Rastogi Takes Home First Prize in Poster Contest

Sahil Rastogi, a Ph.D. candidate in the Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering’s Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), recently took home first prize in the Tissue Engineering category of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s 2018 Scientific Retreat poster contest. Rastogi, who is co-advised by BME Professors Tzahi Cohen-Karni and Ge Yang, presented his research on using graphene to fabricate micro-electrode arrays (MEAs).

Rastogi has found that using graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, for MEAs increases biocompatibility and allows for simultaneous electrical and optical studies. Ultimately, these studies will allow for a better understanding of electrical signal transduction in complex cellular assemblies during periods of both health and sickness.

The McGowan Institute, established by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine and Medical Center, focuses its research on tissue engineering, cellular therapies, and artificial and biohybrid organ devices.