Isabella Kwan

Project

Micropatterned Collagen Constructs for Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotyping in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

I am exploring how topographical cues affect pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells of patients with and without PAH differently. By sequencing transcriptomic differences, we aim to learn more about this disease using biomaterials and bioengineered techniques that mimic the vascular environment.

What I learned

I have learned to independently plan and optimize my project. Throughout this experience, I have grown as both a student and researcher by learning how to manage my time well to balance school and research. I have also learned how to mentor other students and enable them to be successful in the lab as well.

Advice for future applicants

Always keep trying! A lot of research involves persistent effort to troubleshoot and optimize a procedure so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work the first time.

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