معرفی
Samantha Zambuto is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kentucky, focusing on tissue engineering and biomaterials for reproductive health. She was co-advised by Dr. Michelle Oyen and Dr. Jerry Lowder during her T32 postdoctoral fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, which focused on female lower urinary tract disorders.
- PhD in Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2022)
- MPHS in Population Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine (2024)
- Master of Biomedical Engineering, Brown University (2017)
- Bachelor of Biological Engineering, Cornell University (2015)
Her research centers on creating gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel platforms to model the endometrium, vagina, and female lower urinary tract. These systems investigate:
- Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions
- Hormone dynamics during pregnancy
- Biomechanics of vaginal tearing
- Tissue regeneration applications
Her recent publications focus on 3D biomaterial modeling of reproductive tissues, including studies on trophoblast invasion, endometrial decidualization, and placental microstructure. She has secured multiple NIH grants and awards, including the BJC Healthcare Scholarship for public health research.
- NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program (2024–2026)
- T32 Clinical Outcomes Research Training Program (2022–2025)
- T32 Tissue Microenvironment Training Program (2020–2022)
Zambuto leads a multidisciplinary lab exploring the intersection of engineering and reproductive biology, with emphasis on health equity and regenerative medicine.
