Fischell Institute APIDA Heritage Month Spotlight: Ivy Vien

Ivy Vien is a second-year bioengineering Ph.D. student in Fischell Department of Bioengineering Associate Professor and Fischell Fellow Catherine K. Kuo’s lab.

Vien came to the university to join Kuo’s lab and contribute to research on regenerative therapeutic strategies inspired by natural tissue formation during embryonic development.

“I was excited to work with Dr. Kuo, as her mentorship style strongly aligned with what I was looking for in an advisor,” Vien said.

Vien’s research focuses on how reduced fetal movements contribute to tendon-related birth abnormalities, such as clubfoot, which affects 1-3 in 1,000 live births. This disorder involves abnormal tendon formation, which can compromise essential functions like standing and walking.

“Unfortunately, there are currently no tendon therapeutics available,”Vien said. “Our lab discovered that fetal kicking frequency regulates the development of Achilles tendon mechanical properties. Thus, the focus of my research is to identify how fetal movements regulate Achilles tendon development. Our long-term goal is to develop clinical solutions for tendon-related birth deformities based on the molecular mechanisms we identify. Our results could also enable development of future research in developing treatment strategies that promote regeneration of injured adult tendons, based on regulators of natural tendon formation.”

Kuo is an amazing mentor who is present and supportive, according to Vien

“The Kuo lab is a diverse group of students across multiple disciplines, and we have a strong sense of community,” she said.

While Vien has sometimes felt her non-engineering bachelor’s degree placed her at a disadvantage, she notes Kuo has helped her see the value in a multidisciplinary team.

“Dr. Kuo has taught me that the diversity of our backgrounds strengthens the team as a whole,” she said. “I believe it allows us to approach the same problems from different perspectives, and motivates us to learn beyond our comfort zones.”

Since joining the lab, Vien has been busy sharing her research via publications and international presentations.

“In my first year, I had the opportunity to write a book chapter about the mechanobiology of embryonic and adult tendons,” she said. “I also presented our work at my very first scientific conference—the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society’s 7th World Congress.”

Vien also gave her first podium talk at the Orthopaedic Research Society Conference.

“These were big steps in my professional development,” she said. “I learned a lot about science communication and the many types of research happening in our field.”

In addition to her research, Vien has mentored six undergraduate students in Kuo’s lab.

“I really enjoy research mentorship because I’m excited about sharing the work we do, and being the kind of mentor I wish I had when I was at their career stage,” she said.

Following the completion of her doctorate, Vien hopes to build a research career focused on developing regenerative therapeutics. She also wants to continue training and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Outside of the lab, Vien enjoys crocheting, painting, and hiking.

Published April 15, 2025