Isabella Kwan
Mary Gates Research Scholar, Winter 2024
Research Project: Micropatterned Collagen Constructs for Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotyping in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Project Description: 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 have you learned throughout your research project? 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.
What piece of advice do you have 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.