Dr. Zarana Patel

Dr. Zarana Patel earned her Ph.D. in bioengineering from Rice University where she used polymeric biomaterials for controlled growth factor delivery to regenerate vascularized musculoskeletal tissues. She then joined the Space Radiation Element at NASA Johnson Space Center, performing investigations using 3D tissue models to elucidate the role of space radiation exposure in the development and progression of epithelial cancers for cancer risk assessment models. Dr. Patel went on to serve as Lead Scientist for the Risk of Radiation-Induced Cardiovascular Disease in the NASA Human Research Program, responsible for the management and scientific oversight of the research portfolio. This work involved translation of biological data generated using animal models and 3D tissues to enable accurate cardiovascular risk assessment, modeling, and mitigation for astronauts. She has expertise in a multidisciplinary approach to bioengineering and biotechnology, having worked with biologists, physicists, engineers, and clinicians to fill knowledge gaps and develop targeted solutions.