March 7, 2025

Alexander Armstrong has been named the recipient of this year’s Laboratory Leader Research Staff Award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the research mission at the Medical College of Wisconsin. This award is part of a new initiative by the Office of Research at MCW, designed to engage, retain, and recognize research staff who go above and beyond in supporting scientific discovery. The Laboratory Leader category honors research staff who ensure that their labs remain productive, efficient, and driven by scientific excellence—qualities that Alexander exemplifies every day.

Alexander has served as a Research Technologist for the past 2.5 years, working under Dr. Brandon Tefft, Associate Professor in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Dr. John LaDisa, Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Researcher at Children’s Wisconsin, in the Cardiovascular Regenerative Engineering Laboratory (CaRE Lab) and the LaDisa Lab, respectively. These labs focus on studying cardiovascular disease and engineering related treatments. Alexander’s role has been instrumental in supporting their research missions. His work spans multiple high-priority projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the American Heart Association (AHA), among others. His expertise covers in vitro, in vivo, and in silico experiments, utilizing a vast range of specialized equipment, including 3D bioprinting, bioreactors, pulse duplicators, mechanical testers, and laser scanning microscopy. Beyond maintaining and training users on this equipment, Alexander ensures laboratory safety and efficiency while seamlessly managing the demands of two research programs across different departments.

 

Alexander has been an invaluable contributor to our lab/team and is deserving of this award. He's gone above and beyond what is required in the role to lead projects, anticipate issues, and plan next steps. Congratulations, Alexander!

~ Dr. John LaDisa, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, MCW

 

 

In addition to his technical contributions, Alexander has taken on leadership roles in research. Expressing an interest in pursuing a Ph.D., he was given the opportunity to lead his own projects and mentor students. His research has focused on microchannel technology to protect endothelial cells from excess fluid shear stress and an improved connector design for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems. Both projects required developing and optimizing assays outside the lab’s existing expertise, leading him to collaborate with external institutions like Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for advanced microscopy training. His work has gained notable recognition, with the MCW Office of Technology Development pursuing intellectual property filings, and he was invited to present at the Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference (SB3C). Alexander has also submitted a fellowship application to the Department of Defense (DoD), further cementing his commitment to advancing biomedical research.

 

 Alexander plays a vital role in ensuring smooth lab operations through his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high research standards. His willingness to troubleshoot challenges and support lab members fosters a collaborative and productive environment. His dedication to advancing cardiovascular regenerative medicine is truly commendable.

~ Aysan Hedayat Nazari, PhD Candidate, Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering

 

Alexander’s dedication extends beyond his research responsibilities. He is a valued member of the Translational and Biomedical Research Center (TBRC) shared lab space, frequently called upon to train users, maintain shared equipment, and coordinate with other technical staff. His colleagues describe him as reliable, knowledgeable, and an essential part of the research community. 

 

Alexander is a constant source of support and inspiration to our lab. Through his thoughtfulness, curiosity, and dedication, he has advanced many research projects and makes every day in the lab a little brighter.

~ Aleksandra Zielonka, PhD Candidate, Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering

 

 

He also exemplifies MCW’s core values in his daily work. He demonstrates caring by fostering a supportive environment, always willing to help colleagues troubleshoot experiments or source difficult-to-find reagents. His collaborative nature shines through in his ability to share expertise, step in when needed, and encourage teamwork. His curiosity drives him to ask thoughtful questions and explore innovative research approaches. Through his inclusive and respectful demeanor, he ensures that all voices are valued, making lab members feel welcome and comfortable. His integrity is reflected in his commitment to ethical research, accurate documentation, and lab safety.

 

Alexander works very hard in his role regardless of recognition or praise.  This is precisely why he is so deserving of the inaugural Laboratory Leader Research Staff Award.  I am glad MCW implemented a meaningful way to recognize people like Alexander who make such valuable contributions to the research mission.  The best part is, it was members of my lab group who first approached me with the idea to nominate Alexander for this award.  It speaks volumes that the people who work with him the most every day believe he is deserving of this honor. 

~ Dr. Brandon Tefft, Associate Professor, Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering

 

Alexander’s journey in research began at Concordia University Wisconsin, where he earned his B.S. in Biology in 2022. His passion for cardiovascular physiology, cardiovascular regeneration, and congenital cardiovascular disorders has shaped his career, leading to his acceptance into MCW’s Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program (IDP) in Biomedical Sciences, where he will begin his Ph.D. studies this fall. His exceptional contributions, leadership, and unwavering dedication to scientific discovery make him truly deserving of the Laboratory Leader Research Staff Award. 

 

I am incredibly grateful to the many students of both of my labs as well as both of my PIs for their consideration with this award and for the opportunity I have had to work with them for the past few years. Though scientific progress is never as straightforward as it might seem from the outset and there are plenty of challenges to overcome, my experience so far has been an absolute pleasure! I'm so glad that I have been able to help all of them with their numerous research projects and gotten to know so many great people during my tenure here!

~ Alexander Armstrong, Research Technologist, Marquette-MCW Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering

 

 

Alexander's Research

Alexander is project lead for novel research underway in the Cardiovascular Regenerative Engineering Laboratory, or CaRE Lab, focused on microchannel technology to protect endothelial cells from excess fluid shear stress and an improved connector design for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems.

Learn about Microchannel-Based Endothelialization

Learn about Redesign of ECMO Connectors

 

Learn more about BME Research