Dr. Koji Hosaka received his PhD in Japan before moving to the University of Florida as a post-doctoral associate in 2005. He initially worked in Dr. Scott’s regenerative medicine research lab, focusing on the role of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells in retinal neovascularization and inflammation. In 2008, Dr. Hosaka joined Dr. Brian Hoh’s cerebrovascular research group in the Department of Neurosurgery as a post-doctoral associate. By 2010, he remained in Dr. Hoh’s research laboratory as a faculty scientist, continuing his research on brain aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Please tell us your background, where you are from, schooling, etc.

I am from Tokyo, Japan. My research specialties in Japan were embryology and stem cell biology. My current specialities are vascular biology, brain aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. I started involving in Dr. Hoh’s research group’s experiments in 2006 and developed new animal models for brain aneurysm research. 

What led you to become involved with brain aneurysm research?

When I met Dr. Hoh while I was working in Dr. Scott’s lab at UF, I thought the disease was fascinating. I believed that my specialties and skill could help solving problems .

In the simplest terms, what is the purpose of your project?

To understand the mechanisms of aneurysm formation, development and rupture, which can lead us to develop new treatments.

In the simplest terms, what do you hope will change through your research findings?

To develop new and better treatments for the patients.

Why is the funding you are receiving through the Brain Aneurysm Foundation so important?

This funding is crucial for the continued advancement of neurovascular niche repair.