Our lab designs hydrogels as cell culture models to study how cells interact with their tissue microenvironment. We leverage that knowledge to create approaches for regenerating tissues and modeling fibrotic diseases.
Our lab is broadly interested in the design of hydrogel-based cell culture models that more accurately mimic normal and diseased tissue states. We aim to use these models to better understand and treat pathologies such as pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating outcome of COVID and other lung diseases. This project will design, synthesize, and characterize new hydrogel resins that are cytocompatible and amenable to 3D printing of cell-laden microstructures mimicking the mechanics and architecture of native lung tissue. We aim to use these materials as models for better understanding the basics of cell-environment interactions in the lung, and potentially as testbeds for identification and screening of therapeutics.
Some background in chemistry and biology is preferred, but we are open to working with anyone who's motivated and excited about our research!
1) Design of experiments, 2) Scientific communication, 3) Hydrogel fabrication and characterization, 4) Cell culture