Thiede conducts research with Sherry Voytik-Harbin, professor of biomedical engineering and basic medical sciences. Thiede will present her work on the application of a three-dimensional in-vitro model of blood vessel formation as a new screening tool for chemical safety and drug development. This platform may help reduce the use of animal testing as well as provide new insight into how specific drug and chemicals affect blood vessel formation, maturation, and stabilization.

The travel award is provided by Pfizer, Inc., SOT, and SOT Endowment funds. Approximately fifteen awards are made. Awardees are selected based on the quality of the submitted poster abstract, personal statement, academic record, and the advisor’s supporting recommendation. Awardees receive travel support including lodging and per diem and complimentary meeting registration. Each recipient is matched with a Pfizer scientist as a mentor for the meeting, is recognized at a special breakfast hosted by Pfizer, and attends the SOT Sunday Undergraduate Education Program as well as participating in other meeting activities.