Thomas Koch

Background

About Thomas Koch

Dr. Koch is a Full Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada. He received his Veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, Denmark. Dr. Koch’s current research focus is on stem cell and tissue engineering-based therapies with joint cartilage repair being the main area of investigation. Studies on equine and canine stem cells, joint cartilage and synovial joint health are pursued in parallel. Within this applied research approach basic mechanistic insights of joint homeostasis and the chondrogenic cell fate is sought including studies in the area of cell mechanobiology. Emerging research areas of interest include tendon and ligament repair and the regulatory roles of microRNA. Novel therapies applied in horses and dogs with natural spontaneous disease serve as important translational pre-clinical animal models of similar human diseases. His work has resulted in one spin-off company, eQcell Inc, which is developing stem cell services for horses and dogs. He serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. Supplemental to his research program he participates as a senior clinician in the out-of-hours emergency service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the Ontario Veterinary College for the Large Animal Internal Medicine Section.