Cristian Aguilar, PhD

Cristian Aguilar, PhD, has studied biology and conducted research at two local and prestigious universities in Pomona and Irvine. His current work focuses on the remarkable regenerative abilities of the Mexican salamander known as the axolotl. In response to injury or a loss of tissue, the axolotl is able to perfectly replace and repair all damage, restoring structure and function of the damaged tissue. Aguilar is continuing this work in an effort to understand how cells at the site of injury are able to return to stem-like state in order to begin the regenerative process. In addition to conducting research, Aguilar is involved in the development and implementation of new teaching strategies in order to best train the next generation of scientists in the classroom.