Page 6 - 2025 Impact Report

MARINA NIMMO
OHSU School of Medicine, Biomedical Engineering
The Barbara & Philip Silver and Caron &
Larry Ogg/OHSU Endowment Scholar
Using a chicken embryo as a model organism, my
research focuses on how high maternal blood
sugar during pregnancy affects how a baby’s
heart develops. With noninvasive imaging techniques
and analysis tools, I look at changes in overall growth
patterns, heart structure, and function, starting at the
early stages of development.
My work aims to provide new insight into how
undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes during
pregnancy contributes to congenital heart defects.
Ultimately, my research may guide early detection
strategies and inspire therapeutic interventions to
improve outcomes for children affected by high maternal
blood sugar.
Living with type 1 diabetes for 30 years has shown
me firsthand how advances in medicine and
technology transform lives. This experience inspired
me to pursue research at the interface of engineering
and biology. I began my journey with a BS in BioHealth
Sciences, intending to practice medicine. However, I later
returned to school for a BS in Mechanical Engineering to
combine my scientific and engineering backgrounds to
pursue a career in biomedical engineering, where I aim
to make tangible contributions to science and medicine.
After working in industry for a few years, I returned for a
PhD in Biomedical Engineering, with the goal of taking a
leadership role in designing and implementing research
and development projects.
The ARCS Award has supported my research and
training, providing financial resources and an invaluable
community of mentors and peers to encourage my
growth as a scientist. I feel blessed to be surrounded
by a supportive group invested in my success.
6
“The ARCS Award
has supported
my research and
training, providing
financial resources
and an invaluable
community of
mentors and peers...”