Current Graduate Research

Principal Investigator: David Rubenstein, PhD

Our research involves vascular smooth muscle cells and adventitial fibroblasts, both cell types are associated with cardiovascular disease development. Based on preliminary evidence from our lab and other relevant scientific literature, the complement activation can alter tissue factor expre

ssion in both cell types. The research and data previously generated from our lab verified the affinity of C1q for gC1qR and demonstrated that aortic adventitial fibroblasts and coronary artery smooth muscle

cells exhibited a significant increase in tissue factor expression after incubation with C1q compared to our negative controls. Another significant observation was the increase in bound Factor VII in both cell types as well. My independent research will be focused on the exploration of a convergence of the inflammatory and thrombotic pathways. Through evaluation of Factor VII, Factor VIIa, Factor Xa, and thrombin, I will strive to characterize thrombin generation and observe the impact on the cardiovascular system. Additionally, I will investigate how the introduction of inhibitors of the mechanisms will affect the presence of Factor VIIa and Factor Xa in response to C1q through conducting solid-phase ELISA.

 

Undegraduate Research

Principal Investigator: David Rubenstein, PhD

By manipulating the Allevi 2 bioprinter’s settings ever so slightly, the output’s attributes can change drastically. I worked with a peer to fabricate tailored biologically relevant scaffolds and conducted image analysis via ImageJ. While 3D bioprinting is exciting, I learned my passion lies elsewhere and embarked on a new research project once I returned to the lab in 2021 after the year of remote learning.

 

Summer REU at Case Western Reserve University

Principal Investigator: Gary Wnek, PhD

Unlike muscles, there had not been much research conducted on nerves from a macromolecular perspective despite the potential key role in nervous stimulation and transmission suggested by a significant body of literature. Therefore, our team’s overall objective was to successfully mimic a neuron and its biological function through a macromolecular perspective. The short-term goal I was pursuing focused on inducing stress and relaxation to imitate nerve stimulation and transmission by introducing salt solutions to dynamically interact with the system of polyacrylic acid (PAA) beads and extracellular matrix (ECM). My experience culminated in a poster presentation at the Northeast Ohio Undergraduate Research Symposium, sharing how the project results and conclusions can contribute to expanding our knowledge and potentially impact neural tissue engineering and regeneration. At the forefront of science and technology, I solidified my commitment to become a leader and innovator in biomedical research and enhancing human health.