Nikhith K
- Research Program Mentor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Expertise
Tissue Regeneration, Stem Cell Biology and Ethics, Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Project ideas
What are Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and how do they work?
Hearing the term "stem cells" can spark ideas of human cloning and bring to the surface its complex ethical history. In this project we will investigate the history of stems cells and learn about the revolutionary "new" technology of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and how they are created. The end product will be a substantial knowledge base in stem cell biology and application encapsulated in a research paper or presentation.
Cardiomyocytes: The Magic and the Mystery
In this project we will explore how cardiomyocytes work together to create a functional organ that contracts 100,000 times a day. We will learn about the mysteries that surround cardiac development and our barriers to developing healthy adult cardiac tissue in the lab. The end product will be a research paper or presentation detailing cardiomyocyte biology and development and an understanding of the current barriers in the field.