As a field hockey star, Jen Piselli keeps her heart pumping on the field. Off the field she works to ensure that the hearts of others never stop pumping! The field hockey award winner strives to win in all aspects of life, which is why it is no surprise she has dedicated time to find a solution to a growing problem: heart valve diseases.

One solution that is emerging within the medical field is tissue-engineered heart valves. This new type of valve is being developed for replacement of damaged/defected heart valves in patients ranging from children to adults. The tissue-engineered heart valves completely replace the original valve and can actually allow for a better functioning heart.

"I have always been drawn to the field of medicine," says Pesilli. "I recognize that the amazing advances in the field positively impact a vast number of people."

To further her research in tissue-engineered heart valves, Jen most recently interned at the Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard's Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering.

Having been familiar with some of the groundbreaking research that BCH completes in conjunction with the Harvard Wyss Institute, Jen could not pass on the opportunity to intern with the research group.

While at BCH and the Wyss Institute, she applied all of the concepts she has learned through RPI courses and tissue engineering research on campus to assist in the development of tissue-engineered heart valves.

Her time as an intern for BCH and the Wyss Institute provided her with even more determination to become involved in the medical field and be a part of efforts that can really change lives in a positive way.

Under the direction of Dr. John Mayer, a pediatric cardio-thoracic surgeon, Jen contributed in the design of the emerging novel bioreactor for use in the development of biomimetic tissue engineered heart valves.

"It was a great opportunity to be surrounded by all different people who are involved in the development of a new product in the medical field, including surgeons, engineers, and research technologists."

With her previous volunteer work in pediatric oncology, Jen felt right at home at the Children's Hospital. With the possible goal of becoming a medical doctor, it is experiences with pediatrics as a volunteer and researcher for a pediatric surgeon that have inspired her to seek a career in the pediatric intensive care unit.

For now, Jen plans to continue to gain knowledge and experience in the medical device industry as it is her desire to be a part of the community that propels medicine forward by developing innovative medical products to bring health to all!