Rosalyn Abbott
Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Courtesy Appointment, Materials Science and Engineering
Rosalyn Abbott is an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. In Abbott’s lab, human adipose microenvironments are being developed and tested for responsiveness to stimuli hypothesized to alter disease mechanisms (i.e. the transition of obese tissues to insulin resistant type II diabetic tissues), metabolic behavior, and therapeutic potential. The lab focuses on integrating systems-based modeling with tissue engineering, perfusion bioreactors, and mechanical studies. Specifically, silk is used as a natural biomaterial to support long term culture of adipose micro-environments in vitro. The ultimate goal is to use these adipose tissue systems to inform preventative and therapeutic measures for patients affected by the metabolic syndrome.
Abbott received her Ph.D. from the University of Vermont, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Tufts University.
Cellular Agriculture for Sustainable Meat Production
Understanding Disease by Modeling Human Tissue
Education
2012 Ph.D., Bioengineering, University of Vermont
2008 MS, Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
2008 BS, Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Affiliations
Media mentions
Technology Networks
Teach Me in 10 episode features Rosalyn Abbott
BME’s Rosalyn Abbott was featured on Technology Networks’ “Teach Me in 10” describing her lab’s use of 3D printing and cellular engineering to enhance fat content and structure in cultivated meat, aiming to make these products more affordable, sustainable, and scalable.
CMU faculty to present at SXSW
MechE’s Jon Cagan and Chris McComb, BME’s Keith Cook and Rosalyn Abbott, and BME/MSE’s Adam Feinberg are leading sessions at SXSW 2025 that will focus on the application of AI in education and organ transplant technology.
CMU Engineering
Carnegie Mellon lands ARPA-H award for implantable bioelectric medicine project
A CMU-led project team secured an award of up to $42M from ARPA-H to accelerate the development of implantable bioelectronic devices that deliver patient-specific therapy and monitor disease status.
Eating Well
Abbott discusses pros, cons of lab-grown meat
As interest rises in meat alternatives, BME's Rosalyn Abbott was tapped to discuss the safety, sustainability, and innate challenges associated with the trend.
Healthcare Degree
Abbott mentioned in biomedical engineering career piece
BME’s Rosalyn Abbott was consulted as a subject matter expert for Healthcare Degree's spotlight on careers in biomedical engineering.
Lab Manager
Abbott lends expertise in discussion of the future of healthcare
In an extensive Q-and-A piece, BME’s Rosalyn Abbott recently discussed the current landscape of biomaterials research and how it is opening new horizons for personalized and more effective healthcare solutions.
CMU Engineering
Undergraduates present research at Meeting of the Minds 2024
Engineering undergraduate students had a wonderful showing at Meeting of the Minds, displaying posters, giving presentations, and demonstrating projects they have worked on this past academic year.
Tech Times
Abbott quoted on 3D printed food outlook
BME’s Rosalyn Abbott weighs in on the potential for personalized 3D-printed food products in Tech Times.
CMU Engineering
Curating sustainable meat alternatives
Using cellular agriculture, the Abbott lab is working on a sustainable meat alternative that is safe and tastes good, without needing to sacrifice any animals.
CMU Engineering
Krause and Abbott receive NSF CAREER Awards
CMU College of Engineering’s Krause and Abbott receive NSF CAREER Awards for their research in materials science and biomedical engineering.
BuiltIn
Abbott quoted on 3D printed meat
BME’s Rosalyn Abbott spoke to BuiltIn about developments in the cellular agriculture industry and the viability of 3D printed meat. “Currently, the majority of livestock are reared in concentrated animal feeding operations causing environmental, public health and food security concerns,” said Abbott.
CMU Engineering
Human connections
Recent Engineering graduate Maya Garg discusses her experience as a volunteer tutor for incarcerated people in Allegheny County.