How do scientists develop treatments for nervous system injuries and disorders?
Meet the Nervous System Engineers—a team of scientists at the Ashton Group who make nervous system tissue to find treatments for nervous system diseases and injuries. In the resources below, you’ll learn about these scientists and their lab, discover why their research matters in real life, and try out an activity. Take notes as you explore!
Learn Why Research Matters
The Ashton Group studies the nervous system to come up with ways to treat nervous system injuries and disorders. In the following video, you’ll learn about why they research this through a real-world story about a woman who suffered a spinal cord injury at a very young age.
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Questions to Consider:
Miranda’s respect for her physical therapists inspired her to pursue a career in science. What interactions have you had with people in science careers?
Miranda’s injury prompted her to learn more about stem cells. What do you already know about stem cells? What questions do you have about them?
“Science is everywhere around us. When we have people that dedicate their careers and their lives and their time to finding answers, it makes things better for the rest of the world and the people in it.”
Meet The Scientists
There are 4 cards to read.
Randy Ashton
Principal Investigator
I am in charge of the scientific, academic, and commercial output of the lab. This means that I hire lab personnel, provide training for students, and help produce all scientific papers, presentations, patents, and grant proposals.
Carlos Marti-Figueroa
Postdoctoral Researcher
I come up with ways to engineer the size and shape of 3D tissues derived from human stem cells, so that they will be similar to the brain. 🧠
Nisha Iyer
Postdoctoral Researcher
I develop ways to direct human stem cells into every type of neuron in the brain and spinal cord… from the neurons that help you move to those that help you feel. 🖐️
Frank Seipel
Graduate Student
I work with stem cells to create models of the developing brain and spinal cord. 🧠
You are a student scientist!
Create your own card. Add info all about you!
Ask questions!
Being a scientist means asking new questions and learning new things. Click through the topics below to ask questions of the scientists at the Ashton Group and learn about their research.
Click on a tab above to begin.
What is your lab and what do you study there?
What is a stem cell?
How do you engineer with stem cells?
How do you make stem cells do what you want them to do?
How do you engineer something so small?
Do you think your experiments will change the world?
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Do Science!
Science Practices Activity
Now put what you’ve learned into practice! Carlos is creating molds for stem cells to grow in. Can you help him decide how he should make his mold?
Project Credits
Producers
Ryan Hendricks
Jessie Nixon
Coordinating Producer
Mia Forslund
Videography
Ryan Hendricks
Video Editor
Ryan Hendricks
Sound
Beauxregard Neylon
Curtis Sorensen
Web Design
Charles Barrows
Web Development
John Vieth
Tim Schneider
Graphic and Motion Design
Amanda Roslansky
Charles Barrows
Brian Lorbiecki
Jen Hadley
Video Captioning
Catie Pfeifer
Vicki Way Kipp
University of Wisconsin-Madison Cultural Linguistic Services
Science Education Consultant
Travis Tangen, WID
Kevin Anderson, PhD, DPI
Educator Guide and Activities
Mia Forslund
Jen Hadley
Ryan Hendricks
Ian Glodich
Travis Tangen
Christina Swords
Millie Rolander
Anika Gupta
Kaitlin Edwards
Scientists
Randolph Ashton, PhD
Carlos Marti-Figueroa, PhD
Nisha Iyer, PhD
Frank Seipel
Project Partners
Morgridge Institute for Research
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
The Ashton Group
Executive Producer
Megan Monday
Director of Education
Alyssa Tsagong
Director of Television
Jon Miskowski
Educator Advisors
Michelle Howe
Lodi Middle School
Lodi, WI
Diane Reynolds
Butler Middle School
Waukesha, WI
Jessica Buckley
Wedgewood Middle School
Milwaukee, WI
Laurie Probst
Sheboygan Falls Middle School, Sheboygan Falls, WI (2024)
Funding Provided By
Timothy William Trout Education Fund
a gift of Monroe and Sandra Trout
Focus Fund for Education
Friends of PBS Wisconsin
Single Step Foundation