Machlus hopes to find a therapeutic that can trigger the body to produce platelets, avoiding the need for transfusions. In this profile, she describes the thrill of discovery, being a scientist, and creating a safe, fun research environment.
Overview
At the Megakaryocytes to Platelets Research Group at Boston Children's Hospital, we research how megakaryocytes make blood platelets, and the role(s) that these platelets play in different disease states. The group was founded by our two principal investigators, Joseph Italiano Jr. and Kellie Machlus.
The Megakaryocytes to Platelets Research Group consists of approximately 15 scientists. Our lab manager and research assistants are the backbone behind all we do and support projects designed by our post-doctoral fellows and our two principal investigators, Joseph Italiano Jr. and Kellie Machlus. Our research is primarily shared with the wider world through academic publications in peer-reviewed journals.