Unraveling the Mysteries of Heart Disease: A Journey Through Interdisciplinary Science
Ever wondered how scientists are tackling the complexities of heart disease? It's a field where innovation and collaboration are key, and Dr. Cassandra Clift is at the forefront of this exciting journey. With a background that beautifully blends biomedical engineering and cardiovascular biology, she's on a mission to understand how tiny messengers within our bodies contribute to heart problems.
Dr. Clift's career is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research. Currently a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School and formerly an American Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers scholar, she's building a research path that seamlessly integrates engineering and biology. Soon, she'll establish her own research program as an assistant professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. This unique approach allows her to bring fresh perspectives and cutting-edge techniques to the study of heart disease.
Dr. Clift's work focuses on the molecular changes that occur during valvular and vascular diseases. She develops and applies mass spectrometry-based methods to uncover these changes, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of these diseases. This involves using advanced tools to analyze the intricate components of our cardiovascular system.
Her journey began in the small town of Windsor Locks, Connecticut. As a first-generation college graduate, she pursued biomedical engineering with a focus on biomaterials at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. During her undergraduate studies, she gained practical experience as a polymer research and development technician at Gentex Optics. This early exposure to industry provided her with a strong foundation in practical applications.
Intrigued by the world of academic science, Dr. Clift took a research technician position at the Medical University of South Carolina. There, she discovered her passion for research while working in Dr. Martin Morad's lab. Her expertise in instrumentation was initially sought to repair equipment, but she quickly became immersed in stem cell genetic engineering and calcium signaling research. This experience ignited her desire to pursue a Ph.D.
But here's where it gets controversial... When applying to Ph.D. programs, Dr. Clift's bioengineering background was sometimes viewed as a disadvantage. Some interviewers felt she lacked sufficient biology knowledge. However, she found the perfect mentor in Dr. Peggi Angel, who recognized the value of her unique skillset. Dr. Angel encouraged her to see her engineering experience as an asset, fostering a balanced approach to her research.
Under Dr. Angel's guidance, Dr. Clift delved deeper into biology, integrating it with her bioinstrumentation expertise. She developed innovative methods to target and image the extracellular matrix and glycospecies using imaging mass spectrometry. She also explored the role of collagen dysregulation in bicuspid aortic valve disease, a congenital heart defect affecting about 1.3% of adults. Her thesis work expertly connected cardiovascular biology with mass spectrometry methodologies.
After earning her Ph.D., Dr. Clift joined Dr. Elena Aikawa's lab at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Here, she's using multiomics and epigenetic tools to study cardiovascular calcification. A key focus of her current work is the structure and function of extracellular vesicles in heart disease. Dr. Aikawa, a leading figure in the cardiac valve community, has been instrumental in expanding her network and guiding her in translational science.
In her future independent research, Dr. Clift plans to concentrate on glycan-mediated signaling in extracellular vesicles, specifically in the context of valvular and vascular fibrosis and calcification. This is a crucial area of study, as these processes are central to the progression of heart disease.
"Valves and vessels are great organs to study for bioengineers," Dr. Clift explains. "They’re some of the most biomechanically stressed tissues in the body; unfortunately, the only solution to cure valve disease is surgical repair or replacement, so both biomarkers and therapeutic targets are desperately needed." She envisions collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop improved tools and therapies.
For Dr. Clift, interdisciplinary science is not just an approach—it's a necessity. She aims to bridge the gap between specialists from different fields, using mass spectrometry-based methods to propel the field forward.
And this is the part most people miss... The importance of collaboration and diverse expertise in tackling complex health challenges. Dr. Clift's story underscores the need for bridging different fields to develop new treatments.
What are your thoughts on the role of interdisciplinary research in advancing our understanding of heart disease? Do you agree that a diverse background can be an asset in scientific research? Share your perspectives in the comments below!**
