A look into women's health: cardiac remodeling due to combined volume and pressure overload Engineering Academic Year 2024 Accepted Cardiac mechanics, medical imaging, women's health Cardiac function, mechanics, and composition are known to change due to pressure and volume overload. However, these changes are understudied in pregnant patients with chronic hypertension. Therefore, this project aims to study the remodeling that occurs in the maternal heart with pre-existing hypertension. We are combining medical imaging with murine models to quantify left ventricle mechanics in vivo and are also performing ex vivo histological analysis to characterize cardiac fibrosis. The results of this study have the potential to improve clinical management of chronic hypertension during pregnancy and to improve health outcomes for both mother and child. Elnaz Ghajar-Rahimi This project includes a mix of laboratory work and data analysis, including but not limited to small animal ultrasound imaging, blood pressure acquisition, 4D ultrasound and 2D histology analysis. Students will work towards independently performing ultrasound imaging, MATLAB image analysis, and quantification of fibrotic tissue from histology. Students will also practice scientific communication through lab meeting presentations and will be encouraged to apply for internal Purdue research symposiums. Students must be comfortable working with animals and will ideally already have laboratory experience. Students are expected to be motivated, detail oriented, and have good time management. It is helpful if students are already familiar with MATLAB, cardiac mechanics, and/or ultrasound imaging. 1 10 (estimated)