Ho-Wook Jun

Ho-Wook Jun, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the School of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He serves as the director of the graduate program in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the School of Medicine at UAB, demonstrating significant leadership within the academic institution.

Dr. Jun earned his B.S. in Textile Engineering and M.S. in Fiber and Polymer Engineering from Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea, followed by a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Rice University in 2004. He completed his postdoctoral training as the Peter and Ruth Nicholas Postdoctoral Fellow at the Richard Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Department of Chemistry at Rice University from 2004-2006. In 2006, he joined the UAB faculty, establishing a distinguished academic career spanning nearly two decades.

His primary research interests focus on biomaterials and tissue engineering, with specialized expertise in nanomatrix technology for cardiovascular applications. Dr. Jun's work bridges fundamental biomaterials science with translational medical applications, particularly in vascular access, stent technology, and regenerative medicine. His research program has evolved from foundational biomaterials development toward increasingly clinical applications, with recent work expanding into dental pulp regeneration and neuropathic pain management.

Analysis of Dr. Jun's publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of innovation in bionanomatrix technology, with a strong emphasis on nitric oxide-releasing systems for vascular applications. His research demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, medicine, and industry, with publications spanning cardiovascular medicine, dentistry, neuroscience, and materials science, reflecting the versatility of his core nanomatrix technology platform.

As director of the graduate program, Dr. Jun plays a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of biomedical engineers. His entrepreneurial spirit is evidenced by his co-founding and role as chief scientific officer of Endomimetics LLC, a company focused on developing bionanomatrix coatings for cardiovascular stents and other medical implants, demonstrating the commercial translation potential of his research.

Dr. Jun maintains an active research laboratory focused on developing biomimetic nanomatrix systems for various medical applications. His work involves collaboration with clinicians, basic scientists, and industry partners to translate laboratory discoveries into clinical solutions for vascular diseases, tissue regeneration challenges, and medical device improvements.