Andreia Cadar
Department of Immunology
Project(s): Mechanisms of Flu Induced Muscle Damage with aging and potential regenerative interventions
Mentor: Jenna Bartley, Ph.D.
Andreia Cadar is a PhD candidate in the UConn Center on Aging and Department of Immunology in the lab of Dr. Jenna Bartley. Andreia’s research focuses on developing translationally relevant interventions to improve regenerative capacity of aged muscle after an insult. Her work in the lab focuses on unveiling mechanism related to flu-associated muscle degradation and atrophy using an aged mouse model. Currently, her experiments are focused specifically on characterizing immune cell populations that contribute to muscle degradation and prolonged inflammation in response to flu infection. She also works on a multi-site clinical trial, Starting a Testosterone and Exercise Program after Hip Injury (Step-HI, NCT02938923), to gain clinical perspective on the challenges older adults face in regaining function following a traumatic fall. Overall, her multifaceted research focuses on novel treatments to improve muscle regeneration in older adults and allow them to maintain their independence following any stressor that causes disability, such as flu, falls, or other age-related conditions.
Godwin Dzidotor
Department of Chemical Engineering
Project(s): Light Soft-Actuated Bionic Regenerative Engineering (SABRE)
Injectable and Biodegradable Piezoelectric Hydrogel for Medical Applications
Articular Cartilage Regeneration using Biodegradable Piezoelectric Nanofiber Hydrogel with Ultrasound Treatment
Mentor: Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.
Godwin is a graduate student at the University of Connecticut – Department of Chemical and Biomolecular engineering. His research study focuses on regeneration of articular cartilage in treating osteoarthritis. Since 2018, he has been part of the Connecticut Convergence Institute of Translation in Regenerative Engineering.
His work seeks a convergence approach to the treatment of osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases by employing multi-disciplinary approach the foster mechanistic regenerative applications. This mechanistic regenerative perspective is evident in applications of bioengineering approaches involving cells and developmental control. Revealing that, mechanical stresses induces cytoskeletal tension-dependent changes that alter the extracellular matrix compliance and function.
Rachel Marchini
Department of Chemical Engineering
Project(s): Development of the synthetic artificial stem cell (SASC) for use in a rat model of Osteoarthritis (OA)
Mentor: Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D.
Rachel Marchini is a PhD student in chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Connecticut. She joined the Connecticut Convergence Institute of Translation in Regenerative Engineering in 2021 after completing her BS in chemical engineering at the Storrs campus. Her research focuses on the regeneration of articular cartilage in treating osteoarthritis and to continue into osteochondral defects with a focus on the regeneration of the bone/cartilage interface. Her work aims to expand the concept behind the synthetic artificial stem cell (SASC) and develop it for use in additional disease models.
Steven Toro
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Project(s): In situ formed microneedles for local delivery of myogenic and immunomodulatory
Mentor: Ali Tamayol, Ph.D.
Steven Toro is a first-generation high school graduate and second-year Biomedical Science Ph.D. student at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC), studying Skeletal Biology and Regeneration. He works under the mentorship of Dr. Ali Tamayol in his Laboratory for Innovative Microtechnologies & Biomechanics (LIMB). Steven’s research focuses on in situ engineering of microneedles for various clinical uses, including drug delivery to improve chronic wound management, muscle regeneration, treatment of dental defects, and more. By studying the underlying mechanisms of these techniques and working on translating them into clinical applications, he aims to advance the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Before joining UCHC, Steven obtained his B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico - Humacao. After graduation, he spent a year researching at UConn School of Pharmacy, gaining experience in toxicology research and liver histopathology. Additionally, he completed a two-year postgraduate program at Yale Medical School's Department of Neurology, where he focused on studying Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Tra Vinikoor
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Mentor: Thanh D. Nguyen, Ph.D.
Tra Vinikoor, a first-generation high school graduate, is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. Her passion lies in the field of translational medicine, specifically in cartilage regeneration and associated ailments utilizing interdisciplinary fields.
She was working on a biodegradable piezoelectric hydrogel aimed at revolutionizing osteoarthritis treatment. Through this innovative research, she envisions a future where patients can overcome cartilage defects using minimally invasive therapies, steering clear of major surgeries and their potential complications. This transformative approach promises faster recovery. Currently, she is leading research for osteoarthritis pain relief and healing using deep eutectic solvents. In addition to her own projects, she collaborates with other scientists and researchers on material development for sensors, tissue engineering, mRNA microneedle vaccination patches.
Throughout her Ph.D. study, she has earned several fellowships and awards, including the General Electric Excellence (the School of Engineering, UConn) the Diversity Supplement (NIH), the T32 Doctoral Training, and a Student Travel Achievement Recognition (STAR) Honorable Mention (SFB).
Travis Wallace
Department of Biomedical Science
Mentor: Liisa T. Kuhn, Ph.D.
Travis Wallace is a second-year Biomedical Science PhD student in the Skeletal Biology and Regeneration (SBR) program at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC). He works in the Kuhn Biomaterials Lab under the mentorship of Professor Liisa Kuhn in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Dental Medicine. Before coming to UCHC, Travis earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Afterwards, he earned his Sc.M. in Biomedical Engineering from Brown University before working for three years at the Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM), a cell-therapy based research arm of Astellas Pharma US. Travis’ research interests focus on regenerative engineering strategies for aged bone, especially those that are highly translatable. One such strategy under investigation in the Kuhn Lab is local and sustained delivery of drugs via novel biomaterials. Aged bone often loses strength and density; inflammatory bone loss is generally understood to be the main driver of this. The central hypothesis is that this bone loss can be reversed through local delivery of an anti-inflammatory drug or a senolytic, which is a drug designed to eliminate senescent cells (known to be hallmarks of aging which increase inflammation). This would then lead to regeneration of the bone itself while minimizing off-target effects on surrounding tissues. Travis’ interest in translatable research coincides with his interest in business and simultaneous pursuit of an MBA as well as his aim to work in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industries in the future.
Heather Wanczyk
Biomedical Science Fellow
Department of Cell Biology
Project(s): Engineering Pediatric-Sized Airways using Advanced 3D Bioprinting Technology
Mentor: Christine M. Finck, M.D.
Heather Wanczyk is a PhD student in Biomedical Science at the University of Connecticut Health Center- Department of Cell Biology. She has extensive training and experience in developing regenerative therapies to treat congenital defects of the lung, trachea and esophagus. She has a Bachelors degree in Animal Science as well as a Masters degree in Immunology from the University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on using advanced 3D bioprinting technology in combination with stem cells to develop pediatric-sized airways that will help reduce transplant shortages in individuals suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. She is also interested in developing novel biomaterials to repair congenital defects of the esophagus and trachea. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a career in regenerative engineering where she can harness her skills and experience to develop improved therapies and treatments for diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system.