Sarah Furtney

Sarah Furtney, Ph.D., is an Instructional Assistant Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida. She also serves as Director of Experiential Learning within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. Her research focuses on advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TE&RM) through innovative educational strategies, including hands-on laboratory training, early student engagement in research, and inclusive STEM outreach. Dr. Furtney has held roles in academic advising, curriculum development, and policy advocacy, emphasizing equity and accessibility in engineering education.

Education:

• B.S., Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami (2012)
• Ph.D., Bioengineering, Clemson University (2017)

Research interests span cell/tissue engineering and engineering education, with particular attention to:

• Lab-based training methodologies
• Undergraduate mentorship programs
• Disability-inclusive research initiatives
• Curriculum design for K-12 and university settings

Her work intersects science policy, particularly regarding safety and ethics in biomedical research.

Awards highlight her impact: recipient of the 2020 Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine Educational Award, 2022 UF Career Influencer Award, and multiple teaching/mentorship recognitions from the University of Florida. Her lab, the Cellular Engineering Laboratory, focuses on translating research into educational tools.

Grants and advising efforts include developing resume analysis tools for career alignment and partnerships with K-12 institutions. She actively contributes to professional societies like the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES).