Ande Marini

Background

About Ande Marini

I am a 5th year graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh studying how stem cell products can be utilized to improve treatment of cardiovascular diseases. I work as a predoctoral fellow and graduate student researcher for the Vascular Bioengineering Lab (VBL) and Vascular ECM Dynamics Lab at the University of Pittsburgh under Dr. Justin Weinbaum. In my research, I perform cell culture of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), extracellular vesicle work, ninhydrin and hydroxyproline analysis, and various other analysis techniques. For my efforts in research and leadership, I was nominated and awarded the Catalyze Early Career Scientist Award from NIH-NHLBI. I was also awarded the prestigious American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship. I also strive to be involved both inside and outside of the classroom, as shown by the numerous clubs to which I belong. Having a leadership position in these clubs enhanced my leadership skills, communication skills, and organization skills. I am currently the President of the Engineering Graduate Student Organization where I help run the organization, plan social, service, and professional events with all graduate students in the Swanson School of Engineering. In addition to extracurricular activities, I love to help and serve people through volunteer work and international mission trips; I have traveled to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, China, and Taiwan. Through my trips abroad and classes over the years, I speak Spanish at an advanced level and have assisted with translating during my times abroad. I have also been involved with local outreach events through BMES's outreach program and Alpha Chi's service events. I am hard-working, reliable, good at time management, and diligent. As a demonstration of these skills, I served as the student representative of the Alpha Chi national honors society for Region VI 2018-2022.