Research
Cell-Instructive Biomaterials
We design and engineer synthetic, cell-instructive biomaterials based on polymeric hydrogels to control cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. By tuning biochemical, mechanical, and structural properties, we create defined microenvironments that guide cell fate, tissue organization, and function.
Organoids & Microphysiological Systems
We develop advanced human organoid systems and microphysiological platforms (organ-on-a-chip) to model tissue architecture and function in vitro. These systems are used to reconstruct physiologically relevant human tissues for disease modelling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine applications. Our work integrates human induced pluripotent stem cells, patient-derived organoids and immunoengineering approaches.
Biological Diversity in Human Disease
We are interested in how human biological diversity influences health and disease, with a particular focus on sex differences in chronic inflammatory diseases. Using patient-relevant models, we aim to uncover mechanisms underlying variability in disease progression and therapeutic response.