Undergraduate Researcher Spotlight: Ariel Abraham
For many, the image of cancer research involves looking through a microscope at cells spread across a flat petri dish. Ariel Abraham, a senior Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics major minoring in Data Science, is working to change that perspective by developing a 3D system that mimics the actual tumor environment.
Through the Student Proposed Innovation & Research Experience (SPIRE) program, Ariel spent the summer working with Dr. Kimberly Stroka in the bioengineering department's Stroka Lab, focusing on a project that bridges the gap between biology and engineering.
Ariel’s journey into research began in high school, inspired by his father, who was also a researcher. Although Ariel arrived at the University of Maryland with prior experience, the transition to college-level research required persistence. After feeling a little overwhelmed as a freshman, Ariel waited until sophomore year to begin the search for a lab, eventually cold-emailing 10 to 15 faculty members before hearing back from a few and joining Dr. Kimberly Stroka’s team.
The core of Ariel’s current work with Dr. Stroka involves creating "spheroids", or cancer cells that grow in many directions, that are seeded into a 3D in vitro device that mimics the tumor microenvironment.
“It’s basically a sphere of cancer cells that’s supposed to be an actual tumor in the body. And then we put it into this small structure that mimics the same cells that line your veins and arteries and blood vessels. Then we see how it reacts.”
To do this, Ariel uses CAD software to design and 3D-print small, opaque cubes that house the cells. While Ariel initially wasn't thrilled about the creative math and coding involved in engineering, this project has helped him master these technical skills. Ariel sees learning new software and then successfully building a device as one of the most rewarding parts of the
process.
Currently on a pre-MD/PhD track, Ariel encourages other undergraduates not to be intimidated by the high-level environment of a lab.
“My biggest advice is don't be scared. Don't get scared when you have to send out those cold emails. And don't get scared if that first batch doesn't get a response. And don't be scared once you're in a lab to ask questions.”
Ariel’s work is already seeing professional success; the lab recently received a grant to commercialize the system, underscoring the research's potential. As graduation approaches, Ariel is planning to continue research during an upcoming gap year before starting medical school and has applied for opportunities at the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, as well as to the Fulbright Program, with hopes of continuing research abroad. In all, Ariel continues to find passion in the "nitty-gritty" details of biology while making tangible contributions to the future of cancer treatment. We are excited to see what his next steps are after graduation in May!
