Vascularization of engineered tissues, pericytes, cell encapsulation, protein delivery Early perfusion is essential for survival and function of engineered tissues. The lack of a functional vascular network is often the limiting factor in tissue engineering and is the reason clinical success in this field has been limited to avascular or thin tissues. My work aims to induce the formation of an extensive and stable vascular network by transplanting endothelial cells within protein gels, a system that can easily be extended the engineering of many tissues. I co-transplant pericytes, a supporting cell in microvessels, to improve maturation and stability of vessels formed. Further, I aim to separate paracrine from contact-dependent signals of pericytes by encapsulating the cells in alginate particles. This allows co-culture with ECs in 3D in vitro culture and in vivo, but prevents PC-EC contact. Other research involves protein delivery to enhance vascular formation.

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Special Investigations, Saltzman Lab: Yale University, Fall 2009 - Special Investigations, Kyriakides Lab: Yale University, Spring 2009 - Biomedical Engineering Internship Program (BESIP): National Institutes of Health, Summers 2007 &amp; 2008 - Undergraduate Research Project (URP): Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Fall 2007 &ndash; Spring 2008 - Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Summer 2006</p>