OLGA BRAZHKINA, PH.D.

Biography

I am currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Davis Lab, where I am working on designing and maturing an innovative auxetic cardiac patch using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes to address left ventricle malfunction. I earned my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech and Emory University, where my doctoral research focused on auxetic hiPSC-cardiomyocyte patches for heart repair after myocardial infarction. This work involved developing advanced biomaterials and stem cell-based therapies to promote heart regeneration following a heart attack in rodents, and I earned an AHA Predoctoral Fellowship to fund this research. Prior to that, I earned my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Arkansas, where I worked as an undergraduate researcher on cardiovascular biomechanics. Specifically, I helped design and build an apparatus to study venous valve fatigue, providing insights into the mechanical behavior of the veins and their role in circulatory health.
Outside of my research, I am an avid traveler and love exploring new places whenever I can. I'm also a big fan of living in Atlanta, where I enjoy the vibrant city life and its incredible food scene. At home, I share my space with my cat, Luna, who keeps me company and ensures I always have a reason to smile. Combining my passion for biomedical engineering and my love for learning and exploring, I’m dedicated to pushing the boundaries of cardiac repair and regenerative medicine, while also enjoying the journey that life and research bring.