Stem cells hold tremendous promise for treating injury after tissue loss, but their short lifespan has limited their potential after transplantation. Marian Hettiaratchi, an assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering in the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, aims to develop biomaterials to prolong the therapeutic effects of stem cell-secreted proteins, thanks to a five-year, $600,000 CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation.