Home News Events About Membership Contact FAQ

Our Team

Profile Picture

Nadia Garcia Parra

Valencia, Spain

Coordinator

I am part of the Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, where I work on my PhD on in vitro models for multiple myeloma, a cancer that develops in the bone marrow. I attended the ESAO Congress for the first time in 2024 and loved the yESAO environment and its people so much that I decided to become a core team member myself!

Profile Picture

Theodor Abart

Vienna, Austria

Coordinator

As a member of the CARE Team at the Medical University of Vienna, Department of Cardiac Surgery, I contribute to research on monitoring and control algorithms for implantable blood pumps. Our work focuses on utilizing pump parameters to monitor the hemodynamic status of LVAD patients and, based on this, control the LVAD to achieve favorable cardiac mechano-energetics and physiological regulation. We employ in-silico simulations, in-vitro hybrid mock circulatory loop measurements, and preclinical validation in a novel chronic animal model.

Profile Picture

Isabell Esslinger

Berlin, Germany

Core Team

My research is about impact factors on the thrombogenicity of surfaces for blood-bearing medical devices, especially the surface charge/zetapotential. I joined the yESAO team last year (2022) after participating two times and enyoing it a lot!

Profile Picture

Tom Bode

Hannover, Germany

Core Team

My dissertation deals with surface functionalisation of cochlear implants using electrospun superhydrophobic drug-releasing surfaces and SLIPS systems to avoid unwanted connective tissue overgrowth. During the yESAO I am looking after our new members in the Buddy Programme!

Profile Picture

Gesine Hentschel

Hanover, Germany

Core Team

My research topic is the development of artificial blood substiutes with adaptable mechanical and rheological properties. I joined the CoreTeam in 2022 and I take care of our new webinar series and the pitch session.

Profile Picture

Ilaria Guidetti

Milano, Italy

Core Team

My research focuses on the development of a novel right ventricular assist device and on the numerical evaluation of hemolysis in cardiovascular devices. I joined the yESAO core team to become an active member of this amazing component of the ESAO community! I’m looking forward to all the invaluable exchange opportunities that being part of this broad and open society offers.

Profile Picture

Marta Bonora

Vienna, Austria

Core Team

My research focuses on microprinting as a tool for creating biomimetic interfaces that minimize platelet adhesion while promoting endothelial cell coverage. Now in my second year as a yESAO member, I am thrilled to join the core team and contribute further to this incredible community!

Profile Picture

Sophie Becke

Berlin, Germany

Core Team

My research focuses on understanding bacterial infection from an engineering point of view. I am currently working on a microfluidic device to predict antibiotic resistance and a circulatory mock loop to experimentally simulate biofilm formation on heart valve prostheses. After participating in the Esao and yESAO since 2019 I just joined the core team in 2024 and am excited to support planning the events for the upcoming conference.

Profile Picture

Isabell Schulz

Berlin, Germany

Core Team

My research focuses on the development and testing of a passive beating heart mock-loop to bridge the gap between animal studies and laboratory research in cardiac device development. I joined the yESAO team in 2024 and am excited about the opportunities for scientific exchange and engaging experiences with this team.

Profile Picture

Danny Van Galen

Twente, Netherlands

Core Team

I'm working on the development of an artificial placenta system for pre-term neonates that integrates both lung and kidney support in a single device. I'm happy to join the team as a local organizer for the yESAO congress 2025!

Profile Picture

Ana Martins Costa

Twente, Netherlands

Core Team

My research focuses on the design of novel highly integrated membrane oxygenators. I am developing a new artificial lung that integrates the function of a dialyzer in a single device, combining lung and kidney support for patients with severe pulmonary and renal disease. I am looking forward to exchanging experiences and collaborating with the team to organize the yESAO 2025 conference in Enschede!

Profile Picture

Otilia Pintilii

Iași, Romania

Core Team

I am a first-year masters student in Advanced Biomaterials with a strong interest in cardiovascular research and science communication, currently working for a company developing mechanical circulatory support devices. I am thrilled to welcome you to my city, Iași, for the youngESAO Conference, and I look forward to sharing our Romanian hospitality and the unique vibes of Eastern Europe!

Profile Picture

Felix Hund

Aachen, Germany

Core Team

Avishka Wickramarachchi

Queensland, Australia

Core Team

Manar El-Shaer

Vienna, Austria

Core Team