Author: Patrick Yang

7Aug By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, opportunities, Science and Technology

Sudha Anilkumar Joins SUPER VP Program as NSF REU Intern

Sudha standing next to her posterSudha presenting her posterSudha presenting to Tari Santosa (middle) and Daedalus Chen (right) August 5, 2024 St. Louis, MO - This summer, Oyen Lab had the pleasure of welcoming Sudha Anilkumar, an undergraduate student from the University of Delaware, as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) intern through the Summer Undergraduate Program for Engineering Research Towards a Virtual Pregnancy (SUPER VP) program. Sudha, an undergraduate student from the University of Delaware, joined the Summer Program for Engineering Research Towards a Virtual Pregnancy. This program, hosted by the Center for Women's Health Engineering, is in its inaugural year, and we are thrilled to have Sudha as one of its pioneering parti...

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7Aug By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, events, Healthcare Research, Research and Innovation

📣 Newsflash: Samantha Zambuto Presents at Gordon Research Seminar

August 5, 2024 St. Louis, MO - Samantha Zambuto recently attended the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Signal Transduction by Engineered Extracellular Matrices, where she presented her research on "Biomimetic Matrices for Modeling Uteroplacental Interfacing." The seminar, which took place in a dynamic forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers, focused on exploring engineered microenvironments to study tissue heterogeneity and address underserved diseases and populations in biomedical research. Samantha's poster highlighted innovative approaches for designing tissue-engineered constructs to reduce complications in pregnancy. This GRC meeting provided a platform for early-career scientists to engage in scientific discussions, develop collaborative relationships, and e...

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12Jul By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, events, Science and Technology

🌍 Newsflash: Adrienne Scott and Samyuktha Kolluru Attend Wellcome In Utero Hackathon

July 12th, 2024 St. Louis, MO - Dr. Adrienne Scott and Samyuktha Kolluru represented Oyen Lab in Washington University in St. Louis at the Wellcome In Utero Hackathon held in the United Kingdom from June 18-21, 2024. The hackathon showcased innovative techniques in the analysis of the placenta and maternal health. At the hackathon, Adrienne and Samyuktha developed multi-physics models of the placenta in collaboration with other In Utero Wellcome Leap teams.

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12Jul By Patrick YangNo Comments

events, Research and Innovation, Science and Technology

Adrienne Scott and Samyuktha Kolluru Attend SB3C 2024 Conference

Samyuktha Kolluru presenting her poster.Dr. Adrienne Scott giving a presentation. July 12, 2024 St. Louis, MO - Oyen Lab in Washington University in St. Louis proudly announces the successful participation of Dr. Michelle Oyen, Dr. Adrienne Scott, and Samyuktha Kolluru in the Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference (SB3C 2024). The event was held from June 11–14, 2024, at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Michelle, Adrienne, and Samyuktha engaged with fellow researchers, participated in discussions, and explored new ideas and technologies that can significantly impact human health. Samyuktha showcased her research poster titled, “Hydrogel Phantom System as Mechanical Placental Tissue Mimics,” and Adrienne was excited to present her work t...

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12Jul By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, events, Research and Innovation, Science and Technology

Michelle Oyen chairs ERVA event to Transform Women’s Health Outcomes

July 10, 2024 St Louis, MO - Dr. Michelle Oyen and PhD candidate Samyuktha Kolluru recently went to the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA) event, "Transforming Women’s Health Outcomes through Engineering" on June 4th, 2024 which lasted Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), this significant event aimed to revolutionize women's health with engineering. Dr. Oyen, an esteemed bioengineer and the inaugural Director of the Center for Women’s Health Engineering at Washington University, served as the chair of the event. She was joined by her scribe, Samyuktha Kolluru, a dedicated PhD candidate in Material Science and Engineering. The event also saw the collaboration of co-chair Kristin Myers, as they worked together to bring stakeholders from across the country t...

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12Jul By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, Research and Innovation, Science and Technology, Women's Health

📣 Newsflash: Samantha Zambuto’s Successful Presentation at World Biomaterials Congress

World Biomaterials Congress's BuildingDr. Samantha Zambuto standing next day's schedule.Dr. Samantha Zambuto (Left) and Dr. Juan Gnecco (right)Dr. Samantha Zambuto (Left) and Eya Ferchichi exploring Korea Date: July 5, 2024St Louis, MO - We're thrilled to report that Samantha Zambuto had a highly successful trip to the World Biomaterials Congress in Korea. Her insightful talk on "Biomaterials for Maternal-Fetal Interface," held on May 28, 2024, captivated the audience. Zambuto's presentation provided valuable insights into the use of biomaterials to improve maternal and fetal health, contributing to meaningful discussions among attendees.

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24May By Patrick YangNo Comments

Research and Innovation, Science and Technology, Women's Health

📣 Newsflash: Samantha Zambuto to Present at World Biomaterials Congress in Korea

Date: May 24, 2024 St. Louis, MO - We’re excited to announce that Dr. Samantha Zambuto will be presenting a keynote address at World Biomaterials Congress in Korea! She will present her keynote titled “Biomimetic Scaffolds for Vaginal Tissue Engineering” during the “Biomaterials for Maternal-Fetal Interface” session from May 28, 2024, from 16:30 – 18:00 in room 314.

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1May By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, Healthcare Research, Research and Innovation, Science and Technology, Women's Health

Innovative Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Project CerVos Unveiled on BME Day

Tista Mandal, Kristina Dalton, and Abir Hamdaoui proudly showcase their innovative senior design project, CerVos, at BME Day.Abir Hamdaoui demonstrates CerVos, while Tista Mandal and Kristina Dalton stand beside our poster at BME Day. Date: April 30th, 2024 St. Louis, MO - Tista Mandal, Kristina Dalton, and Abir Hamdaoui, aspiring biomedical engineers, unveiled their groundbreaking senior design project, "CerVos: A Cervical Insufficiency Diagnostic Device to Prevent Preterm Labor," at the Washington University's Biomedical Engineering (BME) Day on April 29th, 2024. This pioneering project aims to address the critical issue of preterm labor through an innovative diagnostic approach. The CerVos device utilizes a spherical indentation technique to assess cervical stiffness and other...

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1May By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, degrees

🎓📝 Newsflash: Congratulations to Emily Sheehan on Successfully Defending Her Project’s Thesis!

Emily Sheehan: MS Graduate Student Date: April 30, 2024 St. Louis, MO - A momentous achievement for Emily Sheehan as she successfully defended her master's project, marking the culmination of her dedicated efforts in academia. With determination and perseverance, Emily showcased her expertise and scholarly prowess, impressing the panel with her insightful research. Our lab extends its heartfelt congratulations to Emily Sheehan on this significant milestone and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

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1Apr By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Publications, Research and Innovation, Science and Technology, Women's Health

🔬📚 Newsflash: New Research Paper Explores Impact of Gelatin Bloom Strength on GelMA Hydrogel Properties

Date: March 29, 2024 St. Louis, MO - A recent research paper titled “Evaluation of gelatin bloom strength on gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel properties” was published by our group in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. Authored by Dr. Samantha G. Zambuto, Samyuktha S. Kolluru, Eya Ferchichi, Hannah F. Rudewick, Daniella M. Fodera, Dr. Kristin M. Myers, Dr. Silviya P. Zustiak, and Dr. Michelle L. Oyen, the study investigates the impact of gelatin bloom strength on hydrogel mechanical properties. Results reveal that both bloom strength and GelMA weight percent influence stiffness and viscoelastic ratio, while bloom strength specifically affects diffusivity, permeability, and pore size. The research, showcasing a library of GelMA hydrogels with varying proper...

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1Apr By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Publications, Healthcare Research, Research and Innovation, Science and Technology, Women's Health

🔬📚 Newsflash: New Research Paper Explores Innovative Approaches to Placenta Modeling

Date: March 31, 2024 St. Louis, MO - A research paper titled “Beyond 2D: Novel biomaterial approaches for modeling the placenta” has been recently published by Dr. Samantha Zambuto, Dr. Adrienne Scott, and Dr. Michelle Oyen. The paper explores three-dimensional biomaterial environments for placenta research, offering insights into the complexities of this vital organ. Exploring advanced fabrication techniques such as microfluidic device fabrication and 3D bioprinting, the paper showcases the potential for in vitro, three-dimensional placenta research to address health disparities and sexual dimorphism. Overall, this paper provides a framework to understand and model the placenta, opening new avenues for future research in women’s health and pregnancy-related disorders. Read the ful...

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1Apr By Patrick YangNo Comments

events, Science and Technology, Women's Health

Center for Reproductive Health Sciences and Center for Women’s Health Engineering Host Successful Open House Event

Elevating collaboration: A snapshot capturing the vibrant energy and knowledge exchange at the joint open house event hosted by CRepHS and CWHE. 🌐🔬Samantha Zambuto (right) and Julie Emmerich (left) proudly standing in front of our poster at the collaborative open house event hosted by CRepHS and CWHE.Adrienne Scott (right) engrossed in a dynamic conversation with Rowan Karvas (left).Samantha Zambuto (right) and Antonina Frolova (left) engrossed in a meaningful conversation. Date: December 6, 2023 St. Louis, MO - In a collaborative triumph, the Center for Reproductive Health Sciences (CRepHS) and the Center for Women's Health Engineering (CWHE) joined forces to host an immensely successful open house event on December 5, 2023. Held at Washington University's Medical Campus, the event...

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1Apr By Patrick YangNo Comments

Interesting, Women's Health

Advancing Women’s Health: Dr. Michelle Oyen’s Vision in Focus on St. Louis Public Radio

Diving into the intricate world of bioengineering: Samantha Zambuto, immersed in the lab, crafting innovations that push the boundaries of science. Date: December 6th, 2023 St. Louis, MO - In a recent interview with St. Louis Public Radio conducted by Emily Woodbury, Dr. Michelle Oyen, a distinguished bioengineer at Washington University and leader of the Center for Women's Health Engineering, shed light on the critical need for increased research and funding in the realm of women's health. The discussion came in the wake of First Lady Jill Biden's announcement of the nation's first initiative for women's health research, drawing attention to the chronic underfunding of research in this vital field. Dr. Oyen emphasized the pervasive gaps in knowledge surrounding both reproductive...

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1Apr By Patrick YangNo Comments

Healthcare Research, Research and Innovation, Science and Technology, Women's Health

📣 Newsflash: Dr. Michelle Oyen Leads Insightful Discussion on Digital Twins in Pregnancy at the Royal Society of Medicine Meeting

Dr. Michelle Oyen (right) captivating the audience with her groundbreaking insights at the Royal Society of Medicine meeting, as she discusses digital twins in pregnancy. Seated on the left, Roger Highfield, absorbed in the wealth of knowledge being shared. Date: November 3, 2023 London, UK - In a captivating session at the Royal Society of Medicine meeting, Dr. Michelle Oyen took center stage to share her expertise on the groundbreaking concept of digital twins in pregnancy. Dr. Oyen, renowned for her work in biomechanics and women's health, delved into the intricacies of digital twin modeling, shedding light on its applications in pregnancy research. Notably, her pioneering work includes modeling C-section scars, exemplifying the potential of digital twins to revolutionize our und...

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1Apr By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, awards

Dr. Michelle L. Oyen Inducted into AIMBE College of Fellows

Dr. Michelle L. Oyen proudly holds her induction certificate into the prestigious AIMBE College of Fellows, alongside Prof. Mike King (left), 2023 chair of AIMBE College of Fellows, and Prof. Joyce Wong (right), Past President of AIMBE. Date: March 26, 2024 St. Louis, MO - Dr. Michelle L. Oyen, the esteemed Director of the Center for Women’s Health Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, has been honored with induction into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). The prestigious ceremony, held on March 25 in Arlington, VA, saw Dr. Oyen among 162 esteemed colleagues inducted into this distinguished group. Election to AIMBE’s is a rare honor, limited to the top 2% of medical and biological engineers in their respective fields. The induction...

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1Apr By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, Meet the Team, Research and Innovation, Women's Health

📣 Newsflash: Dr. Samantha Zambuto to Deliver Seminal Seminar on Engineering Biomimetic Materials for Female Reproductive and Gynecologic Health

Samantha Zambuto, PhD: Postdoctoral Scholar Date: January 26, 2024 at 2pmLocation: University of California San Diego at the FUNG Auditorium - PFBH In a pioneering endeavor, Dr. Samantha Zambuto, PhD is set to deliver a transformative seminar, "Engineering Biomimetic Materials for Female Reproductive and Gynecologic Health," on January 26, 2024 at 2pm, in the FUNG Auditorium - PFBH located at University of California San Diego. Focused on the historically understudied realms of female reproductive and gynecologic health, Dr. Zambuto will delve into the unique biomechanical environment of the female reproductive tract by utilizing gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels to mimic and, instruct, and define the cellular microenvironment. Through the synergistic techniques of tissue engin...

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16Nov By Patrick YangNo Comments

Healthcare Research, outreach, Research and Innovation, Science and Technology, Women's Health

Oyen Lab Welcomes Innovative Phantoms

Dr. Adrienne Scott expertly utilizes ultrasound technology to explore the intricacies of fetal development within the advanced phantom.Samantha Zambuto holds EpiLume.Samyuktha Kolluru, with precision and focus, employs ultrasound to unravel the mysteries within the innovative phantom. Date: October 20, 2023 St. Louis, MO - In a groundbreaking development, the Oyen Lab at Washington University has acquired state-of-the-art pregnancy phantoms, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the intricate world of maternal health research. These phantoms, meticulously crafted replicas of a pregnant woman's womb during the second trimester, aim to showcase the lab's pioneering work to the scientific community and the public. The centerpiece of these phantoms is a lifelike representation of a...

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19Oct By Patrick YangNo Comments

events, Healthcare Research, Women's Health

📣 Newsflash: Oyen Lab’s Resounding Success at BMES 2023!

Samantha Zambuto, Leading the Way: Sharing Insights on Vaginal Tissue Engineering at BMES 2023 Date: October 19, 2023 Saint Louis, MO - The Oyen Lab's journey to the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) 2023 Annual Meeting in Seattle was nothing short of a resounding success! With a dynamic presence and a slate of compelling presentations, they made a significant impact on the biomedical engineering community. Dr. Samantha Zambuto set the stage with her illuminating presentation on "Composite Elastin Nanofiber-Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels for Vaginal Tissue Engineering." Her groundbreaking research captured the attention of the audience, further solidifying the lab's position at the forefront of innovative tissue engineering. Dr. Michelle L. Oyen enriched the event with her...

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6Oct By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements, Healthcare Research

Professor Michelle L. Oyen Appointed as Obstetrics and Gynecology Professor at Washington University

Inaugural Director of the Center for Women's Health Engineering Elevates Women's Healthcare Research Date: September 20, 2023 St. Louis, Missouri - Professor Michelle L. Oyen, an accomplished researcher with a profound dedication to women's health engineering, has been appointed as a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Washington University in St. Louis. This esteemed recognition marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career, adding a new dimension to her already distinguished role as the inaugural Director of the Center for Women’s Health Engineering. Dr. Oyen's journey to this prestigious position is characterized by her extensive background in materials and biomechanics, which has led her to tackle diverse challenges in tissue mechanics and biomimetic mater...

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6Oct By Patrick YangNo Comments

Academic Achievements

Samyuktha Kolluru Appointed Vice Chair of Global Health Student Advisory, Paving the Way for Student Leadership

Committed Advocate for Global Health Joins Leadership Team Date: September 20, 2023 St. Louis, Missouri - In a significant stride towards advancing global health initiatives, Samyuktha Kolluru, a dedicated advocate for global health, has been appointed as the Vice Chair of the Global Health Student Advisory at Washington University. Her appointment underscores her commitment to driving positive change and her passion for improving healthcare on a global scale. The Global Health Student Advisory plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction and focus of global health initiatives at Washington University. As Vice Chair, Samyuktha Kolluru will assume a leadership position that allows her to contribute her insights, ideas, and dedication to the cause of global health. Her role wi...

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