These cells, also known as hematopoietic stem cells, have the capacity to self-renew and give rise to all cell types found in the blood and immune system. Chute seeks to identify how the microenvironment, or ‘niche,’ that supports and surrounds blood-forming stem cells regulates their ability to regenerate and produce blood and immune cells. His ultimate goal is to translate these findings to develop treatments for a wide range of blood diseases and cancers, and to help patients whose immune systems have been compromised by treatments like chemotherapy recover.