Binita Saha is an interdisciplinary scientist bridging biomaterials and microphysiological systems for preclinical drug development. She currently serves as a Postdoctoral Associate at the Rajagopalan Lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech where she studies how liver cancer–associated stromal cells influence liver tumor tissue architecture, function, and therapeutic response. Her work at the NSF COMPASS Center focuses on engineering organotypic liver tissue platforms to better recapitulate the liver’s response to virus and therapies.

She earned her Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Virginia Tech’s Macromolecules Innovation Institute. Her doctoral research in the Micro/NanoScale Biotic/Abiotic Systems Engineering (MicroN BASE) Lab centered on engineering extracellular matrix–targeting bacterial biohybrids therapies and developing perfused tumor-on-chip systems to improve therapeutic development for collagen-dense tumors of the breast.

Trained across chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering, she has collaborated with scientists and clinicians in immunology, toxicology, oncology and mechanical engineering. She brings extensive experience in advanced imaging, soft lithography, polymer characterization, in vitro tissue modeling, and quantitative data analysis.

Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Saha is a dedicated educator and science communicator with over a decade of teaching and mentoring experience across chemistry and engineering disciplines. Recognized for her commitment to accessible, evidence-based instruction, she is deeply invested in public engagement and interdisciplinary outreach, translating complex biomedical research into exciting stories for audiences at all levels.Her long-term goal is to lead the development of predictive preclinical 3D microphysiological platforms (thus reducing reliance on animal models) for translational drug discovery while advancing inclusive science education for undergraduate students.