CeMi around the world – Emma in Valencia!
In this series of blogs we hear from students recently returned from academic placements about their experiences. Emma Jackson is a fourth-year PhD student under the supervision of Dr Catherine Berry.
The Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, home to the Centro de Biomateriales e Ingeniería Tisular (Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering)
In September 2024 I travelled to Valencia, Spain for my PhD placement at the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia. My placement involved working with Dr. Gloria Gallego-Ferrer at the Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering (CBIT).
The focus of my project was investigating how dynamic magnetic fields can influence osteogenesis using a state-of-the-art dynamic magnetic field bioreactor developed by BCMaterials for CBIT. Magnetic fields have been shown to enhance bone regeneration by stimulating osteogenesis in mesenchymal stromal cells. By utilising magnetic fields, we aim to investigate the potential of static and dynamic fields on bone regeneration.
In collaboration with Dr. Arantxa Martinez-Ferriz and Dr. Jose Luis Aparicio Collado in CBIT, I developed and characterised a magnetic hydrogel suitable for use with bioreactor. The hydrogel model was characterised using rheology, fluorescent microscopy, water contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The hydrogel model was then used in combination with the bioreactor to assess the effect of dynamic magnetic fields on osteogenesis in mesenchymal stromal cells. With results still pending, we have been able to continue this research in Glasgow with an aim to understand the changes cells undergo in the presence of a magnetic field. This research lets us explore exciting possibilities for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with a focus on the application of external magnetic fields.
Researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València at European Researchers’ Night in Turia Gardens, sharing how biomaterials are developed for tissue and cell engineering.
One highlight of time in Valencia was participating in European Researchers’ Night, an event designed to bring science closer to the public across Europe. Held in one of Valencia’s national parks, Turia Gardens, the event lets researchers share exciting science developments with a wide audience in an engaging and accessible way. Working with colleagues in CBIT, we developed several hands-on activities to share how we develop biomaterials, and how we investigate their properties and abilities, including approaches such as 3D printing. Seeing how people of all ages were excited about biomaterials reminded me of the importance of making research relatable.
Outside the lab, I enjoyed living in a new city, from enjoying its iconic dishes like paella to exploring the city’s rich history and green spaces. I also ventured further along more of Spain’s east coast, discovering beautiful coastal towns, even camping in the mountains. Having never lived abroad, adapting to a new environment brought its own set of challenges, but it also broadened my perspective and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
This placement was a great chance to step out of my comfort zone, connect with leading researchers, and develop new skills including learning a new language. This experience reaffirmed my passion for impactful research and demonstrated the value of cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration.