Maaike Bril is a PhD candidate in the Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology group under the supervision of prof. Carlijn Bouten and dr. Nicholas Kurniawan. Her current research focusses on a better understanding of dynamic cell-matrix interactions. In vivo, cells are subjected to a plethora of mechanical, physical and biochemical changes in their microenvironment. By using light-responsive materials, on demand changing spatiotemporal cues can be introduced towards the cells, which allows to study the influence of dynamic microenvironments on cell behavior.

Shining a light on the dynamic interplay between cells and their extracellular microenvironment.

Maaike obtained her bachelor’s degree Life Science & Technology at Leiden University and TU Delft (joint degree) and completed the research master Life Science & Technology cum laude at Leiden University. She performed her master research project under the supervision of dr. Roxanne Kieltyka, working on the development of a dynamic covalent hydrogel for the differentiation and maturation of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. This work received an honorable mention from the KNCV for the best (bio)chemical master thesis in 2020. After graduation she started her PhD in the Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology group at TU/e, further exploring the dynamic interplay between cells and their microenvironment.