Presenter Information

Greetings,

I am Aja Tucker a rising senior biology major at the historic Tougaloo college. At this time, I want to welcome you and thank you for taking the time to view my presentation titled “Evaluating Bioengineered Stem-Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles in The Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases." The purpose of this research was to investigate a novel treatment being bioengineered stem – cell derived extracellular vesicles in treating cardiovascular diseases. To do this a literate review was conducted by reviewing previous extracellular vesicles treatments and the effect they had on animal models of myocardial infarctions. Using the findings from the literature review, my lab and I were able propose new molecules for potential bioengineering. This research is very important as cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death of nationally and disproportionally affect the African – American community. Being a part of the Jackson Heart Study undergraduate training cohort, has taught me how this health disparity was caused within this community and different ways in which researchers and doctors can work together to alleviate it. Further, I learned how important education is in treating such disparities. I believe that it is of upmost importance to have research focused on diminishing health disparities especially regarding cardiovascular diseases. For these reasons, I want be a part of the researchers that find a novel treatment that improve outcomes in treating cardiovascular diseases. The use of bioengineered extracellular vesicles might be this novel treatment as it seems to improve the outcome after myocardial infarction in humans. I hope you enjoy my presentation and are able to learn more about the use of this novel treatment in cardiovascular disease.