Ahava Freeman
Master Student
I graduated in 2024 from the University of Virginia with a BSc in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in tissue engineering. My undergraduate research focused on using cells seeded on hydrogels to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fibrotic lung disease. I also worked on a project to develop an mRNA vaccine formulation using short carbon nanotubes as the delivery system. After graduation, I worked in the Bone Lab in the Gray School of Medicine, looking at cellular mechanisms of bone homeostasis.
I joined the Maoz lab because of its work at the forefront of biomedical innovation. The lab's cutting-edge research offers me a unique opportunity to combine understanding of biological systems with development of innovative technologies.
My research focuses on using liver organ-on-a-chip systems to study disease mechanisms and evaluate potential therapeutics in a physiologically relevant human tissue model.
After I complete my masters, I would like to work as a researcher/developer in the biopharma and therapeutics industry.
When I am not in the lab, I love discovering new coffee shops, relaxing at the beach, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.