Awarded in 2026
Home Department: Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Advisors: Natalie Larson (Mechanical Engineering), Sarah Heilshorn (Materials Science & Engineering), and Helen Blau (Microbiology & Immunology – Baxter Laboratory)

Research Title: Bioprinting the Building Blocks of Meat: Integrated Fabrication of Muscle, Vasculature, and Fat

Meat production is essential for feeding the world’s growing population, but current production methods place significant pressure on the environment. To help address these challenges, Sofia is developing cultivated meat, which is animal meat grown from cells rather than raising and slaughtering animals. Her research combines sustainable materials with advanced 3D printing technologies to make cultivated meat easier to produce at scale, helping reduce the environmental impact of food production.