Biography
Our work is inspired by the interface between materials science and regenerative engineering to address specific problems related to tissue development, repair, and regeneration. By developing mechanically and structurally dynamic biomaterials, microfabrication, and matrix manipulation techniques we aim to recreate complex cell-matrix interactions and model tissue morphogenesis and disease. The ultimate goal is to use these engineered systems to develop and translate more effective therapeutic treatments for diseases such as fibrotic, inflammatory, and congenital disorders. Our work currently focuses on developing engineered lung alveolar organoids, aiming to build models of acute and chronic pulmonary diseases and for personalized medicine.
Education
- Ph.D., Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland), 2016
- M.D., Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Halle, Germany), 2011
Awards & Service
NIH NHLBI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00), 2020-2021
Vice Chair (Chair 2022), Society for Biomaterials, Young Scientist Group, 2020-2021
ETH Silver Medal (awarded to high quality doctoral theses), 2018
SNSF Early Postdoc Mobility Fellowship, 2017-2018
SSBRM Research Award, Swiss Society for Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, 2017
Julia Polak European Doctoral Award, European Society for Biomaterials, 2017
IBSA Foundation for Scientific Research Fellowship Award, 2016
Racquel Z. LeGeros Award, European Society for Biomaterials, 2015
Prior Experience
2016-2021 Postdoctoral Fellow, Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania
2012 Medical Research Fellow, Orthopedic Surgery, AO Foundation (Davos, Switzerland)