The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
McGovern Medical School
Department of Pediatric

Dr. Holly Bauser Heaton’s research program integrates basic science, translational bioengineering, and clinical investigation to advance the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and pediatric pulmonary vascular disease. Her work focuses on endothelial dysfunction, nitric oxide signaling, and EndMT related mechanisms that drive microvascular pathology.

A key component of her program is the development of innovative 3D bioprinting platforms that model pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein disease, enabling patient specific evaluation of vascular biomechanics, cell matrix interactions, and mechanobiological cues involved in disease progression. 

Students in her laboratory may participate in projects involving the fabrication of customized 3D bioprinted vascular models, assessment of endothelial response to shear stress and mechanical forces, or evaluation of nanoparticle mediated drug?delivery strategies for vascular stenosis. These experiences provide exposure to tissue engineering, bioink preparation, microfluidic systems, live cell imaging, and molecular analyses related to nitric oxide pathways and EndMT. 

Additional projects include computational modeling of PDA stenting or pulmonary flow, offering students experience with fluid?structure interaction simulations and basic coding for clinical procedure planning. Trainees may also join clinical outcomes studies focused on pulmonary artery reconstruction, PDA stenting, or congenital catheterization strategies, gaining skills in data analysis, study design, and IRB processes. 

Finally, students may engage in biomaterial development, optimizing hybrid hydrogel formulations for bioprinting by evaluating stiffness, porosity, mechanical properties, and cell viability. Overall, Dr. Bauser Heaton’s program provides a unique environment at the interface of engineering and medicine, ideal for students interested in bioprinting, vascular biology, medical device innovation, and translational research.

PubMed

McGovern Medical School Faculty

Education & Training

MD, Indiana University School of Medicine, 2009