Meet Our Team: Clara R. Correia

Being supportive, respectful, and responsible toward our team is part of our mission.

This month Clara Correia, celebrates 1 year at Stemmatters and we want to thank her for her dedication and hard work!

Clara holds a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minho in cooperation with the University of Twente (the Netherlands), and a Ph.D. in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells from the University of Minho. She has over 10 years of experience in bioinstructive, multifunctional, and bottom-up 3D systems for regenerative medicine, in particular in hydrogel systems for cell encapsulation, biomaterials processing, functionalization, and in vitro characterization. Moreover, she has strong experience in attracting competitive funding in national and European calls to support research and innovation projects.

In this #OurTeam “episode” we chatted with Clara to learn a bit more about her experience during this past year at Stemmatters.

Describe this past year at Stemmatters.
This past and my first year at Stemmatters has been an excellent opportunity to apply my knowledge of the biomaterials field in a more practical setting. Working for this company has given me the chance to see first-hand how my skills and knowledge can be applied to develop new and innovative solutions that can benefit society. Overall, I am grateful for the experience and for the opportunity to work alongside my excellent co-workers. I am eager to continue growing my career at Stemmatters and look forward to what the future holds.

Who or what inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
With a passion for math, physics, and human biology, I was drawn to biomedical engineering where I learned about the tissue engineering field. I was also captivated by the scientific method and how scientists are using innovative materials combined with cells to enhance the body's natural healing processes and create functional tissues and organs. The potential to improve people's lives through the development of new and innovative biomaterials and tissue engineering techniques is incredibly rewarding. I am grateful to be a part of a field that has such a positive impact on society.

What motivates you to continue working at Stemmatters?
Stemmatters, as a biomedical company, offers a practical and hands-on environment for individuals who are passionate about the healthcare field. Being part of this organization has allowed me to apply my knowledge in a market-oriented environment toward the development of healthcare products while contributing to the company's growth and success. I am really thrilled to be a part of the R&D team as a Senior Scientist, while also having the opportunity to contribute to the CDMO team as project manager of an industry-based project that established one of the products of the company.

If you were an animal in your workplace, which would you be and why?
Working in the characteristic fast-paced environment of startups has taught me to be adaptable, so I like to use my skills to respond to different situations. In fact, I find myself drawing inspiration from a combination of different animals when I'm in my workplace. That allows me to stay nimble and thrive in such a dynamic environment. When being curious I am like a cat, always exploring and seeking new experiences. When being practical, I may be compared to an ant, working hard to accomplish tasks efficiently. When being rigorous, I may be compared to a bee, focused and dedicated to a task. And finally, when being creative I could be compared to an octopus, using its many tentacles to solve problems in innovative ways.