Regenerative Therapies for Inherited Blood Disorders

With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Larochelle brings a unique blend of expertise in both fundamental hematopoiesis and clinical hematology. His journey began in 1992 when he delved into the intricacies of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) regulation, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in 1996. Recognizing the transformative potential of bridging basic science with clinical practice, he accelerated his medical education, completing a three-year MD program at McMaster University in 1999. His medical training continued at the Mayo Clinic, followed by a Clinical Hematology Fellowship at the NIH, where he became a board-certified clinical hematologist and stem cell transplant specialist. Dr. Larochelle chose to extend his tenure at the NIH, initially as a post-doctoral trainee and later as a Staff Clinician and Associate Clinical Investigator within the Hematology Branch of the NHLBI. During this period, he spearheaded pivotal projects focused on the mobilization, genetic modification, and expansion of HSPCs for clinical applications in cell and gene therapy. In 2016, he was appointed as a tenure-track investigator, and by 2024, he was promoted to senior investigator. He continues to pioneer innovative strategies in this capacity, utilizing gene therapy and editing technologies to advance regenerative therapies for inherited disorders affecting HSPCs. His contributions to the field have been widely recognized, both through numerous peer-reviewed publications and invitations to speak at prestigious events. He is an active member of the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. He was honored with the 2016 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the U.S. Government's highest accolade for early-stage science and engineering professionals.