Hematopoiesis is the process by which our bodies create various blood cells, including leukocytes (white blood cells), erythrocytes (red blood cells), and megakaryocytes (platelets). The megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor (MEP) is a progenitor cell capable of differentiating into either a red blood cell or platelet, and our lab is interested in understanding the different factors that impact which cell the MEP differentiates into. This work can be put toward regenerative medicine research that aims to produce synthetic blood for patients who are unable to receive blood transfusions due to hyperactive immune systems, and to better understand the etiology of various blood-related disorders such as sickle cell anemia.