Sasha studied biology and biochemistry at the LMU in Munich and obtained a joint PhD from the EMBL and the University of Heidelberg. At the University of Cambridge, Sasha worked with pioneers of pluripotent stem cell research and uncovered how these cells differentiate Into distinct cardiovascular lineages.

At the IMBA in Vienna, one of the world-leading centers of organoid research, Sasha established and now leads a research team investigating how heart chamber-like cardioids are formed. The Mendjan lab now continues to advance the cardioid model in order to study the development and physiology of the human heart in a dish.

 “I am thrilled to translate our fundamental lab discoveries into much-needed breakthrough therapies for patients.”