Yoko Mullen, M.D., Ph.D., Research Scientist and Director of Islet Quality Control and Research Development at the SC-ICR, is an established investigator in islet cell isolation and preparation for transplantation into humans for over 20 years at the UCLA West Los Angeles Veteran Affairs Medical Center. She is recognized nationally and internationally for her islet cell work, has developed a patented unique and efficient two-step method for islet isolation, and has written over 170 scientific publications in the field.
As Director of Islet Quality Control and Research Development of the SC-ICR Center, Dr. Mullen supervises all activities performed by the islet isolation core and is responsible for evaluating the yield, function, and viability of each islet preparation, as well as granting islet certification for human transplantation. She is currently funded by the Treadwell Foundation to perform basic science investigations in animal and human cell biology and transplantation including the developments of new immune tolerance induction strategies and alternative sites to the portal vein infusion of transplanted islets.