Graduate Research Degree Awarded - Ritika Saxena

Congratulations to Ritika Saxena - Graduate Research Degree Awarded 20th October 2025.

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Supervisors: Professor Andrew Elefanty, A/Prof Elizabeth Ng and Prof Ed Stanley
Advisory Committee: Prof Paul Lockhart (Chair) and Prof David Elliott

Thesis Title: Improving the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into functional haematopoietic stem cells, called 'iHSCs'

Thesis Summary: The generation of clinically applicable haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remains challenging due to our limited understanding of the embryonic process that gives rise to bona fide HSCs. We have generated an in vitro model that faithfully recapitulates HSC development. We have extensively characterised intermediate stages using cell surface marker and single cell resolved transcriptomic profiles. HSC-like cells display robust multi-lineage reconstitution and long-term engraftment in adult and neonate mice models, validating their function and reinforcing the fidelity of our model.

Date awarded: 20th October 2025