Advisor: Julie Kornfield Option: Medical Engineering Research: I am investigating a way to trigger the self-assembly of collagen hydrogels using light via pH change through photobase generators. The aim of this work is to develop a technique for controlling the fibril network structure of collagen gels, which in turn may influence the way cells behave when grown on or in these hydrogels.
Advisor: Rustem Ismagilov Option: Medical Engineering I am developing minimally invasive tools to probe human tissues at the molecular scale. I aim to translate this research into high-sensitivity assays for disease diagnostics and screening, improving public health globally.
Advisor: Stephen Mayo Option: Chemical Engineering I engineer protein-based fluorescent sensors that have the potential to measure nicotine concentrations continuously in biofluids in a low-cost, wearable manner. These sensors could help elucidate differences in nicotine pharmacokinetics between individuals and delivery forms, leading to tailored smoking cessation treatment plans.
