Today's guest seeks to improve our medicine, both on Earth and in space. Max Landolina is a 4th year PhD Candidate in the Biomedical Engineering Department and a T32 Doctoral Fellow in the Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering. His research searches for the answer to stiff, damaged, and achy joints: a reliable way to regrow them. 

Using a novel nanomaterial scaffold, he has stimulated stem cells to rebuild damaged cartilage tissue. However, assembling these materials on Earth prevents them from reaching their fullest therapeutic potential. As a result, through an interdisciplinary collaboration with NASA, he has led his lab's efforts to manufacture this nanomaterial three times on the ISS (International Space Station). While glamorous, this research experience has been far from smooth sailing. Through scrubbed launch dates, sample leaks, and rigorous safety testing, he's steered the team to success (and a recent publication!).

Today, we'll launch ourselves into the world of space research, discover its unique challenges, and learn about Max's experience working with several big players in the space industry. Connect with Max on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey or reach out with questions about his experience!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwell-landolina/