In January, ARCS scholars hosted members, guests and donors in their labs at OHSU, explaining their research in a variety of biomedical engineering fields and cancer research. These PhD students are working every day to address some of our most challenging health conditions.  

ARCS scholars at OHSU are focused on developing the knowledge to 3-D print bones, muscles, and blood vessels. They collaborate across disciplines to better understand and discover new and innovative treatments for traumatic injuries and postpartum breast cancer. ARCS scholars provided an insider’s view of what it’s like to conduct research with teams of scientists at OHSU and beyond.  

ARCS board member and named scholar award donor Anne Zubko loved the tours. “The recent lab tour at the OHSU/Knight Center provided a vivid ‘down-in-the-trenches' experience” she said.  “We learned what it means and how it looks to be cranking away at advanced science education daily.” 

Zubko said “The best part was hearing from the scholars as they were slicing mice liver (!) or building skin graft material cell by cell - lots of youthful energy, optimism and idealism on display. Also, lots of smarts. My overall impression was of a fabulous setting providing the spaces and tools for serious science investigation.”  

Ashley Anderson, working towards her MD/PhD, explained her research at the Knight Cancer Center --how tumor cells metastasize, are found in the bloodstream, and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker. 

Michelle Ozaki met her scholar award donors, Missy and Peter Bechen, for the first time during the tour, ending their pandemic separation. Michelle’s research focuses on postpartum breast cancer or breast cancer diagnosed within 10 years of a mother’s last pregnancy.  

Krista Habing is researching the interface between bone and muscle, using biomedical “scaffolding” to help bond bone and muscle after traumatic injury.  

Please mark your calendar for our next Lab tour at OHSU’s School of Nursing and OSU/OHSU’s School of Pharmacy in Portland on April 12. Click HERE to register.