Awarded in 2016
Home Department: Bioengineering
Faculty Advisors: Fan Yang (Orthopaedic Surgery, Bioengineering) and Stuart Goodman (Orthopaedic Surgery)

Research Title: Regenerating cartilage with zonal organization using injectable, macroporous hydrogels with spatially patterned cues

Research Description: Cartilage loss is the leading cause of disability among adults, yet effective therapies remain elusive. Hydrogels are attractive 3D matrices for cartilage repair given their injectability but generally lack adequate mechanical strength needed for cartilage function. Furthermore, cartilage tissue is organized into stratified zones which are essential for its function, yet recreating such zonal organization remains challenging. Working at the interface of biomaterials, stem cell biology, and orthopaedic surgery, Courtney aims to (1) develop novel hydrogels with cartilage-mimicking biochemical and mechanical properties for stem cell-based cartilage repair; and (2) spatially arrange these hydrogels to recreate cartilage zonal organization.

WHERE IS SHE NOW?

Courtney is an engagement manager at Headland Strategy Group.