Olivier Kaakeh

Background

About Olivier Kaakeh

I'm currently a research engineer at the Institut Pasteur. I'm working on spatial gene expression along the 3D colonic barrier. More specifically how this spatial organization of cellular identity is maintained in the human colon and the impact of the microbiota. I use organ on chip technology as well as quantitative RNA imaging, FISH. Previously, I worked as a bioengineer at the Institut des neurosciences de Montpellier (INM), INSERM. I was part of Dr Carole Crozet's and Pr. Sylvain Lehmann team: Proteinopathies - Stem cells and/or neurodegenerative disorders. My research focused on the use of IPSC, Organoid and CRISPR to better understand the cellular environment around neurodegenerative pathologies. I have several research experiences abroad, notably in the team of Dr. Ken Ichiro Kamei, in the iCeMS institute of Kyoto University. I was in charge of the design and cell culture in an Organ on Chip mutli tissue interraction model. I had the pleasure of winning the prize for best biology research poster at the iCeMS retreat 2022. I also have experience at the SALK Institute in San Diego, researching plant cell biology in Professor Wolfgang Busch's team. In parallel with my studies and after graduating, I worked in innovative project management and R&D in a start-up incubator (Incubateur INITIUM, Montpellier), with my collaborator, Mr. Maxime Menardo. I was in charge of designing a wearable, connected mask to diagnose respiratory gas exchange during exercise. I had the opportunity to train on R&D, IP, design, market research and fundraising. I collaborated with structures such as TBS Education and Mr. Julius Akinyemi (MIT Media Lab), AD'OCC and In Extenso.