Mrinal Ganash is a Chemical Engineering Ph.D. student with a focus in bioprinting. His hometown is Chennai, India, and he recieved a bachelor's degree in Bioengineering here at UNH.
1. Why did you choose UNH for your graduate program?
I had built a repertoire within my department during my undergraduate years, and I knew the faculty well enough to make an educated decision on whom to pick based on my interests. I knew it would be an easy transition into my Ph.D. program.
2. What is your Research Focus?
I do my research on 3D bioprinting, which falls under tissue engineering and has the goal of recreating the complex microstructures of native human tissue. I work to develop 3D bioprinting processes that would be useful in developing tissue mimics with complex geometries.
3. What are you hoping to accomplish with this research? How will it potentially impact society or day-to-day life?
I hope to gain lots of skills and an understanding on how to tackle problems. My research allows me to be creative, so it forces me to look for solutions outside the box. This is important because 3D bioprinting promises to one day 3D print tissue structures and organs that will have the patient's cells embedded. This will aid in on-demand organ transplantation, regenerative medicine and potential drug testing options.
4. What do you enjoy most about your experience at UNH?
After 6 years of being here I enjoy the familiarity with this place. I like the close proximity to my house, and I enjoy getting to know the people that go to school here.
5. What do you hope to do after your time at UNH?
I want to expand towards starting a business and doing more research. I'd do a post-doc if there was a need for me to publish more papers but I hope to use the knowledge and skills in industry and then move forward with my own business ideas.
6. What is your advice for someone on how to best prepare for a graduate program?
A piece of advice I would give is to be completely honest with yourself on why you want to do a Ph.D., because a significant chunk of your life will be spent doing research and you need to be okay with it. I enjoy it so I do it, but I also take breaks when needed but I cannot imagine myself doing anything else.
