We are pleased to announce that Oliwia Jeznach, MSc, from the Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials, has been granted a 3-month scholarship of the Kosciuszko Foundation. The laureate will carry out research at the Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, in Prof. David Kaplan’s group, who researches the use of biopolymers in tissue engineering. The doctoral student will have the possibility to use advanced techniques of materials surface analysis such as XPS spectroscopy or NMR. The research and work will contribute to her doctoral dissertation, as well as to the OPUS project [she is part of], which deals with the functionalization of nanofibers surface with adhesive proteins.

Oliwia Jeznach graduated from the Warsaw University of Technology in 2016 and is currently a doctoral student of the 3rd year.

Paweł Sajkiewicz from the Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials IPPT PAN is the laureate’s supervisor. The research she is carrying out concerns the modification of polyester nanofibers’ surface with the use of adhesive proteins in order to improve cellular responses.

Founded in 1925, the Kosciuszko Foundation promotes closer ties between Poland and the United States through scientific, educational and cultural exchanges. It awards up to 1 million USD annually in scholarships and grants for graduate students, researchers, scientists, professionals and artists, and promotes Polish culture in the Unites States.