Sophomore Collaborates with Thomas Jefferson University for Science Fair Project

CHS sophomore Grace Byard has had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and graduate students in the health design lab at Thomas Jefferson University for her science project dealing with 3D bioprinting. She first visited the lab Wednesday morning.  

With the help of CSD Instructional Teacher Leader Kevin Murphy, Byard worked alongside Dr. Ryan Tomlinson from Thomas Jefferson University in the health design lab, typically only available to TJU grad students. In the lab, Dr. Tomlinson and his students address real-world problems and find solutions through bioengineering. They helped guide Byard through her experiment for her project so she could work independently in the lab and catalog the results of her experiment. 

Byard’s research focuses on using 3D bioprinting more sustainably. By using agricultural waste products, she will create bioinks that can be printed and tested. Her work will relate to the real world and cutting-edge research to advance health care through biomedical engineering. Byard plans to continue visiting the lab at TJU to complete her research. 

In a world where over 6 billion kilograms of food waste are sent to landfills annually, researchers are looking for creative ways to bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and cutting-edge biotechnology. One promising avenue is the development of sustainable bioinks for 3D bioprinting, utilizing common agricultural byproducts like eggshells, potato peels, and fruit rinds. By repurposing agricultural waste, scientists hope to make bioprinting more "eco-concise" while simultaneously reducing the financial and environmental burden of food waste.

“Working with Dr. Tomlinson so far has been an amazing experience,” said Byard. “Being able to have access to such a great lab and mentors is encouraging and proves that dedication can pay off. I am excited to continue researching there!”