X. (Xiaole) Tong, PhD

I completed my PhD at the end 2024 in the group of Prof. Marianna Tryfonidou at Utrecht University. My PhD study focused on the improvement of iPSC differentiation towards notochordal cells in intervertebral disc. In 2025, I started as a postdoc in the group of Prof. Gerjo van Osch. I’m involved in Triggerink project where I am investigating the biomaterials designed to support cartilage cell growth for the repair of damaged cartilage tissue.

Cartilage regeneration
Stem cell differentiation
Tissue engineering
In vivo model

2019-2024: PhD, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht University
2016-2019: MSc, Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, China
2011-2016: BSc, Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, China

My thesis:  Advancing stem cell-based technologies for intervertebral disc regeneration: Exploring biology-driven cues to improve iPSCs differentiation toward notochordal-like cells click here