Our latest episode features Dr. Irene de Lázaro, an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. Dr. Lázaro leads the NanoBioEngineering for Tissue Reprogramming and Regeneration laboratory at NYU since 2023. Her team investigates the influence of genetic, biochemical, and mechanical signals on cell plasticity, identity, and function. Their mission is to leverage this understanding, integrating nanomedicine and bioengineering approaches, to develop therapeutic strategies that regulate cell fate—such as promoting tissue regeneration or rejuvenation—or enhance cellular function, particularly in applications like immunotherapies. Dr. Lázaro has a PharmD from the University of Alcalá in Spain and a PhD in Regenerative Medicine from the University College London, before completing her postdoctoral work at the Wyss Institute at Harvard. In this episode, we will hear about Dr. Lázaro’s experiences in pursuing a research career, pursuing opportunities internationally, the obstacles facing early-career researchers, and navigating a work-life balance in the first years of her independent career.

In our latest episode, we feature Dr. Brooke Coley, a bioengineer and social justice scholar. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at the Polytechnic School of the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU). She is the founding Executive Director of the Center for Research Advancing Racial Equity, Justice, and Sociotechnical Innovation Centered in Engineering (RARE JUSTICE). Dr. Coley earned her Ph.D. in Bioengineering with a concentration in Biomechanics from the University of Pittsburgh. She also completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Maryland Baltimore County as a Meyerhoff Scholar. Prior to joining the Polytechnic School, she completed her postdoctoral training at ASU in engineering education. Dr. Coley’s research lies at the intersection of racial equity, mental health and qualitative research methods encompassing critical theory, participation action research, and arts-based research methods. In this episode, we gain insight into Dr. Coley’s career trajectory and how she has dealt with adversity and used her experiences to become an agent of change and advocate for inclusion in all levels of her work. Join us as we learn more about Dr. Coley’s unique academic journey and how she hopes to push the bounds of traditionally heteronormative engineering environments through transdisciplinary approaches.

In our latest episode, we feature Dr. Elisa Cimetta, an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Padua and Principal Investigator of the BIAMET laboratory (Biomedical Applications of Multiscale Engineering Technologies). Dr. Cimetta obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Padua and conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University, where she co-founded EpiBone, a Columbia University spinoff devoted to producing engineered bone and osteochondral patient-specific tissues. Her journey to academia was marked by innovative research and collaborations, leading her to her current position as a Visiting Research Scientist at Prof. Vunjak-Novakovic’s laboratory. In this episode, we explore Dr. Cimetta’s trajectory, exploring her pivotal moments, research interests, and the challenges and rewards of launching a new research group. Join us as we uncover Dr. Cimetta’s insights on navigating academia and forging a successful career path in engineering and biomedical research.