How/Why Research? Knowing that I was particularly interested in the pharmacoengineering specialization of biomedical engineering, I looked for labs working in this area through the BME department and the pharmacy school. This is when I came across Dr. Nguyen’s lab, and was most excited by her lab’s work with genetically-engineered microbes and auxetic patches for organ repair. I emailed Dr. Nguyen and met with her to talk about the lab’s research, after which she paired me with a graduate student working on 3D-printed patches and particles with yeast engineered to secrete therapeutic proteins.
Research Experience: In Dr. Nguyen’s lab, I have worked with 3D printing of hydrogel patches and conducted experiments on protein release, degradation, swelling of patches in a simulated therapeutic environment. I am currently working on optimization of culture media to improve growth and viability of yeast engineered to secrete therapeutic in patches and particles. These projects have also given me experience in data analysis, image processing programs, and optimization with Design of Experiment. This work has allowed me to gain valuable experience and inspired my continued interest in biomedical engineering. I was also able to learn more about live biotherapeutics, an approach to drug delivery that I was not aware of before. I was also inspired by my work with data analysis and statistics to pursue a statistics minor.
Student Organizations/Clubs: Honors Carolina, Helping Hand Project
Random Fun Fact: I enjoy art and singing!