Jeffrey A
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Harvard University
Expertise
Bioengineering, Tissue Engineering, 3D Bioprinting, and Biology
Bio
Hello! I am a PhD student in the Bioengineering program at Harvard University. My research projects include using 3D printers to model the proximal tubule of the kidney and using kidney organoids to gain a larger understanding of the human kidney. I graduated with honors from the University of California, Merced with my degree in Bioengineering while also working as an undergraduate researcher in immunology and physiology labs. My goal is to help students find their passions for science and motivate them to pursue careers in the STEM field. Outside of academics, I enjoy listening to music and playing tennis.Project ideas
3D Bioprinting
Students will learn about how 3D printing technology is being used to advance the field of tissue engineering. This project will include introductory lessons into cell culture, hydrogels, and basic material science. Together, we will explore this interdisciplinary approach to properly address the advantages and future directions of bioprinting. By the end of this project, students will: have a deeper knowledge in the field of bioprinting, will learn to read scientific papers, and will create a final project in the form of a paper or presentation.
Reprogramming Stem Cells
For this exciting project, students will learn about directed stem cell differentiation. It is possible to revert somatic cells (such as skin cells) back to a pluripotent state, so that they behave like stem cells again. From here, these stem cells (known as iPSCs) can be reprogrammed into nearly any cell type you want, such as a cardiomyocyte (heart cell), nephron progenitor (kidney cell), or neuron. Together, we will explore how this is possible, and how this approach is used to advance the field of tissue engineering. By the end of this program, students will: have a deeper knowledge of stem cells, will learn to read scientific papers, and will create a final project in the form of a paper or presentation.
Tissue Engineering
Learn all about the field of tissue engineering including different areas of research, approaches, and organ systems!
Teaching experience
I have mentored numerous students through Polygence, helping them find their passions for science and write research papers in fields they find interesting. I have experience serving as a teaching fellow for a Harvard School of Engineering course. I also have experience mentoring researchers (undergraduate and associate level) at Harvard.Credentials
Education
Reviews
"I had an extremely fun time working with Jeffrey on my research paper, and I thank him for being so friendly, knowledgeable, and available during the whole process. Writing this research paper was an invaluable experience that I will surely take with me on my way to college, and I am excited to see how the skills I learned over the past few months translate to the next chapter of my life."
"This program is great because I am learning so much about a specific field in biology that I didn't know much about at the beginning of the program. Jeffrey has been very helpful to me by answering all my questions, giving me helpful information, and guiding me through formulating my first review paper. I have gained a deeper understanding about biology that I would never have known had I not done this program, and this knowledge will help me as I go on in life."