Spring 2009 Newsletter

PhD Student Shows Fortitude in Investigating Cures for A Debilitating Disease

"Actually," Donna Haworth reveals "when I started working in David Vorp's lab, I wanted to work on the tissue engineered blood vessel, but there were no openings on that project. " The newly named Carnegie Science Center Award for Excellence winner refers to how she became involved with the development of a tissue engineered urethral wrap (TEUW). The TEUW is a tube composed of fibrin (the substance that forms a blood clot) and adult stem cells. The TEUW is placed around the native urethra to provide structural and functional support in instances of urethral dysfunction, such as in spinal cord injury or diabetes.

At the time Haworth, a PhD student in bioengineering, didn't know she was about to carve a notch for herself in urethral studies. Once Haworth learned about the project, her enthusiasm could not be denied. Haworth says, "I was hooked. Working on something that could possibly improve the lives of millions of women was something that I wanted to be a part of."

About stress urinary incontinence

Haworth understands why her work is so important. Stress urinary incontinence, sometimes caused from increased abdominal pressure brought on by laughing or coughing, is surprisingly common, affecting more than 25 million American women annually. Current treatments can cause additional complications or dissipate over time. The development of a long-term, functional treatment would help millions of women return to normal lives.

Haworth's path

Haworth was not always a bioengineering candidate. Having received her BS in Chemical Engineering at the Youngstown State University, she didn't have much biology or physiology exposure. Figuring out the best way to overcome such obstacles is how Haworth deals with the major challenges that sometimes arise when working with living tissues. Haworth says "Being able to take experimental failures in stride and troubleshoot them quickly and effectively isn't always easy, but gives you great satisfaction in the end."

Her post-PhD plans

Haworth hopes to graduate with her PhD this calendar year (2009) and to assume a research and development position in industry. A member of several professional organizations and junior investigator on several research grants, Haworth has developed research skill sets that will enhance her professional growth and no doubt help her achieve her goal of improving the lives of millions of women with stress urinary incontinence.

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