At BrainXell, we strive to produce high-quality human neurons and glia for researchers and scientists dedicated to improving treatments of the brain. Our team is our company’s biggest asset, including Ash Massman, our Senior Cell Culture Scientist II, whose passion for research and commitment to excellence are driving forces behind our success. Ash’s journey into the world of stem cell research might have been unexpected, but it’s one that’s led to significant contributions in the field.
From Biomedical Science to Stem Cell Research
Ash’s career path is anything but traditional. Initially, she explored a career as a medical examiner, having earned a degree in biomedical sciences with a pre-med focus. After completing an internship at the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s office, Ash quickly realized this field didn’t offer the challenge she was seeking.
That desire for a more dynamic, hands-on challenge led Ash to another internship, where she found her passion for cell culture and stem cell research. Working with living cells and exploring their potential for advancing medical science has been a positive experience. This ultimately brought Ash to BrainXell, where she found a perfect fit.
“At BrainXell, there’s no clear-cut degree path for the work we do here. You really come into your craft while working here,” Ash explains.
Rising to the Challenge: Early Projects and Innovations
When Ash first joined BrainXell, she was tasked with working with microglia. Having only worked with feeder-free cell cultures in the past, Ash had to adapt to working with feeder-dependent platforms like mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).
But true to Ash’s innovative spirit, she saw an opportunity to improve the process. By proposing and developing a shift to a feeder-free system, Ash streamlined the workflow, improving both quality and success rates. “I truly appreciate the flexibility here to streamline the work,” Ash says. “You have the freedom to tailor your work in a way that’s most effective.”
Microglia and Cutting-Edge Science: Where Innovation Meets Impact
As a senior cell culture scientist, Ash is deeply involved in producing high-quality microglia products for researchers around the world. The cells are used in studies focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation, and brain injuries, playing a critical role in advancing brain-related therapies.
Ash’s team doesn’t just provide standard products—they also work closely with clients to create bespoke solutions tailored to specific research needs. “We’re boutique. If there’s a product you want, we are absolutely willing to work with you,” Ash says. This flexibility is something that sets BrainXell apart from other companies in the field.
Microglia, like all cells, have unique characteristics. Ash’s team ensures the cells not only mimic the morphology and gene expression of primary human microglia but also maintain functional responsiveness. For Ash, it’s a constant balancing act between maintaining quality and providing clients with the specific products they need for their research. “If you want a more mature product, we can provide that. If you want something a little earlier so you can mature it for assays, we can make that happen too.”
Pushing the Boundaries of Scale and Efficiency
Working in large-scale cell culture isn’t always straightforward. Ash’s previous experience in large-scale research has been invaluable in developing systems that make scaling up cell culture easier 
and more consistent. “I came from a company with a large-scale group, so when I came to BrainXell and saw the numbers growing, I knew we needed more efficient ways to handle larger volumes,” Ash explains.
By optimizing workflows and using cell stacks for larger batches, Ash and the team have made significant improvements in both productivity and the consistency of the final product. This process development expertise is essential in ensuring BrainXell can meet the growing demands of both research and industry clients.
Collaboration at the Core
One of the things Ash values most about working at BrainXell is the culture of collaboration. As part of a team that blends production with late-stage R&D, Ash works closely with BrainXell’s research and development team to refine processes and improve products. “We make sure to keep in contact with R&D at all times,” Ash says, “and we constantly cross-communicate to ensure the product is as robust as possible.”
This seamless collaboration ensures that BrainXell can continue to innovate, offering products that are not only effective but also tailored to the evolving needs of the scientific community.
Impacting the Bigger Picture
For Ash, the ultimate goal is to contribute to the bigger picture of brain health. “We really care about results because we know they impact people’s lives dramatically,” Ash shares. The work done at BrainXell doesn’t just push the boundaries of cell work—it has the potential to change lives.
What excites Ash most about their work is the chance to collaborate with researchers and organizations working on rare diseases, some of which are often overlooked due to their small patient populations. “Boutique businesses like us are incredibly important,” Ash says, “because larger companies are often focused on the bigger populations, but that still leaves a significant portion of people behind.”
Looking to the Future
As BrainXell continues to grow, Ash has big goals for the future. She hopes to play a key role in setting up the company’s process development group and refining the systems that ensure BrainXell stays at the forefront of the industry. “I love working in large-scale, mid-to-late-stage R&D, so this is the perfect niche for me,” Ash says.
With their drive for innovation, deep expertise in cell culture, and unwavering commitment to improving brain health, Ash is an invaluable member of the BrainXell team.