Brenda Padilla,
MS Candidate
Graduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Brenda Padilla. I am a first-year graduate student and RISE fellow at Northern Arizona University where I am majoring in Biology. I am a proud First-Generation American in STEM. Currently, I work as a graduate research assistant under my PI, Dr. Robert Kellar. I have also worked in healthcare for many years and thoroughly enjoy helping people. Although I have transitioned from direct patient care to working behind the scenes in a laboratory, the goal remains the same: contributing to science for the betterment of people's lives.
I come from the small town of Casa Grande Arizona, where I have lived for most of my life. Before coming to Flagstaff, I had never experienced so much snow and now I don't think I can live without it. After completing my Master's degree here, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and continue my education.
Research Interests
I am a part of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM) laboratory where I work under the guidance of my PI, Dr. Robert Kellar. My current research interests lie in the potential tissue regenerative applications of bioengineered scaffolds when impregnated with antimicrobial agents. The goal of my study centers around creating a wound healing device that not only aids in the natural proliferation of tissue but helps fight off potential infections from occurring. The application of such a device could range from post-mastectomy patients to trauma victims.
Awards
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RISE Fellowship (2021-Present)
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LSAMP Scholar (2020-2021)
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LSAMP Research Funding Award (2020)
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Lumberjack Scholars Award (2017-2021)