A husband, father, scientist, and Orange County business leader, Dr. Hans Keirstead is one of the world’s leading innovators in stem cell research and medical treatments.
Raised on a farm by a single mother, Hans has been working to help support his family since the age of nine. Times were not always easy for them, and there were days he would come home unsure if there would be dinner for him and his family. Hans understands firsthand the struggles many hard-working Americans face today. He is eager to have the opportunity to use his work ethic in Washington, DC and help the people of Orange County achieve their piece of the American Dream.
Inspired by his parents to help others, Hans went to college to become a physician but soon shifted to research. His aim was to develop more effective treatments to save and improve lives. He served for 15 years as Professor of Anatomy at UCI and led therapy breakthroughs for late-stage cancers, ALS and spinal cord injury.
Hans has successfully launched multiple medical research companies in Orange County and is currently CEO at AIVITA Biomedical, where he is focusing on developing a cancer treatment that is proving to be the most effective treatment for cancer that has ever reached the final phase of clinical trials.
He has advised several members of Congress and U.S. Senators on healthcare and biotechnology. When then President George W. Bush issued an executive order banning federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, Hans stepped up to help fill the void. Serving as lead scientific advisor for the California Stem Cell Initiative (Proposition 71), he toured the state to promote the ballot measure. He spoke to hospital leadership, unions, professors, doctors, nurses, and activists. Passing with nearly 60% of the vote, Proposition 71, established a $3 billion stem cell research fund to support medical innovation in California.
Hans’ wife, Niki, is a leading neuroscientist focused on Alzheimer’s disease. Hans, Niki, and their son, Connor, are proud to call Laguna Beach their home. In his spare time, Hans enjoys playing guitar and practicing martial arts with Connor.