Ellen Roche is an associate professor of mechanical engineering and the associate head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT. Her research team develops new devices and therapeutic strategies for repairing the heart and other tissues. Here, she speaks with MIT President Sally Kornbluth about her work, the advantages of taking a nonlinear route to one’s chosen career, and the importance of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities.Links:Ellen RocheTherapeutic Technology Design and Development LabVideo: Patient-specific, 3D-printed, soft-robotic heartsDassault SystèmesInstitute for Medical Engineering and ScienceTimestamps:

- Potential for 3D-printing hearts

- Hydrogels