Graduate student Aimal Khankhel in the Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program at UCSB has won the prestigious and competitive NSF Graduate Research Fellowship for his research on developing new fundamental understanding of the role of mechanical signals in tissue development and maintenance.

NSF Fellows are anticipated to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. These individuals are crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation's technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well-being of society at large.

Aimal’s current projects include studies of vascular remodeling in a basal chordate called Botryllus schlosseri and measurements of cellular tractions in model tissues.

Aimal Khankhel is part of Professor Megan Valentine’s group in the Mechanical Engineering department.

Read more about the award here.