Nera Caro Guerrero
I graduated in 2024 with a BSc in Biotechnology (Applied Molecular Biology and Biobusiness) from the University of Aberdeen, having journeyed to Scotland from my native Spain to pursue my passion for the life sciences. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I immersed myself in a variety of laboratory projects that sharpened my skills in cell biology, stem cell culture and mechanobiology. These hands-on experiences revealed the power of interdisciplinary approaches and solidified my commitment to advancing human health, inspiring me to pursue a PhD. Beyond the lab, I was an active member of the Science Journalism Society and the Women in STEM network, where I honed my science-communication skills and advocated for greater diversity and inclusion in research.
Now, as a first-year PhD student in Kimia Witte’s group at the University of Strathclyde, I’m investigating “Breaking (Blood-Brain) Barriers: Nano-Co-Cultured BBB Organoids.” By employing microfluidic glass capillary devices to precisely co-culture human endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes within nanostructured scaffolds, my project recreates the key cellular and mechanical cues of the neurovascular unit. This advanced blood-brain barrier organoid platform not only offers unprecedented fidelity in modelling barrier integrity and permeability but also serves as a powerful tool for screening neurotherapeutics. Ultimately, our work aims to illuminate the mechanisms driving BBB dysfunction in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia, accelerating the development of safer, more effective treatments for central-nervous-system disorders