Magdalena is a Bren Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at Caltech (US) and was formerly Professor at the University of Cambridge (UK). She is a leading authority in mammalian embryology with over two decades of groundbreaking contributions to mouse and human embryo research. Trained under pioneers in experimental embryology and stem cell biology, she has redefined fundamental principles of early development, including the mechanisms of lineage specification, embryo plasticity, and self-organization. Magdalena developed ways of tracking and modulating cell fate in the living embryo, leading her to discover molecular mechanisms directing cell fate specification and its timing. She found that when abnormal cells arise in the embryo, they are eliminated through programmed cell death immediately before and during implantation and only in the part of the embryo that creates the new organism. They are tolerated in the extra-embryonic tissues. With her team, she established the first methods for culturing and studying human embryos beyond implantation in vitro, until day 14, and used this approach to uncover mechanisms behind human development and the defects that result from specific aneuploidies. She also pioneered stem cell–derived embryo models that recapitulate key transitions toward organogenesis, reshaping approaches to human embryo biology and providing ethical, animal-free alternatives. With a proven track record of high-impact discoveries, prof. Zernicka-Goetz brings unmatched expertise in embryology, stem cell biology, and live embryo imaging. Her insights into embryo quality control, developmental robustness, and self-organization will directly strengthen the design, validation, and translational impact of the Demeter project.

Changhuei is a Professor of Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Medical Engineering at Caltech and Executive Officer of the Electrical Engineering Department. A pioneer in experimental optics and biophotonics, he has led multiple first-in-field advances, including digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC) and TRUE imaging, which overcame long-standing limits of resolution and penetration in optical systems. His lab has also developed groundbreaking microscopy platforms such as the Optofluidic Microscope, the ePetri System, and Fourier Ptychography—technologies now licensed and powering startup companies advancing biomedical imaging. With deep expertise in optics, speckle dynamics, and high-throughput microscopy, combined with a proven track record of collaborations with life scientists and clinicians, Prof. Yang’s team is uniquely positioned to drive Demeter project. 

Jeremy completed his PhD at Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development in Australia, and post-doctoral training in developmental cell and molecular biology in Prof. Doug Melton’s lab at Harvard University. He spent 12 years at McKinsey & Company, a leading management consulting firm, where he was a partner focusing on biopharma and medical device R&D, corporate strategy, and transactions.

Jeremy has extensive expertise in market evaluation, corporate strategy, medical product design, product launch execution, and partnerships, mergers and acquisitions. 

Katelin brings over 15 years of experience in operations, organizational management, and resource allocation. As COO, she provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure that the research team can focus on the scientific aims of the project.

Katelin oversees administrative infrastructure, financial management, regulatory compliance, and partner/vendor coordination.

By streamlining operations, enabling cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining robust project management systems, Ms. Roberts ensures that the scientific team has the resources, time, and organizational support needed to achieve the project’s research objectives

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