Laura Crowley, PhD

Fibroblasts are one of the earliest known cell types and they contribute to many of the most burdensome lung diseases, including cancers, fibrosis, and emphysema; however, they are surprisingly poorly understood. Dr. Crowley [HHMI Fellow] will examine the different types of fibroblasts in the mouse lung to determine where they come from and how they function normally, as well as how they change with injury and disease. This will establish an important baseline for how these cells function in mice and also provide critical, long-term insights into how these cells may function in humans, where lung diseases are very difficult to treat and are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Though her work will directly analyze the fibroblasts and microenvironment around lung tumors, her findings could translate to many other solid tumor contexts. Dr. Crowley received her PhD from Columbia University, New York and her BA from Colby College, Waterville.