This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) will support research at the University of Houston focused on investigating the cellular, biomolecular, and mechanical drivers of cardiac fibrosis. The central goal is to leverage a 3D hydrogel-based heart tissue model to evaluate the role of maternal autoantibodies and cytokines in activating endothelial and fibroblast cells, which can lead to scar tissue formation and heart dysfunction. The $262,138 award will fund the development of these "heart-on-a-chip" models to probe tissue remodeling cascades and the impact of mechanical cues on disease progression. Additionally, the project will integrate research and education through the training of pre-service STEM teachers to develop teaching modules on tissue engineering and cardiac health for 7-12th grade students.
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