Heart and blood vessel diseases are among the leading causes of death in the United States. Many patients require surgery to replace damaged blood vessels, but reliable artificial options for small vessels do not currently exist. Existing synthetic grafts frequently fail because they heal poorly and can cause blood clots. Surgeons often must use a patient’s own veins, increasing pain, risk, and recovery times. This Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) project will develop a biodegradable blood vessel graft that actively supports healing. Rather than act as a passive tube, the graft will be designed to transform into a living blood vessel over time. The graft material will contain beneficial metal ions such as magnesium and zinc that support healthy tissue growth as the graft gradually breaks down and is replaced by natural tissue. A unique feature is the use of piezoelectric materials which generate small electrical signals when they are stretched or compressed. Heartbeats naturally cause blood vessels to expand and contract. The graft is designed to use this motion to create electrical signals that encourage growth of healthy cells along the inner surface of the vessel. These cells are essential for preventing blood clots and keeping blood flowing smoothly. This project includes strong educational and outreach activities. Graduate, undergraduate, and high school students will participate in hands-on research and learning experiences. Outreach programs will introduce students to biomedical engineering to inspire interest in biotechnology and engineering careers. Overall, this research seeks to improve patient care while training the next generation of engineers. This ERI project will develop bioactive, biodegradable vascular grafts integrating piezoelectric stimulation to address the long-standing problem of failure of synthetic, small-diameter blood vessel replacements. The grafts will employ a hybrid architecture combining piezoelectric poly(L-lactic acid) (PL