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About
The Humboldt-CIRM Shared Resources Laboratory
The Humboldt-CIRM Shared Resources Laboratory (SRL) provides stem cell research infrastructure and specialized training for rural and remote communities across Northern California.
Supported by a $4.4 million CIRM grant, the lab offers dedicated laboratory space, validated hiPSC lines, access to instrumentation, and training.
By integrating standardized protocols with immersive educational workshops, the lab was designed to develop a diverse regional workforce prepared to advance regenerative medicine and expand scientific access in underserved regions.
Contact
Amy Sprowles, PhD
Professor of Cellular & Molecular Biology | Director of the Humboldt-CIRM SRL
Email: aes54@humboldt.edu
Phone: 707.826.4180
Office: SCIB 324A
Dr Sprowles has been a member of the Cal Poly Humboldt Department of Biological Sciences since 2006. As an architect and director of the Humboldt CIRM Bridges Program, she has mentored students in biomedical science and regenerative medicine since 2008. She is a long standing member of the CSUBIOTECH Faculty Consensus Group and currently serves as the Chair of the CSUBIOTECH Education Committee. She is also the academic coordinator for the UC Davis School of Medicine Huwighurruk Tribal Health Postbaccalaureate Program. Professor Sprowles has also served Program Director of the Humboldt Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence '17 program, Co-Director of the Humboldt HSI STEM grant, Co-PI NSF INCLUDES Transcending Barriers Planning Grant and the Humboldt CSU STEM NET Faculty Advisor. She is a recipient of the 2020 CSU Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award and the 2026 recipient of the CSUBIOTECH Andreoli Service Award, which honors a California State University (CSU) faculty member who has made outstanding contributions to the development of biotechnology programs in the CSU system.
Education
BA (1995) Clark University, Biology (Minor: Piano Performance)
PhD (2003) Vanderbilt University, Biochemistry
Publications
Sprowles, A.E., Martell, S., Malloy, K.J., Hillman, L.T., Hillman, L.C., Rich, A., Smith, J., Shaughnessy, F., Hurst, M.P., Manor, S., Mazzag, B., Oliver, D., Siering, P., Cashman, E., O’Dowd, A.P., Goley, P.D., Black, G., Goldenberg, K., and Johnson, M.D. First year STEM curriculum co-created with Indigenous scientists improves intellectual growth, psychosocial factors associated with retention, and academic achievement of students from racially minoritized groups historically underrepresented in STEM. Discovering Education (in review).
Sprowles, A., and Johnson, M. (2021). A Faculty-Led Effort to Build Campus Community Around Inclusive Excellence in Stem. Shared Leadership in Higher Education.
Johnson, M. D., Sprowles, A. E., Goldenberg, K. R., Margell, S. T., & Castellino, L. (2020). Effect of a place-based learning community on belonging, persistence, and equity gaps for first-year STEM students. Innovative Higher Education.
Harper, M., Bernard, T., Sprowles, A., and A. Jacobson. 2020. Energy Requirements of the Screening Sites in a COVID-19 Hub and Spoke Testing Approach. Covid-19 Resources.
Sprowles, A.E., Goldenberg, K. , Goley, P. D. , Ladwig, S. , Shaughnessy, F. J. , Malloy, K. J. , Baldy, C. R. , Mola, M. M. , Smith, J. R. et al. (2019). Place-Based Learning Communities on a Rural Campus: Turning Challenges into Assets. Learning Communities Research and Practice.
Johnson, M.D., Sprowles, A.E., Overeem, K.M., Rich, A. (2017). A Place-based Learning Community: Klamath Connection at Humboldt State University. Learning Communities Research and Practice.
Eschenbach, E., Cashman E., Johnson, M., Sprowles, A. (2017). Connecting Environmental Engineers to the Klamath River via a Place Based Learning Community. Proceedings of the 2017 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference.
Sprowles, A and Malloy, K.J. 2017. Klamath Connection and Critical Histories/Activist Futures: The Role of Interdisciplinary Discourse in Addressing Racism and Inequity in STEM Education. Somatosphere - Science, Medicine, and Anthropology.
Brendan Kelly, PhD
Lab Coordinator
Email: bpk10@humboldt.edu
Phone: 707.826.4180
Office: SCIB 324A
Brendan received his BS and MS in Biology from Humboldt State University. Initially trained in marine biology, he moved into regenerative medicine via a CIRM Bridges Fellowship, focusing on disease modelling using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). He carried these techniques into his PhD from Cardiff University, where studied lysosomal dysfunction in Huntington’s Disease. Brendan has since held postdoctoral positions at the UK Dementia Research Institute and Cardiff University’s Brain Repair Group, specializing in the use of iPSC-derived neurons for disease modelling and transplantation therapy. His background also includes experience in the biotech industry as the first employee of an iPSC manufacturing startup. In addition to his research, Brendan is a Cardiff University Higher Education Associate Fellow and has extensive experience mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students.
Research Focus
I am interested in understanding how neurons malfunction in brain diseases. I specialize in turning stem cells into specific neuronal subtypes and using tools like advanced microscopy, sequencing, and standard lab assays to examine how these model cells change in disease conditions. In my current role, I use this experience to facilitate regenerative medicine research for others, providing the technical support and training necessary to make complex stem cell technologies accessible to the broader scientific community.
Education
BS (2010) Humboldt State University, Biology (Marine Emphasis)
MS (2014) Humboldt State University, Biology
PhD (2022) Cardiff University, Biology
Professional Development
AFHEA Higher Education Fellowship (2022)
CIRM Bridges Fellowship (2014)
Research Supervision
Supervised four MS theses and multiple undergraduate research projects. I provide the direct technical oversight and hands-on training required for research in stem cell culture, neuronal differentiation, microscopy, and molecular assays.
Publications