Drew Alumnus Leads Breakthrough in Science!
Drew is one of the best things that has happened to me. The Drew Crew is a family, and I continue to take concepts that were taught in the program with me as I progress in my career.
Dr. Christorpher 'CJ' Traynham
Director, Scientific Communications, Edwards Lifesciences
Physiology, Bachelor of Science, MSU, 2006
Integrated Biomedical Science, Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2011
Bolingbrook, Illinois (hometown)
Dr. Traynham and Team Moment In Science Breakthrough
About
CJ is a native of Bolingbrook, Illinois,where he found his love of science in high school biology. He became enamored with the complexity and ever-lasting evolution of the field, motivating him to study science at MSU.
As an undergraduate, in addition to his membership in Drew Scholars, he was also a student in the Emerging Scholars Program. He graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from College of Natural Science.
After his graduation, he spent the following summer in the Philippines conducting research that guided him to continuing his academic journey as a doctoral student at The Ohio State University, where he received a Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Biomedical Science. He followed up his doctorate as a postdoctoral fellow at Temple University before transitioning to industrial science as a Medical Affairs Professional for Edwards Lifesciences.
CJ has led a team of researchers that produced a breakthrough experiment showcasing the durability and efficacy of RESILIA tissue in bioprosthetic aortic valves. RESILIA tissue is a pericardial issue that has anti-calcification properties and works to protect and preserve tissue. CJ and his team’s latest data supports that this tissue can support the bioprosthetic valve for around 7.7 years, the longest clinical trial follow-up of its kind. Their work has the potential to enhance and improve life quality for patients who are lifetime sufferers of valve disease.
CJ is already achieving his goal of positively impacting patients through his work, and he hopes to be a mentor to aspiring biomedical scientists!
Read More About CJ’s Leading Science Breakthrough
Advice to Current Scholars
Dream Big. Surround yourself with positive people. Set goals early and hold yourself accountable.