Training Undergraduate Researchers

Mensah’s team will define the molecular mechanisms that degrade glycocalyx, a protective coating on healthy endothelial cells, during a systemic infection. They also will identify components that ordinarily tether a protein called von Willebrand factor to healthy endothelial cells. During infection, von Willebrand factor detaches from endothelial cells, circulates in the blood, and recruits blood cells known as platelets, which can drive the development of clots. Finally, Mensah and student researchers in his lab will determine if it is possible to rescue a damaged glycocalyx barrier, a step that could pave the way for sepsis treatments.

The project builds on Mensah’s research into the role of the glycocalyx in heart and lung disease. Mensah is a fellow of the American Heart Association and has worked on the development of low-cost medical devices for healthcare in low- to middle-income countries.

The project is one of several new research initiatives launched at WPI with funding from the NIH’s Academic Research Enhancement Award program, which supports research training for undergraduate students. Mensah expects his award will provide research opportunities to 12 WPI undergraduates.

“These projects supported by the NIH provide excellent training for students while also advancing fundamental understanding of human health,” Mensah says. “The work will establish an educational pipeline at WPI, enabling us to train students in biology and train the next generation of biomedical engineers.”