Marcella Vaicik

Marcella Vaicik is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), affiliated with the Armour College of Engineering. Her research focuses on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, particularly exploring hydrogel-based systems and extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions to address challenges in adipose tissue function, cardiac regeneration, and drug delivery. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from IIT (2015), M.S. in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2009), and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University (2004).

Research Interests: Her work bridges biomaterials design with cell behavior modulation, emphasizing hydrogel platforms for adipose tissue engineering, ECM-driven therapeutic delivery, and 3D bioprinting for cardiac repair. Recent projects include developing biocompatible nanocomposite emulsions for drug delivery, studying ECM composition effects on cancer treatment efficacy, and optimizing MRI protocols for cardiac imaging.

Publications: Over 70 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on laminin α4 deficiency in adipose tissue expansion, dual-crosslinked alginate microbeads, and myocardial regeneration via engineered patches. Her work often intersects material science, cellular biology, and clinical applications.

Awards: Recognized with awards from the Endocrine Society, Society of Women Engineers, and NIH, reflecting her contributions to biomedical innovation and leadership in engineering education.

Collaborations: Active in multi-institutional projects, including studies with Northwestern University and the University of Chicago on ECM remodeling and cardiac tissue engineering.