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For Jacqueline Avila, the path to bioengineering began with both curiosity and loss. Now a Ph.D. student in bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, she is working to develop innovative solutions for one of the world’s leading causes of death: heart disease.

Avila conducts her research in the Soft Tissue Biomechanics Lab, where her work focuses on developing tissue-engineered vascular grafts, which are specialized replacements for damaged blood vessels used in coronary artery bypass surgeries.

“We’re trying to develop vascular grafts by applying both tissue engineering and computational techniques to treat coronary artery disease,” Avila said. 

When coronary arteries become blocked due to plaque buildup, surgeons often perform a bypass procedure to reroute blood flow. This requires a graft, or vessel substitute, to carry blood around the blockage. Avila’s work aims to improve how those grafts are designed, making them more effective and longer-lasting for patients.

Her research sits at the intersection of engineering, biology, and data science. In the lab, experimental data is collected from both natural blood vessels and newly developed tissue-engineered grafts. That data is then used to better understand how these materials behave under real physiological conditions, such as changes in blood pressure and flow.

“We collect experimental data on both natural arteries and the grafts we develop, and then use that data to optimize the design and discover the ideal material parameters,” she explained. 

Using computational tools like MATLAB, Avila analyzes this data to simulate how different graft designs will perform inside the body. By adjusting variables such as stiffness, elasticity, and structural composition, she can predict which designs are most likely to function like a healthy artery. This process allows researchers to refine graft designs before they are ever used in a clinical setting.

“I’m very passionate about computational approaches,” Avila said, noting that this method allows for more precise and efficient design improvements. 

Ultimately, her work is about creating grafts that better mimic the body’s natural tissues, reducing complications and improving long-term outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.

“As a bioengineer, I hope this work truly makes an impact on the lives of people affected by coronary artery disease,” Avila said. 

Her passion for cardiovascular research is deeply personal. After losing a close family friend to heart disease, Avila felt called to pursue work that could lead to better treatments.

“That experience ultimately drew me into exploring cardiovascular diseases and potential treatments,” she said. 

In addition to advancing medical innovation, Avila is driven by a desire to inspire others.

“I want to inspire people who are first-generation students or from Hispanic and Latino communities to pursue academia,” she said. “I want them to know that it is definitely possible.” 

As an ARCS Scholar supported by the Pittsburgh Chapter, Avila credits the organization with helping her fully focus on her research and growth.

“ARCS funding has relieved financial burdens and allowed me to focus more on my research,” she said. 

Beyond financial support, the ARCS community has played a meaningful role in her journey.

“I’ve been able to build connections with other Scholars who inspire me to be the best version of myself,” Avila said. “It’s also incredibly motivating to know that people outside of science believe in and support the work we’re doing.” 

With her research and her voice, Avila is not only contributing to the future of medicine but also helping pave the way for the next generation of scientists.