Hey there! 👋 I’m Maria-Mirabela Bucur-Sabău, but you can call me Maria. Welcome to my little corner of the internet! 🌍 I’m currently a Biomedical Engineering student at the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, where I’m having a blast blending my love for science, technology, and a pinch of curiosity into some pretty cool projects.
My journey is all about exploring new frontiers, whether it’s extracting DNA from strawberries 🍓 (yes, that’s a thing!) or playing around with AI algorithms 🤖 to see how they can help doctors make quicker diagnoses. I’m all about taking on projects that make me think, “Hey, that’s cool! How does it work?”, just add a cup (or two) of coffee, and I’m good to go! ☕.
When I’m not knee-deep in projects or scientific papers 📑, you’ll probably find me volunteering at events like the European Researchers’ Night, where I get to geek out about science with awesome people from all over.
So, take a look around my site, check out some of my projects, and if you feel like chatting about science, tech, or anything else under the sun ☀️, drop me a line! Thanks for stopping by—let’s keep the fun rolling! 🎉
Date: 07/07/2025 - 11/07/2025
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Institution: Utrecht University - Faculty of Science
Type of Credits: ECTS
Number of Credits: 1.5
I participated in the “Advanced In Vitro Models: Organoids Meet Organs-on-a-Chip” program organized by Utrecht University – Faculty of Science. The course offered a hands-on, interdisciplinary introduction to cutting-edge biomedical platforms combining organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies. During the week, I practiced key lab techniques including organoid passaging and chip design. I learned how to bridge 3D in vitro models with microfluidic systems, gaining insights into the challenges and opportunities of building dynamic, physiologically relevant models. This experience strengthened my understanding of translational research and sparked new directions for my work in biomedical engineering.
Date: 08/07/2024 - 19/07/2024
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Institution: Utrecht University - Faculty of Medicine
Type of Credits: ECTS
Number of Credits: 3
I participated in a research-focused program at Utrecht University - Faculty of Medicine, where I worked closely with a dynamic team on a medulloblastoma research project. The program provided a comprehensive, hands-on experience in oncology research, allowing me to develop a research project from start to finish. Throughout the program, I deepened my understanding of cancer biology while enhancing my practical laboratory skills in key techniques used in biomedical research.
I studied and practiced the following techniques:
Cell Culturing on both monolayers and spheroids.
qPCR for gene expression analysis.
Flow Cytometry for cell analysis.
Western Blotting, a technique used to detect specific proteins.
Binding and Killing Assay to evaluate cellular interactions and effectiveness of treatments.
Date: 18.08.2024 - 23.08.2024
Location: Bertinoro, Italy
Website: https://chipsacademy.eu/summer-school/
I participated in the ECS-Summer School, a week-long educational program designed to provide insights into the cutting-edge field of microelectronics. This event was focused on the various stages involved in the development of Integrated Circuits (ICs), from design to fabrication, testing, and assembly. The program covered essential topics such as semiconductor technology, integrated circuit design, digital systems, and embedded intelligence, all of which play a crucial role in modern microelectronics. Throughout the program, I engaged in hands-on sessions where I had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects, such as building a weather station and exploring Industry 4.0 and IoT applications. These sessions allowed me to better understand the complexities of microelectronics and its applications in real-world scenarios.
Date: 20.08.2021 - 03.09.2021
Location: Măgurele, România
Website:https://msciteh2021.educatiepentrustiinta.ro/pentru-elevi
MSciTech is an innovative summer school program designed for high school students passionate about science and technology. In 2021 the program offered a deep dive into cutting-edge fields like quantum mechanics and quantum computing, providing hands-on experience through workshops and visits to leading research institutes. During my time at MSciTech, I explored advanced scientific concepts, interacted with experts, and gained invaluable insights into the future of technology. This experience not only enhanced my understanding of quantum science but also fueled my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in research and innovation.
Future Robotics is a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring and empowering children to explore the exciting worlds of robotics and programming. Our mission is to ignite a passion for technology and innovation in young minds, fostering creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love for learning within the STEM fields.
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a Children's Day event where I led workshops for children of various ages, teaching them how to program the Otto Biped robot. Building on this success, we are now in the process of developing a project proposal for funding to expand our workshops, specifically targeting children aged 10-12. This initiative will be conducted in partnership with Măgurele Science Park, aiming to further our impact and reach even more young learners.
European Researchers' Night is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, an EU initiative promoting research careers and collaboration. This event connects the public with the inspiring work of researchers through interactive activities and engaging discussions, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for science and innovation.
In 2021, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Faculty of Physics at the University of Bucharest to develop exciting scientific projects, including gyroscopes and other physics-related experiments. This experience allowed me to engage with visitors and showcase the wonders of physics in an interactive and approachable way.
In 2023, I worked alongside my peers from the Faculty of Medical Engineering at the University Politehnica of Bucharest under the mentorship of Ms. Sabrina Rosoiu. Together, we completed a series of medical-themed projects, such as DNA extraction from strawberries and electrolysis baths. These hands-on activities offered participants a glimpse into the world of biomedical engineering, highlighting its practical applications.
Company: National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnology IMT Bucharest
Duration: 360 hours between July and September 2025
Location: Voluntari, Romania
Key Responsibilities:
Conducted laboratory research in the Laboratory of Microsystems for Biomedical and Environmental Applications at IMT Bucharest.
Prepared and characterized deep eutectic solvents (DES) and alginate hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Performed electrochemical characterization of sensors using cyclic voltammetry, including functionalization with graphene, sulfur, and chitosan.
Analyzed materials and sensors via SEM, XRD, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to evaluate morphology, structure, and photodegradation processes.
Applied wire-bonding techniques and worked with microfabrication tools in cleanroom facilities.
Designed and tested concepts for microfluidic platforms (organ-on-a-chip)
Skills Acquired:
Biomedical Research Methods: Hands-on expertise in nanomaterials, biosensors, and microfluidics.
Laboratory Techniques: SEM, AFM, XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, hydrogel synthesis, and cleanroom procedures.
Experimental Design & Data Analysis: Gained practical experience in experiment planning, data collection, and interpretation.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Worked with researchers in physics, chemistry, and biomedical engineering.
Scientific Writing & Reporting: Prepared structured weekly logs and literature reviews to support bachelor thesis development.
Caiet De Practică_Bucur-Sabau_Maria-Mirabela (1).pdfCompany: Medtronic
Duration: July 2022 – October 2022
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Key Responsibilities:
IT Process Automation: Developed and implemented automation strategies to streamline operations within the sales and medical apparatus contexts.
Medical Apparatus Handling: Engaged directly with medical devices, ensuring their functionality and application in a clinical setting.
Event Participation:
Represented Medtronic at a medical congress in Brașov, enhancing company visibility and engaging with healthcare professionals.
Attended strategic meetings in Poland, contributing to the broader sales strategy discussions and planning.
Business and Sales Management Meetings: Participated in meetings focusing on sales tactics and business development, providing analytical support and insights.
Skills Acquired:
Biomedical Engineering: Gained practical insights into the application of engineering principles in healthcare technology.
Programming: Enhanced technical skills in software development and automation processes.
Management: Developed key competencies in managing projects and strategic planning within the healthcare sector.
Microsoft Office Proficiency: Advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and other MS Office tools to support sales analytics and reporting.
Teamwork: Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams, contributing to team objectives and shared goals.
Company: Star Storage
Duration: November 2020 – July 2021
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Key Focus:
Java Programming: The internship provided an in-depth focus on Java, exploring its core functionalities and applications in software development.
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Gained a deep understanding of OOP principles and their practical application in real-world scenarios.
Hands-On Experience: Involved in both theoretical lessons and practical projects, applying Java and OOP concepts to develop efficient, scalable software solutions.
