Lucy O'Brien

Dr. Lucy O'Brien is an Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University, where she is also a member of Bio-X, the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and the Stanford Cancer Institute. Her research focuses on the adaptive remodeling of organs in response to environmental changes, particularly how stem cells sense functional demand and regulate organ size through reversible growth programs. Utilizing the Drosophila midgut as a model system, Dr. O'Brien investigates the mechanisms by which midgut stem cells increase cell numbers and digestive capacity in response to dietary changes. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award from the NIH and the Gabilan Faculty Fellow designation at Stanford. Additionally, Dr. O'Brien is actively involved in the Stanford Diabetes Research Center and has contributed significantly to understanding the role of stem cells in organ adaptation and function.

Education

• Ph.D., UCSF, Biomedical Sciences / Cell Biology (2001)
• B.A., Harvard University, Biochemistry (1992)