Penikese Island School Visiting Scientists and Guides

Karen Echeverri, PHD

Marine Biological Laboratory

Karen is on the cutting edge of bio-medical research studying cellular and molecular regeneration in her laboratory at the MBL. Using a salamander model, Dr. Echeverri investigates how these animals are capable of regenerating very complex systems (limbs, brain tissue, heart) and in particular, spinal cords. She is also working to understand the evolution of regenerative ability using local invertebrate sea anemones (Nematostella vectensis) as another model for regeneration. Dr. Echeverri earned her degrees at University College Galway, Ireland, Trinity College, Dublin and Max Planck Institute in Germany. She is the proud mom of two elementary school age children.