This project explored the use of stem cell–derived engineered heart tissue (EHT) for cardiac regeneration. Pluripotent stem cells were used to generate cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, which were incorporated into fibrin-based EHT patches and transplanted into rabbits. The EHT improved cardiac function, promoted neovascularization, and enhanced proliferation of transplanted cells, though cell retention was limited in infarcted hearts due to immune-mediated loss.

I promote social mobility in STEM by organizing outreach, delivering talks, and mentoring students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through lab placements and guidance, I help equip them with the skills and confidence to pursue scientific careers.

This MSc project examined the role of telomerase in cardiac progenitor cells and heart regeneration. Using Q-FISH and CO-FISH, I show that while TERT deficiency does not alter overall telomere length or distribution, it increases signal-free ends, indicating genomic instability. These findings highlight TERT’s essential role in maintaining telomere integrity in progenitor cells, with implications for cardiac repair.

This project examined how cardiomyocytes sense mechanical cues during development and disease. I show that adhesion-level mechanosensing integrates cardiac and non-muscle myosin contractions, producing stiffness-dependent talin tension signatures. These mechanisms link PKC–non-muscle myosin signaling to hypertrophy and pathological remodeling in heart failure.