The University of Georgia’s class of 2025 included the first student to graduate from UGA’s new Ph.D. program in regenerative bioscience (RB).
Introduced in 2024 by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the new degree focuses on interdisciplinary training in regenerative medicine, biomanufacturing, and biomedical imaging and computation.
“I realized on commencement day that I was the first person to graduate from the program,” said Jinghui Gao. “I felt both excited and very, very proud.”
From China to Italy to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Gao has followed a global path in science. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Italy at the University of Camerino, and a master’s degree at USC, she set her sights on UGA’s Regenerative Bioscience Center, where she found the mentorship and support of Yao Yao, assistant professor of regenerative medicine in CAES’ Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences (ADS).
Shown are Jinghui Gao, right, and Yao Yao, left. (Submitted photo)
“When I learned about the Yao lab’s work on extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells, I knew this program would provide the ideal environment to advance my expertise in regenerative medicine,” said Gao.
The transition from ADS felt like a natural progression for Gao.
“I was originally part of the ADS Ph.D. program before the RB program was established. Since both my advisor and committee members are core faculty in the program, transferring allowed my research to align more directly with its regenerative medicine focus.”
The RB Ph.D. program was created to meet the growing demand for specialists in regenerative bioscience, an emerging field gaining traction around the world and especially in Georgia. According to the Georgia Power Bioscience database, the state ranks among the top 15 for bio-related jobs and holds the sixth spot for growth in the field. In less than a year, 18 Ph.D. candidates have joined the program, reflecting strong early momentum.
“Regenerative medicine isn’t something you can approach from just one angle — it requires a blend of skills across science, technology and medicine,” said Lohitash Karumbaiah, professor of regenerative medicine and lead faculty architect of the new Ph.D. program. “The RB program prepares students to navigate that complexity, which is essential as the demand for trained professionals continues to outpace the supply.”
For two decades, the Regenerative Bioscience Center (RBC) has trained thousands of students on their way to medical school. With the launch of the new UGA School of Medicine, the RBC will continue to provide shared resources, research opportunities, and faculty mentorship—strengthening the bridge between discovery and medical education.
“In working with the new medical school, our degree programs will gain sharper insight into clinical needs — and, in turn, help us develop better tools for clinicians and patients,” said RBC Director Steven Stice, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Regenerative Medicine. “It also opens the door to attracting a more diverse group of students and postdocs by expanding opportunities in human health alongside the nation’s only regenerative bioscience program with both undergraduate and Ph.D. tracks.”
Gao had the opportunity to mentor several RBC undergraduates, including Arial Sikal, who was recently accepted to the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn under Jing Gao’s mentorship for the past three years,” said Sikal. “She created a space where I felt supported but also challenged to grow. She encouraged me to take ownership of my work and goals, while always being there to help me navigate challenges or offer a new perspective.”
Gao reflected with emotion and gratitude on graduation day, describing her Ph.D. experience as one that pushed her outside her comfort zone. “What an amazing journey it has been,” she said. That journey included not only scientific growth, but personal growth as well.
“It’s really good training for grad students — not just focusing on your own research, but also seeing what others are doing and practicing how to present,” she said. “I’ve always felt a bit nerdy and not the best at explaining science, but these courses gave me the push I needed to build my communication skills.
“I’m the first to graduate and the first to leave, which feels a little surreal,” she added. “But what really stayed with me is how open and collaborative the program is. People here are kind — you can walk into another lab, ask a question, and they’ll stop what they’re doing to help. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re not in it alone.”
