Current Title and Department: Technical Specialist, Intellectual Property Law

Current Employer: Medler Ferro Woodhouse & Mills

Undergraduate Degree, University: University of Rochester

Graduate Degree, University: University of Pennsylvania

Past Employers: The Kolling Institute, University of Sydney

Mentors: Hani Awad, Catherine Kuo, Elizabeth Clarke

Could you describe the path you’ve taken in meniscus research? How did it evolve?
My favorite undergraduate class was biomechanics, where I learned how to apply physics and mechanics principles to understand and potentially improve various body tissues. At that time, I started doing tendon research and spent most of my undergraduate conducting research on tendons. However, when I learned about the meniscus and the complexities in this tissue, I decided to pursue my Ph.D. in meniscus regeneration. In the beginning, I was very interested in developing tissue engineered therapies for the meniscus. That interest evolved into my thesis work, where I focused on understanding the mechanobiologic behavior of meniscus cells with an ultimate goal of developing meniscus biomaterials that are tailored to cell response.

When you started in meniscus research, what was your biggest question? Do you think its answered?
My biggest question was whether superficial layer cells could be utilized to improve the meniscus injury response. I managed to find a few discoveries regarding differences in phenotype and behavior between superficial and body meniscus cells. Other groups have also published cool work in the same area. While a lot remains to be answered, I think the field is on its way to answer this question!

What collaboration was the most unexpected of your career? How did it impact your work today?
I never thought I would be working on kangaroo tissue, but I got the chance to participate in an industry-academic collaborative project on creating kangaroo xenografts during my time at the University of Sydney. This experience encouraged me to be open-minded about my research, and to always look beyond the environment I am in.

In your opinion, what is the current open question in the meniscus field right now?
I think the biggest question right now is about the crosstalk between the meniscus and different tissues in the knee joint space and its influence on inflammation and regeneration. I like the multi-dimensionality of this question as it connects biomechanics, mechanobiology, and immunology to further understand how the meniscus interacts with its environment.

What advice would you give investigators who are just starting out in the field?
Always keep an open mind! It might seem daunting to pivot early in your career but I have learned my best lessons whenever I tried things that were outside my area of expertise.

When you’re not in the lab, what do you like to do for fun?
I love traveling and trying new food spots.

What is the most unusual/unexpected item sitting on your desk right now?
A device that I created during the first few months of my Ph.D. that I used to dissect the meniscus.