental teamwork that naturally occurs from that. She explains that when the advancement of neuroscience is the whole team’s driving force, it removes barriers of competition and creates space for discovery.
“At BrainXell, we all come from different experiences and different backgrounds and working closely with the other team members, including production, that’s not something you necessarily see at other companies. It really fosters collaboration – we can bounce ideas off each other to increase our outcomes and it’s a rewarding experience.”
To learn more about BrainXell’s work, read recent literature found on BrainXell’s Publications Page.