Ben Almquist

Dr. Ben Almquist is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London. He is affiliated with the Almquist Lab, CRUK Convergence Science Centre, and multiple other research networks. His research focuses on nanotechnology-driven solutions for tissue repair, particularly addressing diabetic ulcers and hypertrophic scarring. He earned his BS in Materials Science from Michigan Technological University, and his MS and PhD from Stanford University. Prior to Imperial, he was a NIH Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT. His work combines materials science, nanotechnology, and biology to develop dynamic biomaterials for regenerative medicine.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Materials Science, Michigan Technological University (2004)
• Master of Science in Materials Science, Stanford University (2007)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science, Stanford University (2011)

Research Interests

Dr. Almquist's lab explores interdisciplinary approaches to tissue regeneration, including bioinspired nanomaterials, dynamic biomaterials for wound healing, and nanotechnology for modulating cell signaling. Recent work emphasizes activatable nanomaterials for stimuli-responsive therapies and harnessing hair follicles for fibrosis treatment. Current projects include TrAP platform technology for controlled growth factor release and keratin-based biomaterials for osseointegrated prosthetics.

Awards

• NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Whitaker International Research Fellowship

Advising & Grants

Current advisees include PhD students Magdalene Ho, Mara Pop, Anna Stejskalová, and others. Research is supported by partnerships with ConvaTec and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

Labs & Networks

Core affiliations include the Almquist Lab (nanotechnology-enabled biology), CRUK Convergence Science Centre, and the Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine Network. Collaborations span bioengineering, oncology, and material science disciplines.