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When Emilee Peterson stepped up to the podium at ��㴫ý’s Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference, she didn’t just present cutting-edge science - she connected. Her talk, “A 3D Bioprinting Model for Studying Mitochondrial Transfer from Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cells,” earned her the conference’s top award for Best Oral Presentation. It was a standout moment in a day full of diverse research, and a well-deserved recognition for someone who made something so complex feel almost accessible.

"I was surprised!” Emilee said of the award. "The GSGA was a wider audience of people from around the university and all the colleges. And that was one of the reasons I wanted to present. I wanted additional practice in presenting to an audience that might not be familiar with my specific field."

A Ph.D. student in Biomedical Sciences in the Ellmer College of Health Sciences, Emilee studies mitochondrial transfer using 3D bioprinting to place cells with precision, allowing for reproducible results other systems can’t achieve. Her current work examines how stem cells interact with breast cancer cells, with hopes of laying groundwork for future therapeutic options.

"I liked that they had a lot of choices and a lot of active labs. This is a pretty robust research university. Once I got accepted to the program, I was most excited for the [School of Medical Diagnostic and Translational Sciences, and Dr. [Patrick Sachs] and Dr. [Rober Bruno]’s lab."

Her excitement for the science is clear, but it’s her genuine enthusiasm for the people around her, her professors and fellow grad students, that shines even brighter.

Mentorship has shaped much of Emilee’s experience at ��㴫ý. She credits former graduate student Julie Bjerring and fellow researchers Yarra Khodour and Arielle Wolter as major influences, and she’s quick to pay that support forward.

"It is so nice to have the supportive lab environment," she said. "We’re all always there and support each other."

That sense of belonging extends to her professors. "The [principal investigators] are super nice and I’ve never faced a moment where I was having a hard time and they didn’t help. Their mentorship style is one of the best," she said.

While she’s not certain what the future holds, Emilee knows it will involve a lab. "I really like lab work. I’m leaning towards research and development in industry. I also love academia."

And to future scientists Emilee offers this advice: "Find a lab that supports you as an individual. Having the right lab environment makes all the difference."