Vinoy Thomas

Vinoy Thomas is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He holds secondary appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Environmental Science & Health (School of Public Health). His research focuses on biomaterials processing, nanomaterials for tissue engineering, and nanodiamonds for joint implants. Thomas also serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Nanoscale Materials and Biointegration (CNMB).

Education: B.S., M.S., and MPhil from the University of Kerala, India, followed by a Ph.D. in Biomaterials & Technology from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences. Postdoctoral training included stints at Friedrich-Schiller University (Germany) and the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) as a National Academies USA NRC Fellow. He joined UAB in 2007 as a Research Associate and transitioned to Assistant Professor in 2012.

Research interests include polymers/composites, biomaterials/nanomaterials, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. His lab employs plasma processing, 3D printing, and nanotechnology to develop bio-compatible materials. Recent work emphasizes nanotechnology-driven approaches for periodontal tissue repair, antimicrobial coatings, and AI-driven scaffold design.

Publications span biomaterials applications in energy harvesting, environmental remediation, and medical devices. Over 80 research papers (h-index=27, i10-index=40) highlight contributions to nanomedicine, plasma engineering, and biomedical composites. His lab supports interdisciplinary training, mentoring students from graduate to K12 levels. Notable student achievements include NSF/EPSCoR fellowships and awards for research presentations.

Collaborations extend to industry and academic institutions, focusing on translational research in healthcare materials. Thomas advocates for innovative teaching, emphasizing mentorship and student-driven discovery. His long-term goals include advancing biomaterials for healthcare and fostering a culture of academic excellence.