Meghan Hess Shamdasani

Shamdasani’s innovative teaching idea, “Stem Cells to STEM Learning,” is focused on giving students the chance to work with modern, relevant biotechnology research, to provide a hands-on lab for learning about cells. Students will be introduced to cutting edge research — the growth of bioengineered organs in a lab. This real-world application of concepts learned in class will provide students the chance to conduct experiments similar to those conducted at top research facilities. Students will learn how stem cells are harvested from adipose tissue, as well as other processes that enable researchers to raise new organs for transplant patients.  Students also will conduct research to understand the history and techniques involved in stem cell research.  Shamdasani’s project will prepare students for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors in college and clearly aligns biology content to current research in the field of biotechnology.