Azarin Research Group

Welcome to the Azarin Research Group Website!

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Our group studies regulation of cellular function by the healthy and diseased microenvironment. In particular, we focus on cell-cell interactions, drug delivery, and design of biomaterials for applications in molecular and cellular therapeutics and human disease modeling. Areas of interest include mechanisms of tumor progression and the development of novel treatments for metastatic cancer, molecular transport across physiological barriers, stem cell-derived models of healthy and diseased tissues, and biomanufacturing technologies for emerging cell-based immune therapies. Throughout these efforts, we integrate quantitative analysis of biological processes with tissue engineering approaches and novel biomaterial platforms. Our focus on the microenvironment extends to the scientific development of our trainees. We prioritize fostering a collaborative, equitable, inclusive, and diverse lab environment to inspire and empower all trainees to realize their scientific and professional goals.

Recent News

Registration is now open for the Cellular Bioprocess Technology short course, to be held August 12-15 2025 at UMN!

March 2025: Congratulations to Harish for his paper in Molecular Systems Biology!

February 2025: Congratulations to Joe for his paper in Annual Review of Chemical Engineering!

February 2025: Congratulations to Pedram and Jen for their paper in Bioengineering and Translational Medicine!

November 2024: Welcome to new group members Lina Abu-Absi and Aashrita Boddu!

October 2024: Congratulations to Pranati for her paper in Molecular Pharmaceutics!

October 2024: Congratulations to Harish for his paper in npj Systems Biology and Applications!

September 2024: Paulina successfully defended her doctoral thesis. Congratulations, Dr. Eberts!

August 2024: Kristen successfully defended her doctoral thesis. Congratulations, Dr. Lemke!