Cholangiocytes are the specialized cells that line the bile ducts within the liver. These cells are the target of a group of liver diseases, known as cholangiopathies, which currently can’t be treated without completing a liver transplant. Liver transplants are not widely available, and even when a match is found, the surgery is risky, and the patient's body may refuse the transplanted liver.

Recent technology has made it possible to transform human skin cells into stem cells under laboratory conditions and transform the stem cells into heart muscle cells. This process is only a few years old, and little is currently known about the resulting heart cells. For example, researchers do not know how much force and electrical activity the artificially-developed heart cells have when compared to regular heart cells. This makes it difficult to use the cells for research.

Degenerative disorders cause specific types of cells in the human body to either die or stop functioning, leading to a wide range of symptoms in the patient. Although there are ways to treat the symptoms and to slow the progression of these diseases, it is difficult to treat the root causes of the ailment and restore the body with healthy cells.

Muscular dystrophy is a disease where mutations in genes interfere with the production of proteins that form healthy muscle. This leads to a progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, often impacting patients’ ability to walk or making it difficult to breathe or swallow.

Biobusinesses are often looking for employees who have advanced technical and scientific training that students don't typically receive while earning a bachelor's degree, but these businesses don't always need workers with a PhD, individuals who often prefer careers as independent researchers in academia rather than the private sector. Unfortunately, there are very few master's programs that prepare students specifically to enter the biobusiness workforce.

Regenerative medicine is a growing field that has made significant recent advances in technology and research, but many undergraduate students are not aware of regenerative medicine and its potential to develop cures for many medical problems. Therefore, students are not very likely to pursue graduate studies that would poise them for careers in regenerative medicine. This leaves gaps in the workforce in Minnesota, a state with many high-tech research laboratories which specialize in using regenerative medicine to develop cures.

There is a shortage of healthcare professionals, especially among underrepresented groups. Employers need qualified workers and are particularly interested in creating a diversified workforce. Summer enrichment camps provide the exposure needed for young people to gain an interest in healthcare professions, but due to a lack of accessibility, individuals from underrepresented groups often lack the opportunity to attend these educational opportunities.  

Like the rest of the nation, Minnesota has a shortage of healthcare workers. In 2014, the healthcare industry comprised 14 percent of the state’s employment, and state legislators expect Minnesota’s healthcare sector to grow rapidly over the next few years. More medical professionals are needed to someday care for the state’s aging population.