University of Iowa
Dr. Amy Ryan is Associate Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa and Director of the Precision Medicine Center for Cystic Fibrosis. She received her MSc (Hons) and PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Bath, UK, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego, and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Prior to joining the University of Iowa, she established an independent research program in airway stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Ryan's research focuses on understanding airway epithelial stem cell biology and developing precision medicine approaches for cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases. Her laboratory has pioneered methods to generate functional airway epithelium from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), creating patient-specific models to investigate CF disease mechanisms, evaluate CFTR-targeted therapies, and advance personalized treatment strategies. Her team has also developed gene-editing approaches to correct disease-causing CFTR mutations and is working to translate these technologies toward regenerative and cell-based therapies for cystic fibrosis.
As Director of the Precision Medicine Center for Cystic Fibrosis, Dr. Ryan leads multidisciplinary efforts to integrate stem cell biology, genome engineering, and translational research to improve therapeutic development for individuals with cystic fibrosis, particularly those who lack effective treatment options. Her work bridges basic discovery with clinical application and seeks to accelerate the development of next-generation therapies for CF with a specific emphasis on the non-lung aspects of CF.
Dr. Ryan has authored more than 115 peer-reviewed publications, reviews, and book chapters and has edited a book on lung stem cells. Her research has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Stead Family Scholar Award from the University of Iowa and the Carol Basbaum Award for Scientific Achievement from the American Thoracic Society.
Nationally and internationally, Dr. Ryan recently served as Chair of the Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Cell and Gene Therapy Committee of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy and is actively involved in advancing cell and gene therapies for pulmonary diseases. She serves on NIH study sections, advisory boards, and the editorial board of Cell Stem Cell, and is committed to fostering collaborative translational research and mentoring the next generation of investigators in cystic fibrosis, regenerative medicine, and precision therapeutics.
S25-- One Organ Two Jobs: Understanding the Role of the Endocrine & Exocrine Pancreas in CF
Saturday, October 10, 2026
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM EDT