Antoniadou began her studies at the IT and Biomedical Applications Department of the University of Central Greece in Lamia. Her genuine interest in research and her passion for innovative technologies led her to study the development of artificial organs and acquire a masters degree in Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine at the University College of London (UCL). She is currently working on a doctoral degree in Bioengineering at the University of Illinois. “I am the only woman in my department and the only European as well,” she told Kathimerini. “The competition is intense, and I must admit that it took a bit of extra effort to be accepted as a Greek.”

While at UCL, Antoniadou and a classmate crafted an artificial trachea that was later used in the world’s first successful artificial organ transplant in the history of medicine on a 36-year-old late-stage tracheal cancer patient. This case proved the potential that regenerative medicine holds for future transplantation therapies.

In addition, she was selected from among 1,200 students to participate in a course at the NASA Ames Academy for Space Exploration, where she continues to work as a Researcher focused on studying the effects of changes in atmospheric pressure on the nervous systems of astronauts.

The Daily Telegraph UK included Antoniadou as one of the “Trailblazers who paved the way to success for generations of women”, the Provocateur Magazine included her in the list “5 Outstanding Greeks for 2014”, the Marie Claire Magazine featured her in the piece “8 Women that Change the World”, Wow Now Magazine portrayed her in the article “15 Most Inspirational Women”, while MedTech Boston included her in the list “Top 10 Heathcare Trendsetters of 2016”.

Despite her role at NASA, Antoniadou expresses a remarkably earthbound vision for the future. Her focus remains firmly on helping ease human pain which is also the main objective of the company she co-founded. Transplants Without Donors supplies transplant organs with no need for human donation: they are created artificially from stem cells. From a humanistic standpoint, the major aim of the project is to give an end to the human organ trafficking, a transnational organized crime, that is rising in third world countries and has become a lucrative facet of economic development by annihilating the need for real organs. “In the company… we have already succeeded in growing arteries, skin, nerves, tracheas, ears and noses. Our work is aimed at cancer patients or people who have been in accidents”, she says. “People think it sounds like science fiction, but this work has been going on in labs for years, now it’s time to take it into hospitals”.

Antoniadou is actively involved in humanitarian aid missions to Uganda, Peru and Costa Rica where she has served as a volunteer Group Leader with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children.  Based in Philadelphia, the organization sends qualified volunteer groups to perform operations or offer health care to children that have been victims of the illegal organ trade.“Looking back to all my experiences in life, being a volunteer is the most important achievement that I have ever done and by far the most rewarding. Where there might have been despair in the face of one person, to see that replaced with hope is a gift beyond words”.

Source: greeknewsagenda.gr