1. METHODS Each intern conducted subject matter research as independent study format (from home or library) within the Intern Team Surveyed public literature and databases, employing web- based and Microsoft Office tools Completed designated assignments within a ‘matrix’ Project Team environment and held weekly Project Team meetings Established effective communication through email, phone and weekly meetings with Project Team Members Collected, collated and organized research data Assembled a PowerPoint presentation and workbook with slides and pertinent notes. INTRODUCTION Regenerative medicine refers to the field of scientific study focused on replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function. Central to the success of this field are stem cells, which can divide and differentiate into specialized cell types found in the body. More importantly, they can also produce more stem cells as they possess the unique property for self-renewal. Stem cells, through their self-renewal and specialization (differentiation) properties, may hold the promise of regenerating damaged tissues or organs impacted by disease. Bio4Front Inc. is a company that specializes in developing custom educational training programs in the life sciences for academic, government and industry organizations. Our goal was to develop a core curriculum and instructional tools in Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine for the education of potential clients. Here we present a summarized version of the key concepts in stem cell biology, the promise of regenerative medicine in treating disease, and its applications in basic research and benefits in healthcare. We will also present the methods used to conduct our internship team research. Diane Aceveda, Biochemistry, San Diego State University (daceveda17@gmail.com); Diana Mercado, Biology Neuroscience, San Diego City College (diana_mercado21@hotmail.com); Rogelio Estrada, Cell Biology, San Diego City College (rogelio_jello@hotmail.com) The Promise of Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine CONCEPTS in STEM CELL BIOLOGY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to recognize the San Diego MESA Alliance and NSF for internship funding support (SDSU NSF Grant #DUE0653277, SDCC NSF Grant #DUE0653291). Special thanks to Eric Pamintuan, Program Coordinator, and San Diego City College MESA Director Rafael Alvarez for their time and effort, and Dr. Philip Sheridan for mentorship at Bio4Front Inc. Most importantly, we would like thank our family and friends for their continued encouragement and support. SUMMARY: ‘What We Learned’ Enhanced knowledge of basic cell and molecular biology The properties of stem cells, the potential for regenerative medicine and the benefits for improved healthcare Matrix Project Team system leveraged resources resulting in quickly and efficiently achieving goals Effective communication and team member accountability is essential for optimal team performance & productivity Utilizing all communication channels overcame challenges of scheduling conflicts Prepare an agenda Keep it professionalKeep records Establish action items A. Basic Properties of Stem Cells B. Types of Stem Cells C. Culturing & Selection of Stem Cells The PROMISE of REGENERATIVE MEDICINE