Mika Katsura is a licensed pharmacist who gained experience in the pharmaceutical industry in Japan, specializing in medical affairs for anti-allergy drugs and medical writing. She earned her M.S. in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics with a specialization in Stem Cell Technology and Laboratory Management from California State University Channel Islands in 2020. Beginning as a CIRM intern in Dr. Dennis Clegg's laboratory in 2019, she has contributed to developing retinitis pigmentosa disease models using human stem cell-derived retinal organoids from CRISPR-edited and patient-derived iPSCs. Her ongoing research includes work on the P23H rhodopsin mutation project utilizing retinal organoid technology. As Co-Director of the LSCBE Stem Cell Core Facility, she applies her expertise in stem cell technology and laboratory management to support facility users and advance their research projects.