Lisette Torres

This research project conducted in the Interfacial Engineering Lab during a summer Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program focused on the engineering and biological applications of hydrogels. The project explores hydrogel structural design—including gradient behaviors, dog-bone geometry optimization to prevent clamp slippage, and a step-by-step assembly process for a hydrogel micro-probe. Furthermore, it investigates interfacing these hydrogel probes with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells using a tribometer to measure surface friction, adhesion, and cancer cell movement. Overall, the work combines hands-on mechanical testing with cellular biology to better understand physical interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment.