Pritha Sarkar, a graduate student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, has been selected for the American Heart Associations’ Predoctoral Fellowship. This opportunity is awarded to students who are enrolled full-time in a nursing, public health, or a clinical science doctoral program. Between 100 and 130 students from are selected for this fellowship each year.
“It feels great to be chosen,” Sarkar says. “I was not expecting it at all, given how competitive it is, but I’m very glad it worked out.”
As a recipient of the AHA fellowship, Sarkar will receive a $28,000 stipend and $2,000 to support a research project focused on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or brain health. Her chosen project will focus on the further development of injectable siloxane-based sponges that can rapidly prevent hemorrhaging.
Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Kausik Mukhopadhyay, who originally developed the spongelike bandages in collaboration with researchers from the College of Medicine, Sarkar will introduce new chemical compounds into the invention known as SilFoam. She will test the addition of cerium oxide and a synthetic peptide called TRAP-6 that is known to aid in clotting and coagulation.
“Hemorrhage, or significant blood loss, is a fatal risk,” Sarkar says. “It significantly impacts cardiovascular health by causing reduced cardiac output, and impaired tissue perfusion. This injectable hemostatic treatment will help tackle hemorrhage and save lives.”
The budding scientist says she’s always been interested in materials science and chose to completer her terminal degree at UCF because of its reputation for interdisciplinary research. After she graduates, she plans to pursue research full time.
“I was aware of the AHA fellowship before, but I had not considered applying because of how competitive it is,” Sarkar says. “Fortunately, I was encouraged to apply by my mentor and other professors I met at a conference I attended. I want to pursue a career in research and development, academic or otherwise, and I’m sure this fellowship will help reach that goal.”
- Written by Marisa Ramiccio
- Jan. 9, 2024