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How do tumors grow?: Using 3D printing to study tumor growth and development.

Dr. Carla Finkielstein

February 27, 2016
An interactive session led by Dr. Carla Finkielstein.

Professor at the Virginia Tech Department of Biological Sciences and is affiliated with Fralin Biotechnology Institute and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute

 

Most of the time, cells divide properly in our body. Sometimes, though, division gets out of control, leading to the formation of tumors. The complexity of tumor biology makes research difficult in animals. Therefore, we are taking advantage of new 3D printer technology and computer imaging to generate synthetic tumors that will allow us to visualize and manipulate critical biological processes. This will help us identify more effective treatment strategies for patients.

Dr. Finkielstein is a professor at the Virginia Tech Department of Biological Sciences and is affiliated with Fralin Biotechnology Institute and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute. She received her scientific training at the University of Buenos Aires and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Her research is aimed at understanding the molecular basis by which environmental factors influence sporadic breast cancer incidence with focus in circadian disruption as toxic agent. She also seeks to understand the mechanisms by which tumors develop resistance to conventional therapies and interfere with those processes using nano-based technologies.

After the interactive session the students will be escorted by their parents to have lunch and then to the hands-on portion of the event. There the students will enjoy the experience of interacting with various exhibits from the Virginia Tech community.