Hannah Anderson, a second-year doctoral student in the Biomedical Engineering program at Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin, studies bladder dysfunction in adults. Anderson’s research explores how the body communicates its bladder status to the brain. Using mouse models, she focuses on a specific player in this communication: the angiotensin II type 2 receptor. It’s part of the renin-angiotensin system, a vital regulator of blood pressure, but Anderson’s work suggests this receptor also plays a role in bladder signaling.
“Think of your bladder like one of those giant water buckets at the water park,” Anderson says. “It fills, senses when it’s full, and then tips over to empty. But for people with bladder dysfunction, that system can go haywire. It might empty too early, too often, too late—or the entire process of filling and emptying may be painful. I’m looking into how this receptor behaves in bladder disease models, I hope that we can show that targeting this receptor, either pharmacologically or through lifestyle interventions, we might relieve symptoms or even improve bladder function.”
It’s a field with profound implications. Chronic bladder inflammation, such as interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), currently has few effective treatments. For millions of patients, the impact can be life-altering—ranging from constant discomfort to mental health struggles. Anderson says she finds purpose in this work, stating, “these patients often feel forgotten. Our research is a form of advocacy.”
Her journey into this niche of biomedical engineering started with a curiosity for research as an undergraduate. “I kept an open mind,” she recalls. “I didn’t set out to study bladder disorders, but I’m grateful to Dr. Mickle for encouraging me to pursue a field with such direct potential to help people.”
When her primary investigator, Dr. Aaron Mickle, moved his lab from the University of Florida to Wisconsin, Anderson followed. She credits the supportive environment at Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin for making that transition seamless.
“I was warmly welcomed by faculty and administrators despite being a transfer student,” she says. “The facilities are state-of-the-art, and I’ve had incredible guidance from not just Dr. Mickle, but also Drs. Dash, Audi, Hokanson, and Williams.”
Outside of the lab, Anderson has been active in the graduate community—most recently the winner of Marquette University’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in February 2025. Designed to challenge doctoral students to explain their research to a general audience in just three minutes, the experience pushed Anderson out of her comfort zone.
“I signed up because I wanted to get more involved in graduate student events and challenge myself in public speaking skills,” she says. “It was nerve-wracking, but also incredibly rewarding. I loved meeting the other finalists and seeing the breadth of research happening on campus.”
As the winner of Marquette’s 3MT competition, Anderson was awarded a $500 cash prize, and her presentation earned her the opportunity to represent Marquette University at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) 3MT in April 2025—a high-stakes experience with competitors from 50 universities across the region.
“It was intense,” she laughs. “I definitely spoke a little too fast, but I made connections I’ll keep for a long time.”
When she’s not in the lab or on stage sharing her work, Anderson enjoys running, solving puzzles, and spending time outdoors—weather permitting.
As for future 3MT participants? “Do it,” she says. “Even just preparing your speech forces you to concisely explain your research, a skill that will stay with you long beyond 3MT.”
Clarity, curiosity, and compassion—all qualities that fuel Anderson’s drive to solve one of medicine’s quietest but most painful puzzles. And with every experiment, she edges closer to helping patients finally find relief.
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