b'2LET TEROn behalf of Wesleyan University, welcome to StemCONN 2021.Wesleyan is honored to partner with so many important contributorsto Connecticuts stem cell and regenerative medicine researchecosystem in support of this years conference.In keeping with this years theme of Regenerative Medicine in the 21st Century, I take special pride in noting Dr. Alison ONeils lecture on the biochemistry of neurodegenerative diseases (based on her researchwith human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons derived from patient populations). In her role as assistant professor, Dr. ONeil closely collaborates with faculty in and outside of the Chemistrydepartment, as well as both undergraduate and graduate students,serving as a model for how we conduct scientific research at Wesleyan.Dr. ONeil and all our life sciences facultys work in this area exemplifiesour universitys deep, long-standing commitment to interdisciplinary study. Their research also undergirds Wesleyans scholar-teacher model, in which we take discoveries made in the laboratory and bring themdirectly into the classroom. Funding from the state of Connecticut has been crucial in these efforts- enabling faculty and students eager pursuitof stem cell research in our productive and multifaceted program;helping train new generations of researchers with on-campus workshops; and supporting the off campus impact of this research in scientificpublications and outreach that helps educate the public on stem cell therapies for diseases.Real-world impact is always at the heart of our work at Wesleyan, and StemCONN 2021 is a model for how public and private institutions can work together to achieve it. I am delighted for all Wesleyan will learnfrom these productive dialogues and collaborations, and for what wecan offer to advance our partners understanding and efforts.Sincerely,Michael S. RothPresident Wesleyan University'