By Rasul Chaudhry, Ph.D., and Sumit Dinda, Ph.D.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recognizes Oakland University (OU) as one of the country’s 83 doctoral research institutions. The newly established Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine is starting its first charter class in 2011 and will further add into this success as one of the top universities of Michigan. As such, faculty, associates and students at OU in Rochester, Michigan are super sleuths at work - uncovering answers on how stems cells can benefit humankind. Their ongoing cutting-edge work focuses on stem cell development and differentiation, tissue bioengineering, toxicology and therapeutic applications. Importantly, Oakland is leading the way in remarkable discoveries including advancing stem cell research to increase brain cell function to limit neurodegenerative diseases; decrease retinal degeneration; regenerate intervertebral discs, tissues, and skeletal structures; treat cancers, agerelated disorders and spinal cord injuries; and improve drug delivery as well as to enhance drug development.