Mika Brown
Ph.D. Student

Biological and Biomedical Engineering

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Nicole Li-Jessen

Email: mika.brown@mail.mcgill.ca

Education Background:

Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University (2019)

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University (2017)

Favourite Lab Equipment:

Scanning Electron Microscope

Research Projects and Interests:

My research involves designing an injectable click decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogel composite for vocal fold engineering. DECM is of interest for its innate bioactivity related to its similar composition to the native extracellular matrix, which supports cell and tissue function in vivo. The main goals of my research are to evaluate (1) the mechanical and biological properties of the click hydrogel with respect to tissue-specificity and (2) the capacity of the click hydrogel to stimulate angiogenesis and neo-ECM deposition in a microfluidic model of the vocal fold.

In my free time, I enjoy reading and writing fantasy, running, and hot tubs. I have two adorable, affectionate cats whose hobbies include chin scratches and destroying their toys

  • At Northeastern University:

    National Merit Corporation Scholarship

    Northeastern University National Merit Scholarship

    Presidential Global Scholarship

  • Peer-Reviewed Articles:

    Brown, M.A.; Potroz, M.G.; Teh, S.W.; Cho, N.J. Natural Products for the Treatment of Chlamydiaceae Infections. Microorganisms 2016, 4, 39.

  • Conferences:

    Brown, M.A.; Li-Jessen, N.Y.K. Mechanical Suitability of a Decellularized Extracellular Matrix (dECM) Hydrogel for Vocal Fold Tissue Engineering. Poster Presented at: 2019 European Chapter Meeting of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society. 2019 May 27-31. Rhodes, Greece. (poster presentation)

    Brown, M.A.; Li-Jessen, N.Y.K. Biochemical Alterations in Vocal Fold Tissue in the Production of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels. Poster Presented at: The 13th International Conference on Advances in Quantitative Laryngology, Voice and Speech Research. 2019 Jun 2-4. Montreal, QC, Canada. (poster presentation)

    Brown MA, Zhu S, Tabrizian M, Li-Jessen N.Y.K. Harnessing the Angiogenic Capacity of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix in Vocal Fold Tissue Engineering. Oral Paper presented at: Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society’s Student and Young Investigators Virtual Seminar Series. November 6, 2020. (oral presentation)

    Brown MA, Zhu S, Tabrizian M, Li-Jessen N.Y.K. Harnessing the Regenerative Potential of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix in Vocal Fold Tissue Engineering. Oral Paper presented at: the 6th Biological and Biomedical Engineering Symposium, May 6, 2021. Montreal, Canada. (oral presentation)

    Brown MA, Zhu S, Tabrizian M, Li-Jessen N.Y.K. Click Small Intestinal Submucosa Hydrogels for Vocal Fold Tissue Engineering. Oral Paper presented at: the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society; November 15-19, 2021. Maastricht, Netherlands (oral presentation)

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant, Ekenseair Lab, Northeastern University, USA (September 2016 - August 2017)

    Research Intern, Namjoon Cho's Lab, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (January 2016 - June 2016)

    Undergraduate Research Assistant, Webster Nanomedicine Group, Northeastern University, USA (September 2014 - October 2015)

    Formulations Co-op, Selecta Biosciences, USA (January 2015 - June 2015)

  • Teaching Assistant (Fall 2019)

    American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Northeastern University Chapter (September 2013 – May 2017)

    • Vice President of Events (September 2016 – May 2017)

    • Executive Board Member (January 2014 – May 2017)

    Volunteer English Tutor, Wang YMCA of Chinatown, Boston, MA, USA (January 2017 - April 2017)

    Volunteer for Conservation and Community Events, Franklin Park Coalition (September 2013 – December 2016)

    Volunteer, Boston Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (July 2015 - August 2015)