Dr. Dodanim Talavera, PhD
Chief Scientist
Dr. Talavera obtained his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Cellular Physiology and Molecular Biomedicine respectively at The Center for Research and Advances Studies in Mexico, City. During his PhD training, Dr. Talavera discovered novel pathophysiological effects of dengue virus on human endothelial cells. After finishing his PhD, Dr. Talavera worked in his first postdoctoral position at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, investigating the angiogenic effects of leptin. During his second postdoctoral position at the same Institution, Dr. Talavera discovered that human endothelial cells are able to induce in vitro differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to insulin producing cells through bone morphogenetic protein. Dr. Talavera then obtained a position as Assistant Professor of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and his investigation focused on the inductive effects of human endothelial cells in the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells to pancreatic beta cells. Dr. Talavera has written several peer-reviewed articles published in high impact Medical & Scientific journals and has been awarded with the “Rechmiel-Levine Scientific Achievement Award” by City of Hope in Los Angeles, CA, for his investigations in diabetes and obesity.