As an ISCRM fellow, Olivia will investigate human placental cells’ tolerance to severe genomic stress. Compared to their parental human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and placentas exhibit naturally high levels of genomic instability. However, the extent of TSCs’ tolerance to such abnormalities remains largely unknown. By inducing genotoxic stress, Olivia aims to explore TSCs’ resilience and uncover the mechanisms behind it. This research will offer key insights into how TSCs maintain their function under stress, potentially informing therapies for trophoblast-related disorders and placental diseases.