What if we could build human tissues in the lab — and use them to change the way we understand disease?
That question drives Jada Okaikoi, a biomedical engineering student whose research in 3D bioprinting looks to open new possibilities for women’s health research.
“The field of biomedical engineering is key to the future of medicine,” she said. “It’s still a growing field, but there’s a lot to learn, understand, create and innovate.”
Okaikoi, set to graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree, will take that enthusiasm with her to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where she will begin her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering as a fellow of the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). The award, announced earlier this month, provides three years of financial support, including an annual stipend of $37,000.
For Okaikoi, the fellowship offers more than just funding.
“I’ll have the freedom to focus on my research, and have more room for collaboration,” she said.
Blueprint for success: study and community
Okaikoi’s interest in biomedical engineering — especially tissue engineering, the design and fabrication of biological tissues — began while she was studying at the U.S Military Academy (West Point). When she joined the 69老湿机福利 in 2023, that interest led her to the lab of Associate Professor Heather Burkin at the 69老湿机福利 School of Medicine.
Burkin put Okaikoi on a project where she began modifying a 3D bioprinted uterine tissue model for preterm labor drug screening. There, Okaikoi explored the use of biomaterials like fibrin to strengthen the bioprinted tissue so it could withstand tension on a myograph (a device used to measure and record the contraction of muscles), making it more suitable for use in preclinical research.
“Jada’s exceptional capacity to think creatively, ability to incorporate feedback, strong work ethic, persistence and eagerness to learn will make her an outstanding graduate student and an asset to Cornell University,” Burkin said.
Okaikoi credits Burkin and UNR Med Assistant Research Professor Craig Ulrich with encouraging her to apply to the University’s Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program, which supports undergraduates transitioning to research-focused higher degree programs in the biomedical sciences, and the McNair Scholars Program, which offers research experience, mentorship and support to prepare for graduate school.
“I wouldn’t have known about any of these programs otherwise,” Okaikoi said.
Accepted into both programs, Okaikoi quickly stood out in the McNair Scholars Program, according to Heather Williams, associate director of TRIO programs in the First Generation Student Center.
“She has been a powerhouse student since the moment she began,” Williams said.
When the McNair Scholars were applying for the Nevada Undergraduate Research Award (NURA), Okaikoi was able to share advice, as she had already gone through the NURA application process.
“Since Jada had already applied for and been awarded a NURA grant before entering our program, she acted as more of a TA in our research proposal writing course — completing her work but also offering advice, insight and feedback to the other students who were applying to NURA alongside her,” Williams said. “She was willing to share examples of her materials and give of her time both in and outside of class to critique her peers’ work and help them toward getting funded as well.”
Okaikoi has been a resource for others in other venues: as a member and Program Chair of the University's Chapter of the National Society for Black Engineers and as chapter president of the Tau Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Summer “break”
This past summer wasn’t much of a break for Okaikoi. As an intern in the MIT Summer Research Program, Okaikoi conducted experiments to assess the quality of drugs used to reduce inflammation in patients with endometriosis, a condition in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus.
At the same time, she also was working on her application for the NSF GFRP, which required crafting a detailed research proposal.
“I had six different ideas that kept changing,” Okaikoi said.
She reached out to Burkin for advice, and in late 2024, Okaikoi was able to complete the application with a proposed research statement on developing a 3D-bioprinted model that can be used to study the migration of endometrial cells.
As Okaikoi wraps her senior year, she’s looking ahead to her next chapter. Cornell, she said, offers a strong focus on translational research, allowing her to bridge the gap between lab discoveries and real-world health applications. That practical application excites her.
“I want my research to extend beyond the lab,” she said. “I’m excited to contribute solutions that can? will? have an impact on people’s lives.”
