The core aim of my thesis work was to improve the lab’s design of a synthetic, multilayered small diameter graft. The multilayered graft approach includes an electrospun inner layer that matches arterial mechanical properties and an outer hydrogel layer that promotes post-implantation endothelialization. My work focused on the hydrogel layer. Before my contributions to the project, the hydrogel layer was brittle and prone to damage upon surgical handling, thereby exposing the underlying thrombotic electrospun inner layer.
My doctoral research focused on achieving four core design criteria for the hydrogel coating: (1) Conformable, (2) Resistant to surgical handling damages, (3) Thromboresistant, and (4) Promotion of endothelialization
Established a redox-based diffusion-mediated crosslinking methodology that facilitates conformable hydrogel coatings on diverse substrates with tunable thickness.
Developed a poly(ethylene)glycol(PEG)-based hydrogel composition that resists implantation-associated handling including suturing and forceps torqueing.
Incorporated bioactive cues into new hydrogel coating and demonstrated resistance to blood clotting and promotion of endothelial cell adhesion.
Number of publications resulting from collaborations indicated in parentheses.
Dr. Nicholas Peppas and Dr. Nate Richbourg Worked with Dr. Richbourg to collect a range of swelling data for different hydrogel formulations and to apply his equilibrium swelling equation to the data, assisting in data interpretation.
Dr. Michael Sacks and Dr. Jane Grande-Allen Synthesized biostable PEG diamine acrylate 2 kDa for Dr. Grande-Allen’s work. Fabricated a wide range of hydrogel coating compositions for Dr. Sacks, ultimately leading to a successful ovine implantation study.
Dr. Julie Hakim Worked with Dr. Hakim early in her collaboration with the Cosgriff-Hernandez lab to develop a biodegradable vaginal stent to assess feasibility of the project.
Dr. Gabriel Rodrigo-Rivera and Dr. Allison Post Synthesized a biostable polyurethane-functionalized PEG polymer for use in injectable hydrogels.
Dr. Manuel Rausch and Dr. Vernita Gordon Managed joint facility nanoindentor including training other graduate students on its use. I worked with Dr. Rausch’s student to develop python code to easily extract moduli data from experiments, and I assisted Dr. Vernita Gordon’s students with data collection and analysis.
Abby Nkansah: Mentored through last year of graduate school to take over my project. Trained on all experiments, taught data analysis, project design, and hypothesis-driven research, and assisted in presentation and report preparation.
Dr. Andrew Robinson: Learned and optimized a 3-step synthesis of tri-block polyurethane urea elastomers and thin film casting to pass on the technique to Andrew.
Brianna Morales: Mentored for a 3-month period mid graduate school, training on hydrogel fabrication, data analysis, hypothesis-driven research, and how to prepare formal research reports.
My work with undergraduates involved project onboarding and management, assisting in their development as young scientists by teaching them hypothesis-driven research.
Ashauntee Fairley (2021-2022): Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Student | UT Austin
Shireen Toubbeh (2018-2019): CRM Field Clinical Representative | Boston Scientific
Michael Talanker (2017-2019): Plastic Surgery Resident | UT Health McGovern Medical School
Alex Bryan (2017-2018): Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student | University of Memphis
General Chemistry II (Fall 2019, Spring and Fall 2021): Lead recitation sessions and office hours and wrote exams, practice problems, and answer keys.
General Chemistry I (Summer 2021): KAUST Summer Tutor
Analytical Chemistry Lab (Fall 2017): Lead students through analytical laboratory experiments including titrations, electrochemical cells, and instrument use including HPLC, GC, and FAAS.
Katz Lab Buck Lab Cosgriff-Hernandez Lab Hewitt Lab