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Derek van der Kooy is a distinguished professor in the field of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. His research endeavors involve various aspects of stem cell biology and developmental biology. He examines the lineage of neural stem cells and pluripotent embryonic stem cells, contributing significantly to our understanding of their origins in the developing embryo. Van der Kooy's lab has also focused on Drosophila and C. elegans as genetic models to investigate the neural circuits underlying motivation and the mechanisms of psychoactive drug addiction. His studies have produced vital insights, including the isolation of rare stem cells from the adult mammalian eye and the human pancreas, emphasizing their proliferation in defined conditions. Furthermore, his research extends to exploring the genetic bases of learning and memory in C. elegans and mice. Throughout his career, van der Kooy has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge in molecular medicine and human genetics through innovative research and collaborative projects in the field.
Department of Sociology