Personalized cell and  Biomaterial Engineering

Dr. Allen is motivated by the field of precision medicine and has advocated for the inclusion of sex and biological ancestry as biological variables in biomaterial studies. The Allen lab works towards better understanding the sex and/or ancestry differences in how cells respond to biomaterial properties (i.e. stiffness, topography) as well as mechanical stimulation (i.e. fluid flow, shear stress, stretch) mimicking physiological and pathological conditions. Using mechanoresponsive vascular cells, and the health disparity, cardiovascular disease as a relevant model, we work to better understand these patient specific differences. Our work has demonstrated that as it related to biological sex, male and female endothelial cells have divergent responses to material properties with and without mechanical stimulation in the form of fluid shear stress. Our work includes both research efforts as well as advocacy to motivate the field.