Hi, I’m Victoria Ballestas

A biomedical engineering student based out of Storrs, CT.

Who Am I?

My name is Victoria Ballestas and I am currently an undergraduate biomedical engineering (BME) student with a concentration in Biomaterials attending the University of Connecticut. I have an interest in bench research; I’d like to create novel biomedical solutions for potential patient populations! My identity as a 1st generation Colombian-American has informed my continuous dedication to inclusive leadership and community outreach.

Mission “statement”

Growing up, my father would always asked me, “Victoria, do you choose to be happy today?” I now start my day with that question and answer through my actions. Making sure I center myself through my community, pushing myself into new experiences, and practicing self care. My friends and family inspire me to push myself to higher limits.

Relevant Projects

Neuronal imaging in gelatin hydrogels

For undergraduate thesis, developed an in vitro traumatic brain injury (TBI) model out of gelatin and SH-SY5 neuronal cells , and then evaluated cell viability via LIVE/DEAD assay.

Endothelial tube outgrowth assay

Biomaterials & Drug Delivery

At Regeneron, used Incuycte and HALO® to quantify vascular formation in HUVECs as an in vitro control for a Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) model.

At Kumbar Lab, currently developing and characterizing injectable nano carriers that target bone to deliver therapeutics.

Images adapted from BioRender.

Skills & Expertise

Technical Skills

Through course work, internship experience, and research I’ve gained a proficiency in mammalian cell isolation, culture, and cryofreezing practices
I also have experience in cell based assays such as ELISA, LIVE/DEAD, and DMMB
Through coursework and research experience, I have familiarity in biomaterial characterization and design
Live cell imaging (Incucyte®)
SolidWorks for 3D bioprinting
Quantitative image analysis with ImageJ and HALO®
Proficiency in Python, C++, MATLAB

Nanomedicine review paper

Here is a link to my review paper on novel nanotheragnostics to detect and treat triple negative breast cancer.

Undergraduate thesis

In my thesis, I developed a TBI model by fabricating a gelatin hydrogel and encapsulating neuronal cells, and then evaluated the cell viability of the system.

Resumé

Here is a link to my resume! It has a condensed view of my skills and experience.

Cover letter

Here is a link to my cover letter! Here I go into detail of my motivations to become a researcher.

Writing samples

Grow with me.

Let’s connect with each other!

victoria.ballestas@uconn.edu