The academic and scientific communities at Emory University, along with oncological and dermatological researchers nationwide, are mourning the loss of Dr. Lindsey Seldin, PhD. An exceptionally talented assistant professor, innovative laboratory leader, and deeply beloved colleague, Dr. Seldin passed away on June 29, 2026.
The news of her passing was officially confirmed by the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, where she was a vital investigator within the Cell and Molecular Biology Research Program. Her death represents a profound loss to the fields of regenerative medicine, epithelial stem cell biology, and oncology.
A Brilliant Legacy in Cellular Biology and Epidermal Research
In Memoriam: Lindsey Seldin, PhD (Passed Away: June 29, 2026)
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Hometown Roots : Florida
Academic Base : Atlanta, Georgia
Undergraduate Alumna : Middlebury College (B.A. in Biology & Spanish)
Doctoral Graduate : Duke University (Ph.D. in Cell Biology)
Postdoctoral Research : Vanderbilt University (Epithelial Stem Cell Plasticity)
Institutional Roles : Assistant Professor, Department of Cell Biology (Emory)
Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology (Emory)
Research Health Scientist, Atlanta VA Medical Center
Core Research Focus : Epithelial stem cell fate, skin inflammation, and cancer
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From Elite Training to The Seldin Lab
Dr. Seldin began her exceptional career at Middlebury College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Spanish. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Duke University, where she conducted foundational research on mitotic spindle orientation. She further sharpened her expertise during a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University, focusing on epithelial stem cell plasticity.
At Emory University School of Medicine, she established the highly regarded Seldin Lab (located within the Whitehead Biomedical Research Building). Holding joint faculty appointments in both the Department of Cell Biology and the Department of Dermatology, Dr. Seldin combined her passions to study the mechanisms regulating epithelial stem cell fate during development, homeostasis (balance), and tumorigenesis (tumor formation) in the mammalian epidermis, hair follicles, and mammary glands.
Scientific Breakthroughs and Cutting-Edge Discoveries
Dr. Seldin was recognized internationally as a pioneer in advanced imaging techniques and molecular therapeutics. Her lab successfully bridged theory with therapeutic application, using complex technologies to combat severe human illnesses.
Innovative Research Methodologies & Technologies
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[ Live Intravital Imaging ] --> Developed streamlined approaches to monitor real-time
epithelial tissue dynamics using specialized inverted
confocal microscopy.
[ Key Publications ] --> Prolific 2025–2026 author in high-impact journals
including *Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology*,
*BMC Genomics*, and *Molecular Biology of the Cell*.
[ Therapeutic Targets ] --> Uncovered novel mechanisms behind cutaneous squamous
cell carcinoma and epithelial-dermal inflammasome
crosstalk to design targeted regenerative medicine.
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A Deeply Missed Mentor and Vibrant Spirit
Beyond the technical brilliance of her scientific papers, Dr. Seldin was celebrated as an extraordinarily generous mentor to the next generation of researchers. Her vibrant personality extended far beyond her office walls. A proud native Floridian, she was an avid swimmer and tennis player, an enthusiast of local theater and classical literature, an eager international traveler, and was known by friends for her lifelong quest to find the freshest seafood.
In a tribute released by Winship Cancer Institute, her colleagues expressed their heartbreak:
“Winship mourns the loss of Lindsey Seldin, PhD, assistant professor in Emory’s Departments of Cell Biology and Dermatology and a member of Winship’s Cell and Molecular Biology Program. Her work contributed significantly to the field and defined new mechanistic targets and methods for treating inflammatory skin disease and cancer. A talented scientist and beloved colleague and mentor, she will be deeply missed.”
Dr. Seldin leaves behind a powerful professional legacy in the many scientists she trained, the collaborative frameworks she established across Emory and the Atlanta VA Medical Center, and the profound medical discoveries that will continue to guide skin cancer research for decades to come. Memorial arrangements and community tribute funds will be announced by the university as details are finalized.