UROP Project
Investigating Menstrual Hemostasis Using bleeding-on-a-Chip Platforms
Menorrhagia, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), bleeding-on-a-Chip, cell cultures, microfluidic devices
Research Mentor: Dr. Dr. Leo Liu, PhD ,
Department, College, Affiliation: CBE - Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: leo.liu@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Dr. Rojan Saghian
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: rs25t@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: CBE - Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: leo.liu@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Dr. Rojan Saghian
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: rs25t@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-10 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-10 hours, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 2:30
End Time: 3:00
Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75708533780?pwd=MqDwQc5BuIq8ODwZVD4R4kYIdcO1Ff.1
Project Description
Project Description:Menstrual bleeding is tightly regulated by complex vascular and haemostatic mechanisms. Disruptions in these processes can lead to menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding, a condition that affects many women worldwide. This project uses cutting-edge thrombosis-on-a-chip microfluidic platforms to recreate the microenvironment of uterine spiral arteries in vitro. These systems mimic blood flow and vessel geometry under physiologically relevant shear stress conditions, allowing real-time observation of clot formation and stability.
As a UROP research assistant, you will play a critical role in running and optimizing these microfluidic experiments. Tasks will include handling blood samples, maintaining sterile lab conditions, preparing endothelial cell cultures, and operating microfluidic devices to monitor thrombus formation. You will also analyze experimental data using computational tools to quantify clot dynamics and relate findings to menstrual haemostasis mechanisms.
This hands-on research experience bridges experimental lab work (70%) and data analysis (30%), providing you with a unique opportunity to develop skills in bioengineering, hematology, and microfluidics. The project contributes to foundational knowledge in reproductive health and may inform future therapies for abnormal uterine bleeding.
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Time Commitment & Mentorship:
• 6–10 hours/week during the semester (flexible scheduling)
• Weekly one-on-one mentoring meetings with Dr. Liu and Dr. Saghian
• Opportunity to participate in UROP symposium and co-author publications
Research Tasks: Student Responsibilities:
• Prepare and maintain endothelial cell cultures for microfluidic devices
• Collect and handle human blood samples following safety protocols
• Operate thrombosis-on-a-chip microfluidic setups to monitor clot formation
• Perform microscopy and imaging to capture thrombus development
• Analyze flow and clotting data using MATLAB, Python, or similar software
• Document experimental procedures and assist in data presentation
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Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Preferred Qualifications:
• Interest in biomedical engineering, physiology, or bioengineering research
• Basic lab skills and comfort with sterile technique (training provided)
• Willingness to learn blood handling and microfluidic operation protocols
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (MATLAB/Python) is a plus but not required
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Mentoring Philosophy
As a mentor, I aim to create an inclusive, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment where students feel empowered to explore, question, and contribute meaningfully to scientific discovery. I view mentorship as a collaborative process centered on mutual respect, curiosity, and growth.My first priority is understanding each student’s background, goals, and learning style. I strive to tailor mentorship to their interests—whether in experimental work, computational modeling, or biomedical systems—so they feel ownership of their project and are motivated by its impact. I emphasize hands-on experience and inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to test hypotheses, troubleshoot setbacks, and critically analyze results. I believe learning is strongest when students are trusted with real responsibility but know they can ask questions freely without fear of failure.
I provide structured support through regular one-on-one meetings, project feedback, and step-by-step guidance where needed, gradually increasing independence as confidence grows. I also share my own experiences navigating research challenges to demystify the scientific process and model perseverance.
Ultimately, I hope students leave our collaboration not only with new technical skills, but with a deeper sense of scientific curiosity, intellectual resilience, and confidence in their ability to contribute to meaningful research.