CMaT is excited to announce renewed funding in 2025 for last year’s postdoctoral fellows, Luis Arrieta Viana and Norh Asmare. The CMaT Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research Excellence is a postdoctoral research and career development opportunity designed to recruit, train, and support exceptional postdoctoral fellows working in CMaT laboratories at the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. The goal of this fellowship is to support promising scientists from underrepresented groups during their mentored postdoctoral training under the guidance of a CMaT faculty mentor.
Luis Arrieta Viana completed his doctoral studies in chemical engineering at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez in May 2024. His research focuses on developing synthetic hydrogels that serve as controlled environments for growing human intestinal organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and patient-derived enteroids. By replacing traditional biological matrices with these synthetic alternatives, his group aims to create reproducible and adjustable conditions that promote the growth and differentiation of organoids. This work has significant implications for drug testing, disease modeling, therapies for intestinal disorders, and future transplantation studies.
“This first year on the project has been an incredible experience of learning and growth,” Arrieta Viana said. “Facing the challenge of developing a synthetic matrix that supports organoid development pushed me to dive deep into biomaterials and explore innovative fabrication techniques. Overcoming the obstacles to replicate the complex environment of the human intestine taught me the value of perseverance and interdisciplinary collaboration. This journey has not only enhanced my technical skills but also reinforced my passion for advancing regenerative medicine. I’m excited to continue exploring how our work can contribute to better models for gastrointestinal research and ultimately benefit patients.”
Norh Asmare previously worked as a Research Engineer at Georgia Institute of Technology. In his postdoctoral research, he is developing a benchtop instrument that upgrades existing cell manufacturing processes into self-supervised workflows by eliminating all manual in-process testing. This instrument attaches to bioreactors, then autonomously extracts samples and runs cell-based assays throughout the manufacturing run. The cells are processed through disposable analytical biochips developed at Georgia Tech. So far, his team has developed biochips that perform (a) CD4/CD8 identity assay and (b) apoptosis assay, with more in the pipeline. We've initiated pilot studies with academic and commercial partners and are focused on gathering vital validation data.
“I've made immensely valuable connections through the CMaT community and continue to grow as I develop the core technology behind the platform we are building at the Biomedical Microsystems Laboratory,” Asmare said. “This project has now served as valuable research experience to several students and, through our commercial collaborations, will soon have a direct effect on the immunotherapies administered to patients. This has only been possible through the tireless work of my advocates within CMaT and the support I've received through this fellowship.”
Arrieta Viana and Asmare’s work will be highlighted at the upcoming CMaT Site Visit and Annual Retreat in April 2025. We look forward to their continued contributions to CMaT’s research.
