As Daniel and Matthew embark on the next chapter of their careers we got together to wish them the very best!
As they reflect on their journeys, here are some words they would like to share;
Daniel:
"I decided to undertake my fourth-year bachelor’s thesis at Santerre Lab to delve deeper into the vascular side of the cardiovascular system, and my research certainly provided me with remarkable exposure in this field and beyond. My project focused on characterizing how the addition of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) impacts the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of tissue-engineered vascular grafts. It provided me with the opportunity to develop valuable skills related to cell culture, electrospinning, biomolecular assays, western blotting, and confocal microscopy. Looking back, I realize that I also gained a wealth of organizational and planning skills that exceed the scope of traditional coursework. These skills will help me independently navigate through uncertainties, whether it be in research or in life. I am deeply appreciative of my supervisor, Katya D’Costa, for her mentorship and support over my journey, as well as Dr. Santerre for this opportunity and his guidance throughout.
As this chapter of my life draws to a close, a new one is about to unfold at Johnson & Johnson. However, I will always cherish the profound impact of this project and proudly carry forward the lessons learned from my experience."
Matthew :
This April I completed his fourth-year thesis titled “Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) loaded oligo-urethane nanoparticles: Cytotoxicity evaluation in HEK293T cells and shelf-life study” at the Santerre Lab. My project focused on assessing the cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles in HEK293T cells without and with RNP loading as well as their stability at both low-stress and high-stress storage conditions. This work aids in determining the potential of oligo-urethane nanoparticles to deliver RNP to treat genetic diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In Fall 2023, I am thrilled to be starting my Master of Science in Bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego.