Kira Lynch joins CEDAR as a PhD student co-mentored by Dr. Carolyn Schutt Ibsen and Dr. Monica Hinds. Kira attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities where they earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Kira has a background in the construction of tissue engineered heart and vein valves, 3D printing, and cell/tissue culture. At CEDAR, Kira is interested in using 3D bioprinting techniques to construct in vitro cancer models with vasculature that can be used to study early stages of cancer development and migration. She hails from the Midwest but enjoys everything a true PNW outdoor lover would (hiking, biking, rock climbing) and is excited to explore Portland's music scene.