Julia Pietromicca-Victor, a Buffalo native, Presidential Fellow, and fifth-year PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the University at Buffalo, conducts research in the Vascular Mechanobiology Laboratory. Her work focuses on designing in vitro assays that replicate the cellular mechanochemical environment to better understand the molecular mechanisms driving cardiovascular disease. Specifically, she investigates how plasma membrane lipids regulate vascular endothelial cells under hypertensive conditions, and how disruptions in these pathways contribute to cell dysfunction and heart failure. Julia also collaborates with the Department of Chemistry on preclinical drug testing using her endothelial cell model of hypertension. Through her efforts, she hopes to promote the design and application of cellular assays and bring better drugs to the market for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease.
STEM outreach has always been one of Julia’s core passions. As a Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) outreach committee member, she volunteers at local schools and community events to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM among young children. She currently serves as an intern at the Jacobs Institute, developing a multi-year curriculum for the Jacobs Scholars Program. Her work will contribute to the long-term growth of the program, which seeks to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. She has also mentored many undergraduate students from various science and engineering majors, including students from the CLIMB and CSTEP summer programs, teaching scientific communication, writing, and bioengineering skills.
Julia’s academic excellence and commitment to advancing women’s equity have been recognized by local and national branches of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She received the Olga Lindberg Scholarship from the Buffalo branch in 2023 and was awarded the prestigious AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Julia aspires to use her PhD and training to promote success and growth in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, further developing the region as a hub for start-ups and large corporations. Through her continuing dedication and volunteerism, Julia hopes to promote scientific literacy and social entrepreneurship to ignite changes that will empower Western New York’s greatest asset: its people.