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Payton Martinez is a third year PhDÌýstudent in the Biomedical Engineering Program and is earningÌýan Interdisciplinary Quantative BiologyÌý(IQ Biology) PhD CertificateÌýdesigned for students in life sciences, engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics who are interested in joining a network of interdisciplinary faculty and peers inÌýacademiaÌýandÌýindustry.

What brought you to the University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder and attracted you to the BME program?

Coming from a background in BME in undergrad I knew how important it was to have a vet and medical school near the campus and Boulder is perfectly placed between the two. I also loved how the professors were very talented while understanding the importance of a good work/life balance.Ìý

Tell us about your research. What is it that you study?

In the Borden lab, I study drug delivery to the central nervous system using focused ultrasound and microbubbles. This is a newerÌýfieldÌýthat provides a means of opening the blood-brain barrier non-invasively. I specifically study how this can be used to more effectively treat a childhood cancer (Diffuse Midline Gliomas).Ìý

How did you first get involved in your research and what drew you to it? Or what if anything inspired you to pursue this research?

I began my research the summer before starting my PhD. I have always been interested in the brain in particular treating neurological diseases. One major issue with treating these diseases is the restrictiveness of the blood-brain barrier and this research puts me at the forefront of solving this problem.Ìý

What kinds of challenges do you encounter in your research?

There are so many challenges in research from basic issues like reagents not working to big problems like machines not functioning properly. However, I love solving problems so sometimes this is the best part.Ìý

What advice would you share with a student interested in studying biomedical engineering or your specific field?

My advice to a student starting BME is the research can be so broad that it may seem impossible to fully understand everything at first although as you work through problems and read literature it will become much easier. Furthermore, the research that BME produces can be some of the most fulfilling because of its interdisciplinary nature.

How would you like your work to help society?

I am lucky that my work is very translational and I am hoping to see the preclinical work I have done during my time here be used in clinical trials soon. InÌýparticular, finding a more effective treatment for Diffuse Midline Gliomas and improving/extending the lives of the patients.Ìý

What do you love best about attending ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder?

My favorite thing about ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder is the community. Everyone is always willing to help or at least find someone else who can. Rather than competitiveness, everyone works together, and this is evident through the amazing interdisciplinary work that is produced by this campus.Ìý