I conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Carly Filgueira (P.I.) and Gerardo Murgolo in the Filgueira Lab, which investigates nanoparticle-based approaches for cardiovascular disease and surgery. My project focused on improving drug-coated balloon (DCB) therapies by developing more conformable hydrogel-based coatings for localized drug delivery and reduced restenosis following angioplasty. To support this goal, I established a rheological framework to compare the mechanical properties of porcine arterial tissues and alginate-PVA hydrogels using oscillatory shear rheometry. This work identified vessel-specific mechanical signatures and provided quantitative design targets for biomaterials that better match native arteries, with the potential to improve vessel–hydrogel coating interaction and enhance the effectiveness of future cardiovascular therapies.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have been a SURI intern! It was an immensely rewarding experience that taught me so much more about biomechanics and biomaterials, and it has motivated me to pursue a track aligned with these newfound interests within my BMEN coursework.