How a childhood condition sparked a career in regenerative medicine

As a child, Dongwei Sun underwent a medical treatment that left his lower limbs weak and occasionally numb. "This inspired my dedication to develop biomedical technologies that can prevent, treat, and potentially cure debilitating conditions," he says. "The idea that we can use stem cells to regrow nerves or repair damaged tissues-like in my own body- feels like science fiction becoming a reality, and I want to be part of making that happen."

Dongwei participated in the CIRM Scholars Program, which supports doctorate students or those who have just obtained their doctorate as they pursue a wide range of regenerative medicine projects. He earned his PhD in materials science and bioengineering from the University of California Riverside, in 2022. After graduating, Dongwei participated in the CIRM Scholars Program at UC Riverside in 2024. He is currently a scientist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he specializes in regenerative medicine and stem cell research, focusing on cardiovascular diseases.

Dongwei is developing materials that can be implanted in the heart or blood vessels to allow stem cells to grow and repair those tissues. "My overarching objective is to advance therapeutic strategies that improve cardiovascular health outcomes and enhance patients' quality of life through innovative, stem cell-based interventions," he says.

Shaping a Vision for the Future of Medicine

Dongwei said that the mentorship and educational activities that were part of his Scholars program helped him on his path to becoming a stem cell scientist. He says, "The skills, connections, and experiences gained through the CIRM Scholars Program have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for my future goals, particularly my aspiration to lead innovative research initiatives, launch startups, and influence public policy related to regenerative medicine."

In addition to research, Dongwei said he learned how to communicate effectively about his work to connect with policymakers and public outreach initiatives-both of which are critical for explaining the value of sustained funding for stem cell research.

"Cutting-edge stem cell science relies on continuous innovation, rigorous testing, and careful translation from laboratory experiments to clinical treatments," he says. "Consistent support ensures that promising discoveries in the lab reach patients without delay and that scientists can pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas that could redefine medical practice. Moreover, funding not only accelerates therapeutic development but also ensures proper regulatory oversight, ethical standards, and equitable patient access to these transformative therapies."

Written by guest contributor Amy Adams