Dr. Demarco
Biography
Dr. Rafael S. Demarco hails from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from the University of Kansas, where he began his journey into the intricate world of stem cell biology.
​
Dr. Demarco advanced his expertise during his postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Dr. Leanne Jones. His research journey spanned prestigious institutions, including the Salk Institute in San Diego, UCLA, and UCSF.
​
In 2022, Dr. Demarco joined the University of Louisville as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology. Here, he continues his groundbreaking research and inspires the next generation of scientists.
Research Focus
Dr. Demarco is a trained stem cell biologist whose work bridges the fields of metabolism and development. His research explores the complex interplay between lipid metabolism and signaling pathways within stem cell niches. By understanding these mechanisms, his work aims to uncover insights that could transform how we approach developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
Teaching
Dr. Demarco is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He teaches a range of courses designed to engage students with the latest advances in biology:
​
BIOL 465: Principles of Physiology
BIOL 390: Stem Cell Biology
BIOL 425: Aging & Age-related Disorders (WR, CUE)
BIOL 600: Graduate Seminar​
​
His teaching philosophy emphasizes interactive learning and fostering curiosity in the biological sciences.