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Gerard A. Ateshian is the Andrew Walz Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University, where he has been a faculty member since 1991. He also served as Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering from 2011 to 2014 and is the founding director of the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory (MBL), established in 1996. Education: BS (1986), MS (1987), MPhil (1990), and PhD (1991) in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University. Research Interests: Professor Ateshian's research focuses on the mechanics of soft biological tissues , particularly articular cartilage . His work integrates theoretical, experimental, and computational approaches to understand cartilage lubrication, tissue engineering, and growth and remodeling in living tissues. He has extended continuum mechanics frameworks to model complex biological phenomena such as mass transport, osmotic effects, and reactive mechanics in tissue mixtures. His recent efforts include developing open-source computational tools (FEBio) and translating research into clinical treatments for osteoarthritis . Scientific Awards: H.R. Lissner Medal, ASME (2017) OARSI Basic Science Award (2013) Columbia Engineering Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award (2012) Great Teacher Award, Society of Columbia Graduates (2002) YC Fung Young Investigator Award, ASME (1997) Fellow: ASME, BMES, AIMBE Advising and Mentorship: Professor Ateshian has advised numerous PhD students, including recent graduates Vince Sise and Katherine Spack , who completed their dissertations on cartilage fatigue and osteochondral allografts, respectively. His lab actively mentors students from both Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering programs. Laboratory and Collaborations: He directs the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory (MBL) , which collaborates closely with the Cellular Engineering Laboratory of Prof. Clark Hung and with Dr. Jeffrey Weiss at the University of Utah on computational modeling (FEBio). He also collaborates with Columbia University Medical Center faculty on clinical translation of cartilage research.

• Soft tissue mechanics
• Articular cartilage mechanics and lubrication
• Cartilage tissue engineering
• +7 more

Shyni Varghese is the Laszlo Ormandy Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University, with joint appointments in Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering. She directs the Varghese Lab, an interdisciplinary team focused on smart biomaterials, organ-on-chip models, rejuvenation therapies, and translational medical technologies. Her research bridges tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and disease modeling to address bone healing, osteoarthritis, and age-related tissue degeneration. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry/Materials Science, National Chemical Laboratory (India), 2002 Research spans four pillars: Smart Biomaterials : Engineered ECM mimetics, self-healing hydrogels, and stimuli-responsive systems for tissue regeneration. Miniature Organs : Organoid and organ-on-chip platforms (e.g., tumor-on-chip, lung alveolus models) to study disease mechanisms. Rejuvenation : Targeting cellular senescence, adenosine signaling, and inflammation to enhance aged tissue repair. Bench to Bedside : Translating technologies like 'bone bandages' and nanocarriers for fracture healing and osteoporosis. Recent publications emphasize orthopaedic repair (fracture healing, osteoarthritis), immunomodulation (macrophage reprogramming, immunotherapy), and advanced biomaterials (self-healing lubricants, cartilage-penetrating carriers). Studies frequently employ mouse models and microengineered platforms to dissect pain mechanisms, senescence, and tissue regeneration pathways. Dr. Varghese advises 10+ doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers. Her lab has pioneered innovations like 'DraBot' (environment-responsive soft robot) and 'cell pouch' xenotransplantation devices. Collaborative projects include NIH-funded work on bone radioprotection and NSF-supported biomaterial design. The Varghese Lab occupies the Duke Medical Science Research Building, fostering collaborations with clinicians and engineers. Current projects explore: Senolysis for neuroinflammation mitigation Adenosine-based therapies for bone loss 3D tumor models for immunotherapy screening

• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Regenerative Medicine
• +5 more

Dr. Elise Corbin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on designing biomaterials and 3D tissue models to study cell-tissue interactions, particularly in cardiovascular science and cancer. She investigates how physical forces, rheological properties, and biochemical cues regulate cell physiology, emphasizing dynamic microenvironments for cardiac and cancer cell studies. Education background includes a BS in Engineering Science (2007, Pennsylvania State University), MS (2009) and PhD (2013) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Research interests span cancer therapy, regenerative engineering, and biomechanics. Her work integrates material science with biological systems to develop platforms for understanding mechanobiology. Recent studies include magnetorheological elastomers for cardiac tissue alignment and stiffness-tunable substrates for cardiomyocyte studies. Publications emphasize dynamic material systems and cellular mechanics across cardiac, cancer, and neural tissue models. Her lab develops biomaterials with tunable properties to mimic biological environments, enabling insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Dr. Corbin's lab focuses on engineered biological systems and medical applications. Collaborations span mechanical engineering, biomedical sciences, and clinical domains. Future work aims to translate biomaterial innovations into clinical tools for diagnostics and regenerative therapies.

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Cardiac Science
• Tissue & Regenerative Engineering
• +3 more

Christopher Price is an Associate Professor at the Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center, University of Delaware. His research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, bone adaptation, and cartilage degeneration, with a particular emphasis on mechanotransduction and fluid flow dynamics in tissues. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Mount Sinai School of Medicine (2008) and a B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University (2000). Dr. Price’s research interests include the role of load-induced fluid flow in bone and cartilage health, advanced bioimaging techniques, and the development of disease-modifying therapies for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. His work has received national/international recognition, including the Orthopaedics Research Society’s New Investigator Recognition Award (2010) and multiple Young Investigator Awards (2009–2010). Research focuses on mechanobiology, mechanosensory pathways, and tissue adaptation in musculoskeletal systems. Key areas: post-traumatic osteoarthritis, cartilage lubrication, and aging-related bone fragility. Utilizes cross-disciplinary methods: biomechanics, imaging, cell biology, and animal models. Publications span topics like solute transport in bone, cartilage tribology, and genetic influences on bone healing. His lab explores translational applications of mechanotransduction research to develop therapies targeting musculoskeletal diseases.

• Biomechanics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Musculoskeletal Biology
• +6 more

Robert L. Jackson is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University, College of Engineering. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the ASME Journal of Tribology, highlighting his leadership in the field. His research focuses on tribology, contact mechanics, friction, wear, lubrication, and electrical contacts, with applications in machine design and electrified systems. His research interests include: Nano, Micro, and Macro Scale Contact Friction, Wear, and Lubrication (Tribology) Electrically Induced Bearing Damage Electrical Contacts and Lubricant Additives Surface Texturing and Nano-lubricants Multiscale/Multiphysics Modeling Design of Machine Components His recent publications reveal a strong trend in the performance of electric vehicle motor greases, electro-pitting, electrical discharge modeling, and mixed lubrication in rolling and sliding contacts. He investigates the role of nanoparticles, surface roughness, and thermal effects in tribological systems. His work spans experimental, analytical, and computational approaches, with a focus on real-world engineering applications such as EVs, connectors, and bearings. He actively mentors graduate students, including current advisees Loren Baugh, Jack Janik, and Sudip Saha. His past students have gone on to careers in industry and academia at organizations like Intel, Amazon, Tesla, and universities in China and India. He has collaborated extensively with researchers on topics ranging from articular cartilage biomechanics to nanocomposite lubricants and electrical connector reliability.

• Tribology
• Contact Mechanics
• Friction
• +10 more

Hessam Noori Dokht is a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's Indianapolis campus. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Purdue University, 2023), MSc in Biomedical Engineering (Sahand University of Technology, 2011), and BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Urmia University, 2008). Her research focuses on cartilage mechanics, biomedical applications, and tissue degradation mechanisms in orthopedic contexts. Her work explores topics such as cartilage wear resistance, drug interventions for cartilage preservation, and computational modeling of joint mechanics post-surgery. She has developed reproducible animal models for studying post-traumatic osteoarthritis and pioneered photochemical crosslinking techniques to enhance cartilage durability. Recent studies incorporate biochemical composition analysis and SIRT1 activity in chondrocyte injury response. Dr. Noori Dokht’s publications span from in vitro wear testing to finite element analysis of joint prosthetics. She collaborates on interdisciplinary projects merging mechanical engineering principles with biomedical challenges, particularly in orthopedic research and material science.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• +6 more

Charles Dhong is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Delaware, within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on quantifying and designing mechanical forces at biological interfaces, particularly in tactile perception, single-cell mechanics, and complex geometries in natural systems. He leads a multidisciplinary team developing novel materials and devices for applications in healthcare, robotics, and virtual reality. Key research areas include: Tactile Interfaces: Creating haptic devices mimicking human touch through advanced material science and sensor design. Cellular Mechanics: Developing platforms to measure live cell/tissue properties in high-throughput systems. Complex Geometries: Replicating natural structures to study mechanical phenomena in deformable interfaces. Recent work highlights innovations in conductive hydrogels, graphene-based sensors, and silane-functionalized surfaces. His research bridges materials chemistry with biomedical applications, emphasizing practical solutions for tactile aids and disease diagnostics. Lab activities are centered in the Dhong Research Group, focusing on experimental and computational methods. Current projects explore molecularly controlled tactile systems, biocompatible materials, and high-resolution mechanical sensing technologies.

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Haptics and Tactile Interfaces
• +3 more

Lawrence Bonassar is a Professor at Cornell University, holding dual appointments in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He leads the Bonassar Lab and is affiliated with multiple graduate fields, including Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Stem Cell Biology. His work focuses on musculoskeletal tissue regeneration and advanced manufacturing of biomaterials. Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science from Johns Hopkins University (1989), followed by M.S. (1991) and Ph.D. (1995) in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT. Postdoctoral training included the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital and MIT's Center for Biomedical Engineering. Research Interests span biomechanics, mechanobiology, bioengineering, polymers, and rapid prototyping. His lab develops techniques like tissue injection molding and cell-mediated sintering to engineer living implants. Recent projects include RF tissue welding for meniscus repair and 3D-bioprinted ear implants using patient's cells. Service Roles: Board of Directors for the International Society for Biofabrication, Orthopaedic Research Society Conference, and editorial boards for journals like Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication. He co-authored the 2022 Kappa Delta Ann Doner Vaughn Award-winning research on cartilage mechanics. Advising and Grants: Advises Ph.D. student Serafina Lopez and leads M.Eng. design teams. His lab received a five-year NSF grant (2020s) for biolubricants to combat arthritis. Collaborative efforts extend to clinical trials and startups, such as SimpliFed and the 3D-bioprinted ear implant technology. Labs/Teams: Bonassar Lab explores structure-property relationships in tissues, integrates biofabrication with advanced materials, and emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches. Projects include industry-sponsored meniscus repair innovations and biomechanical studies on cartilage lubrication mechanisms.

• Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Polymers and Soft Matter
• +8 more

Priyatha Premnath is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), directing the Premnath Lab. She holds a BS in Biomedical Instrumentation from SRM University (2009), MS in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University (2010), PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Ryerson University (2014), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Bone and Joint Health at the University of Calgary (2019). Her research focuses on biomechanics and mechanobiology of osteogenesis, bone biology, and regenerative medicine. Key areas include engineering osteogenesis-mimicking biomaterials, bone regeneration after injury, and developing treatments for musculoskeletal diseases. Her work bridges nanotechnology with biological systems, such as functionalizing nanostructured materials to control cell behavior for therapeutic applications. Recent studies explore antifouling materials for bacterial control, cell cycle regulators' roles in bone regeneration, and novel diagnostics like saliva-based coronavirus detection. Her lab's contributions span biomaterials, cancer treatment, and orthopedic research, with a focus on translational applications. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. She advises no listed students, though her lab's activities may involve trainees. The Premnath Lab at UWM emphasizes interdisciplinary research in biomaterials, cell-biomaterial interactions, and regenerative medicine, addressing unmet clinical needs in bone and cartilage repair.

• Biomechanics
• Mechanobiology of osteogenesis
• Bone biology
• +3 more

Peter Torzilli is a distinguished Professor of Applied Biomechanics in Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and serves as Senior Scientist and Director of the Laboratory for Soft Tissue Research at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). He also holds appointments as Associate Professor in the Physiology, Biophysics, and System Biology Program at Weill Cornell Medical College and as Grant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at City College School of Engineering, where he serves as Co-Director of the Center for Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Torzilli's research spans multiple disciplines within biomechanics and tissue engineering. His primary focus areas include mechanobiology of articular cartilage in health and disease, enzyme mechanokinetics of collagen catalysis, engineering of biocompatible materials for tissue repair, and molecular-level approaches to enhance soft tissue function. His work examines how cells respond to injury and disease, how these responses affect matrix components, and how resulting changes influence tissue biomechanical properties. His research spans molecular, cellular, tissue, and whole joint levels, with particular emphasis on tissue engineering approaches through both biological and synthetic pathways. Analysis of Dr. Torzilli's publication record reveals a consistent focus on cartilage mechanics, joint biomechanics, and tissue engineering solutions for musculoskeletal disorders. His work has evolved from foundational studies on joint mechanics to more recent investigations into molecular mechanisms of tissue degradation and repair. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between biomechanics, molecular biology, and clinical orthopedics, with applications spanning osteoarthritis treatment, cartilage repair strategies, and understanding fundamental mechanisms of tissue response to mechanical loading. Dr. Torzilli maintains active research collaborations through his leadership of the Laboratory for Soft Tissue Research at HSS. His work has significant translational potential, particularly in developing novel approaches for tissue repair and replacement. The laboratory environment he has cultivated supports investigation across multiple scales, from molecular interactions to whole joint function, creating a comprehensive research ecosystem for advancing understanding of musculoskeletal soft tissues.

• Biomechanics
• Mechanobiology
• Molecular Engineering
• +5 more

Brian Snyder is a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School and an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. He practices at Boston Children's Hospital with locations in both Boston and Lexington, Massachusetts. Dr. Snyder holds an MD and PhD and is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Snyder completed his medical education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1986, followed by an internship at New England Deaconess Hospital in 1987, residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1992, and fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital in 1994. His research focuses primarily on pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, cartilage research, and nanotechnology applications in orthopedics. Dr. Snyder has made significant contributions to understanding osteoarthritis, cerebral palsy treatment, progeria research, and bone regeneration. His work often combines advanced imaging techniques with biomechanical analysis to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Dr. Snyder's research program demonstrates a strong emphasis on translational medicine, with numerous publications bridging basic science discoveries to clinical applications. His work spans from fundamental cartilage biomechanics to clinical trials evaluating novel treatments for pediatric orthopedic conditions. Dr. Snyder has contributed extensively to the development of consensus-based guidelines for pediatric spinal deformities and has conducted important research on the biomechanics of bone and cartilage using advanced imaging techniques including contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Orthopedic Surgeon, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (General) Dr. Snyder has mentored numerous trainees and collaborators across multiple disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary research that bridges orthopedics, imaging science, and nanotechnology. His work continues to advance the understanding and treatment of complex orthopedic conditions in children and young adults.

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Spine Surgery
• +7 more

Deva Chan is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, with a courtesy appointment in Mechanical Engineering. She is affiliated with the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biomechanics, medical imaging, and tissue engineering. Her work emphasizes cartilage mechanics, osteoarthritis progression, and the application of advanced imaging techniques for understanding musculoskeletal disorders. Research interests span the biomechanical and biochemical mechanisms underlying joint degeneration, including hyaluronic acid metabolism, cellular repair responses, and fibrosis. Methodologically, her lab employs finite element modeling, micro-CT imaging, and live-cell biomechanical systems to study tissue behavior under physiological and pathological conditions. Recent studies highlight her contributions to understanding how mechanical loading influences synovial biology, the role of hyaluronic acid in cartilage health, and the development of novel imaging modalities for non-invasive tissue characterization. Key projects include modeling knee osteoarthritis progression and developing pneumatically controlled cell-stretching devices for mechanobiology studies.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Orthopedics
• +7 more

Silviya Zustiak is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Saint Louis University (SLU), where she also serves as Co-Director of the Institute of Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation. She holds a joint appointment in Pharmacology and Physiology. Her research focuses on hydrogel biomaterials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Dr. Zustiak earned a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and conducted postdoctoral studies in Biophysics at NIH. She completed her B.S./M.S. in Bioelectrical Engineering at Sofia Technical University, Bulgaria. Her educational background includes interdisciplinary training in engineering, materials science, and biology. Research interests span biomaterials design, cell-matrix interactions, and translational applications in oncology and musculoskeletal disorders. Her lab, the Zustiak Soft Tissue Engineering Laboratory, develops injectable hydrogels and nanocomposites for therapeutic delivery and 3D cell culture platforms. Key research trends in her articles include advancing hydrogel-based drug delivery systems (e.g., for Morquio syndrome, osteoarthritis), modeling tumor microenvironments using 3D spheroids, and optimizing biomaterial properties for clinical translation. Recent work explores super-lubricious hydrogels for joint therapy and nanosilicate composites for sustained drug release. Awards: 2023 SLU Women’s Commission Woman of the Year, NIH FARE Award (2011), SLU Scholarly Works Award (2018) Leadership: Keynote speaker at Society of Engineering Science (2019), Director of SLU’s drug innovation institute Dr. Zustiak’s work bridges engineering and medicine, with collaborative projects in drug screening platforms, immunotherapy biomaterials, and bioreactor systems. Ongoing efforts include FDA-ready hydrogel depots for enzyme replacement therapy and microfluidic devices for high-throughput cell culture.

• Hydrogel biomaterials
• Tissue engineering
• Drug delivery systems
• +6 more

Dr. Gregory D. Jay is a Professor at Brown University with joint appointments in Emergency Medicine , Medicine , Engineering (Research) , and Orthopaedics . He serves as an attending physician at Rhode Island Hospital and held leadership roles including Director of Research (2006-2023) and Vice Chair of Research in Brown's Department of Emergency Medicine. Education : MD/PhD from SUNY Stony Brook Medical Scientist Training Program (1990), Emergency Medicine residency at University of Massachusetts (1990-1993) Professional Affiliation : Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (1996), 1997 Top Knife graduate (military medical training) Dr. Jay's research focuses on joint lubrication mechanisms and biomedical device innovation . He identified lubricin as a critical boundary lubricant for cartilage and demonstrated its therapeutic potential in osteoarthritis. His work extends to non-invasive hemoglobin monitoring , respiratory diagnostics , and emergency medical technology including portable hyperbaric systems and automated pulsus paradoxus monitoring. He has secured multiple NIH and NSF grants for joint lubrication studies, holds 20 patents , and has authored over 190 peer-reviewed publications . His translational research bridges musculoskeletal biology with clinical applications for arthritis, sepsis, and respiratory diseases. Key Scientific Awards : Bruce M. Selya Award for Research Excellence (2004), Fellow of American College of Emergency Physicians (1996) Dr. Jay's grants include foundational work on lubricin isolation (Rhode Island Hospital, 1995-1996) and sustained NIH/NSF funding for joint lubrication mechanisms. He has developed clinical simulation systems for CPR training and medical device prototypes for emergency care settings.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedics
• Emergency Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Itzhak Green is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology's George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on tribology, rotordynamics, and the mechanics of rotating machinery. He has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ASME Machine Design Award (2006) and the STLE Captain Alfred E. Hunt Memorial Award (2009). His work includes groundbreaking contributions to mechanical seal design, gas lubrication, and finite-element analysis of contact mechanics. Education: D.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 1984 M.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 1980 B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 1977 Research Interests: Dr. Green specializes in tribology (friction, lubrication, wear), rotordynamics, diagnostics, and finite-element modeling. His recent work includes studies on elasto-plastic contact mechanics, biomimetic articular cartilage, and crack detection in rotating systems. Articles: His recent publications span fretting wear modeling, rotor-stator rub analysis, and biomimetic materials. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary applications in mechanical design and diagnostics. Awards: Recipient of multiple awards for technical excellence, including the ASME Machine Design Award and STLE’s highest honors. He is a Life Fellow of both ASME and STLE. Grants and Consulting: Dr. Green has advised on industrial cases involving machinery failures and tribological design. His expertise is sought in patent litigation and mechanical engineering disputes. Labs and Teams: Leads the Tribology Research Area Group and Rotordynamics Research Laboratory at Georgia Tech.

• Tribology
• Rotordynamics
• Dynamics and Vibrations
• +5 more