Profile Summary

Our lab combines biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cellular/molecular biology to create in vitro models of diseased tissues and organs. We apply this strategy to the study of several different types of diseases. For example, in the case of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), we employ disease-mimicking in vitro models to decipher CAVD pathogenesis and identify cellular and molecular events that may be targeted to stop its progression. Meanwhile, in breast cancer and age-related macular degeneration, we create complex models of the disease microenvironment to elucidate what factors regulate the cellular response to existing pharmacological treatments, and what pathways can be targeted to improve drug efficacy.

Prof. Masters is also the Faculty Director for the Women in Science and Engineering Residential Community at UW-Madison: http://www.housing.wisc.edu/wise