Awarded in 2025
Home Department: Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Medicine
Faculty Advisors: Michael Longaker (Surgery - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) and Vivian Feig (Mechanical Engineering)

Research Title: Understanding the Cellular Components of Tendon Fibrosis and the Effect of Mechanomodulation on Reducing the Fibrotic Response to Injury in a Small Animal Model

Tendon injury arising from trauma, overuse or age-related degeneration accounts for more than 30% of all musculoskeletal injuries. Tendons do not regenerate well after injury and often form scars, called fibrosis, which can cause pain and impair range of motion. Sarah’s research seeks to identify the specific cell populations which are responsible for tendon fibrosis and define targets to prevent these cells from acting. Her project will combine this biological insight with a tissue-adhesive biomaterial which can transfer force to the healing tendon and prevent mechanically active cells from forming fibrosis. Together, these findings would help develop novel tools to treat tendon injury and improve regeneration.