Mariam is an Egyptian-American PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in cellular engineering and skin wound healing. She graduated with a B.S.E from the University of Iowa in 2015, continuing her graduate career with Associate Professor Edward A. Sander. She explores how fat cells can influence skin cells in the context of a healing wound through development of simple and miniaturized cell systems, as well as aiding in the development of fat-incorporated wound dressings. She aims to expand the current knowledge of the involvement of fat tissue in wound healing in the hopes of optimizing fat-related treatment strategies. Outside of the lab, Mariam’s interests include spending time with her family and friends, health and fitness, singing, and traveling.