Heylman Research Lab
The Heylman Lab is focused on the development of tissue engineering strategies for a variety of applications including:
- • regeneration / replacement of dead or diseased tissues
- • high throughput in vitro drug testing
- • improved understanding of the structure and function of healthy and diseased tissues
Using cells, biological and synthetic materials, nutrients, and growth factors, the Heylman lab synthesizes tissues in vitro. This work draws on a wide range of disciplines including cell biology, polymer chemistry, materials science, mass transport, fluid mechanics, and microfabrication.
Current Projects

Colorectal Cancer Tumor Model
Establishing an in vitro three dimensional human colorectal tumor model and assessing model response to pharmaceutical compounds.

Microfluidic Devices for Tissue-on-a-chip Applications
Design and development of microfluidic devices for use in tissue-on-a-chip applications. Includes device design, COMSOL simulation, mold and chip fabrication, and chip validation.

Injectable 3D Vessel Network
Developing an injectable solution of extracellular matrix proteins and human cells capable of forming a three dimensional network of blood vessels to support nutrient transport and waste removal within a tissue grown in vitro.
Current Research Students
- Aayushi Adettiwar
- Allison Rabin
- Amanda Almada
- Emily Qi
- Grant Coe (MS)
- Kally Morozin (MS Regen Med)
- Lauren Henigman
- Maddie Jackson
- Mia Pinedo
- Sabrina Nelson
- Sydney Vollhardt (MS Regen Med)
- Theo Anastos (MS)
Lab Alumni
- Brandon Kirkham (MS)
- Chris Tusan
- Conor Vache
- Ellie Alvarez
- Gabby Cole (MS Regen Med)
- John Reyes
- Kendyl Cohn (MS)
- Leah Torres
- Mahvish Syed (MS Regen Med)
- Matthew Thomas (MS)
- Samantha Schock (MS)
February 2020
Sydney Vollhardt and Kally Morozin, our Master’s in Regenerative Medicine students, had the opportunity to travel down to San Diego and Los Angeles to tour potential internship sites and network with industry professionals and academic investigators in the cell therapy and regenerative medicine space including CSL Behring, Genentech, Rubedo Life Sciences, ThermoFisher Scientific, T-Cure Bioscience, ViaCyte, Salk Institute, UC San Diego. As part of their program, they will have the opportunity to work for 9 months at one of these sites to expose them to a career in regenerative medicine.
CSUPERB New Investigator Grant
Vascularized Human Tissues on a Chip for High Throughput Drug Screening
Cal Poly Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities Grant
Vascularized Human Tissues on a Chip for High Throughput Drug Screening