“Winter's research lies at the junction of biomedical engineering and medicine. She leverages her expertise in biomedical engineering to understand complex mechanisms.” – Mahmoud Abou Alaiwa 

Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa

Faculty mentor/advisor: Mahmoud Abou Alaiwa, MD, associate professor of internal medicine-pulmonary, critical care and occupational medicine, Carver College of Medicine

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: PhD in biomedical engineering, Spring 2027

Winter Philibert studies how mucus transport in the airways helps keep lungs clean and healthy. This natural defense system traps dust, microbes, and allergens and sweeps them out of the lungs. When this process malfunctions, as in diseases like cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, it leads to worsening respiratory health, chronic infections, and lung damage.

“Research has connected me with faculty mentors and fellow researchers who share my passion for respiratory health,” says Philibert. “Being part of this research community has given me a sense of belonging and purpose.”

Her research combines engineering principles with medicine, using innovative imaging and fluid dynamics tools to uncover how variations in mucus transport contribute to lung disease. After graduation, Philibert plans to continue her work on respiratory health.