Now

I am currently focused on understanding bioelectricity as a key communication system for cellular intelligence. I am interested in how electrical signaling helps cells coordinate behavior across tissues, and how that layer of control could open new paths for regeneration, repair, and healthier human longevity.

Research

Before this, my scientific work focused on stem cell therapy and mitochondrial transfer. I worked on closely mimicking human physiology through in vitro 3D culture systems to test interventions for wound healing, senescence reduction, and tissue regeneration. I designed and tested a protocol that reduced senescence markers by 36% in induced senescent fibroblasts, and I contributed to collaborative work on skin healing, intercellular communication, extracellular mitochondrial DNA, and the therapeutic potential of long non-coding RNAs.

Scientific Background

As Director’s Research Assistant at the Biomedical Institute at USFQ, I worked across regenerative medicine, cell culture, mitochondrial research, and translational bioengineering. I also applied bioinformatics pipelines to identify molecular targets involved in skin metabolism, collaborated with Columbia University on nomenclature for cell-free mitochondrial DNA, and studied whale airway microbiota using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing and QIIME2.

Publications and Patent

I have authored peer-reviewed publications in regenerative medicine and mitochondrial science, including work on mitochondrial transfer/transplant, extracellular mtDNA, and mitochondria as living drugs. You can find the papers here: Google Scholar. I am also co-owner of a submitted patent focused on priming MSCs to produce conditioned medium that reduces senescence and enhances fibroblast proliferation.

Building

Beyond research, I founded a biotechnology startup, secured non-dilutive funding to advance R&D and early market entry, and built teams across science, operations, and product execution. I care about translating frontier science into systems that can reach people outside the lab.

Recognition

I am a TIME Fellow alumnus, Start Fellowship alumnus, IQ Conekta alumnus, and magna cum laude graduate of Universidad San Francisco de Quito.

Links

Email: sebastian.penaherrera.c@gmail.com
Google Scholar: Profile