Regenerative medicine pioneer Dr. Doris Taylor to speak at annual Nell Peel Wolfe Lecture
Nationally recognized regenerative medicine researcher and university alumna Dr. Doris Taylor will be the featured speaker for the annual Nell Peel Wolfe Lecture Series on Thursday, April 9 at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium, located in Parkinson Hall.
Sponsored by the Ina E. Gordy Honors College, Taylor will present “Building Heart in 2026: What I Learned at The W and Beyond,” discussing her journey from The W to being nominated as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by TIME magazine.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Doris Taylor speak about building heart—in both the figurative and the literal sense,” said University President Nora M. Miller. “Dr. Taylor was recognized by the American Association of Colleges and Universities in 2016 with the AASCU Distinguished Alumnus Award for her work in regenerative heart medicine. A wonderful and inspirational start to our Homecoming festivities, honoring all of our alumni.”
Taylor, a 1977 graduate, is widely regarded as a pioneer in regenerative medicine, with significant contributions to cell and gene therapy, stem cell biology and tissue engineering. Her research has earned national recognition, including being named among the “Top 10 Research Advances” by the American Heart Association.
“The Nell Peel Wolfe Lecture Series is a wonderful opportunity for us to invite distinguished speakers to campus who can provide insight and inspiration to students, members of the campus community and the local community,” said Josh Dohmen, director of the Ina E. Gordy Honors College. “Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Dr. Taylor’s time at The W, as well as the lessons she’s learned along the way as a leading figure in cutting-edge medical research. Attendees are sure to leave enlightened and inspired.”
Throughout her career, Taylor has held leadership roles as director of regenerative medicine research and director of the Center for Cell and Organ Biotechnology at the Texas Heart Institute. She is also co-founder of Miromatrix Medical Inc. and Organamet Bio Inc.
Taylor earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and physical sciences from The W and her doctorate in pharmacology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She completed postdoctoral studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she began her pioneering work in tissue engineering.
Established in 2004, the Nell Peel Wolfe Lecture Series honors the legacy of Nell Lyon Peel Wolfe, an alumna of The W and a lifelong advocate for education and the arts. Established through a gift from the Wolfe family, the series is a signature program of the Gordy Honors College. George Wolfe, son of Nell Peel Wolfe and professor emeritus of English at the University of Alabama, created the lecture series as a tribute to her enduring influence.
The event is free and open to the public.