Women to Watch: developing functional biomaterials for tissue regeneration with Dr Treena Arinzeh
As part of our ‘Women to Watch’ series on RegMedNet, we’re putting Dr Treena Arinzeh into the spotlight. Dr Arinzeh is a Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering and the Director of the Tissue Engineering and Applied Biomaterials Laboratory at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJ, USA).
Can you provide us with an overview of what your work involves?
My research involves the understanding and development of functional biomaterials for tissue regeneration. We focus on the development of synthetic and natural biomaterials that can promote the function of stem cells and other cell types for the repair of orthopaedic injuries, specifically bone and cartilage, as well as spinal cord injuries.
What are the best aspects of your job? What are the most challenging parts?
As a professor, I have the pleasure of mentoring students and postdoctoral trainees in this line of research and in their professional development. My laboratory continues to conduct both discovery science and translational research where trainees and professional staff are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the research. The most challenging aspects of this work continues to be obtaining research funding.
Have you ever in your career felt to date that you were at a disadvantage owing to your gender?
I am both African American and a woman. I always knew that I was one of the few in my field, whether as an undergraduate majoring in mechanical engineering or later in life as faculty. However, I never felt as if I was at a disadvantage. I was fortunate to have and surround myself with supportive colleagues and mentors over the years.
In your opinion, what more could be done to promote gender equality in your field?
Women have to continue to pursue leadership roles in their organizations such that opportunities, such as hiring and promotion, and initiatives to engage and support women can be made a priority.
What advice would you give to young women hoping to pursue a career in your field?
It’s important to talk to others, both women and men, who are working in the field so they can learn more about the field and jobs/opportunities that may be available depending upon the level of training.
Lastly, who is a female scientist who has inspired you?
One female scientist who has inspired me is Shirley Ann Jackson, PhD. She’s currently the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY, USA) and an accomplished theoretical physicist. She has broken many glass ceilings in her career and continues to be a trailblazer for African-American women and women in general.
Another female scientist who has inspired me is Gilda Barabino, PhD. She’s currently the President of Olin College of Engineering (MA, USA) and an accomplished chemical and biomedical engineer. She continues to be a pioneer in education, equity and access in STEM.
Acknowledgements
This interview was put together and conducted by our Senior Editor, Sharon Salt, with written responses provided to us by Dr Treena Arinzeh.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of RegMedNet or Future Science Group.
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