Adapted from an article written by Ed Kromer, UW College of Engineering

At the UW Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), researchers are unraveling the mysteries of the human heart through innovative engineering approaches and groundbreaking technologies.

Leading these efforts are several UW Bioengineering faculty members, each approaching cardiac challenges from unique angles. Associate Professor Jennifer Davis, who serves as ISCRM’s interim director, was first captivated by the rhythmic pulsing of heart cells under a microscope. Today, her lab works to develop “designer scars” that could revolutionize cardiac function and tissue regeneration. Associate Professor Patrick Boyle applies computational tools and artificial intelligence to predict and understand heart rhythm disorders, while Professor Michael Regnier‘s lab examines cardiac architecture at multiple scales to reverse heart dysfunction.

The collaborative environment at ISCRM, which includes Mechanical Engineering Professor, interim co-director and Bioengineering Adjunct Professor Nathan Sniadecki’s work on heart cell resilience, brings together 150 labs from 40 departments. This multidisciplinary approach, combined with partnerships across UW Medicine and various research centers, is advancing our understanding of heart function and developing innovative solutions for cardiac health. Through their work, these researchers are not only solving complex engineering problems but also paving the way for revolutionary treatments in cardiovascular medicine.