The focus of my research is to efficiently direct the specification of motor neurons from human embryonic stem cells and generate purified motor neuron populations using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology. I am using BAC transgenic embryonic stem cells that specifically express GFP in spinal motor neurons to characterize their biology and transplantation potential to investigate motor neuron pathology and cell replacement therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).