ISS Results: Stem Cells in Space

Dr. Abba Zubair is a medical professional with a diverse background. He hails from Nigeria, where he completed his high school and medical education as well. Despite the initial lack of clear pathways for an astronaut career in his native country, Dr. Zubair has always been fascinated by the mysteries of space. His career advisor advised him to reconsider his options due to the slim chances of becoming an astronaut.

Dr. Zubair chose to pursue a career in medicine, driven by his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of people suffering from various diseases.

During his time at medical school, Dr. Zubair had the opportunity to interact with medical students from around the world, which piqued his curiosity about global knowledge. After completing his education, he traveled to England for his PhD in cancer immunology, and later, he obtained a green card in the United States through a lottery system. Although he initially did not anticipate living in the U.S., he ultimately found his calling in the field of lab medicine and pathology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Zubair's current focus lies in regenerative medicine and immunotherapy applications involving stem cells and other types of cells. It is in this context that he co-authored a recently published research paper on the findings of a study conducted aboard the International Space Station. The episode of Houston We Have a Podcast features a conversation with Dr. Zubair about the results of his research on stem cells in microgravity, emphasizing the unique capabilities and insights provided by the space environment for such investigations.