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Hai-Quan Mao is a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with a joint appointment in the Biomedical Engineering Department (School of Medicine). He directs the Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) and leads the Translational Tissue Engineering Center. His research focuses on biomaterials, regenerative engineering, and immunoengineering, particularly developing nanomaterials for therapeutic delivery and tissue regeneration. Mao holds 35 U.S. patents, co-founded two biotech companies, and received prestigious awards including National Academy of Inventors Fellow and NSF CAREER Award. Education: BS in Chemistry (1988) and PhD in Polymer Chemistry (1993) from Wuhan University. Postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins (1995–1998), followed by roles at Johns Hopkins Singapore (1999–2003) before joining the Whiting School faculty. Research emphasizes nanofiber scaffolds for liver/nerve regeneration, DNA/lipid nanoparticle engineering for gene therapy, and artificial lymph node matrices for immunotherapy. His lab translates biomaterials innovations into clinical applications, with NIH-funded projects addressing cancer, malaria, and tissue damage. Awards include over 60 provisional patents, multiple Johns Hopkins translational awards, and Thalheimer Awards for research. He serves as associate editor of Biomaterials and editorial board member of major journals. Lab activities include scalable nanoparticle manufacturing, machine learning for material design, and collaborations with industry/clinical partners. Recent work includes lipid nanoparticle optimization for mRNA vaccines and exosome-based therapies for Crohn’s disease.

• Biomaterials
• Regenerative Engineering
• Therapeutic Delivery
• +3 more

Nonappa Nonappa is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in Nanochemistry at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences since 2020. With a multidisciplinary background spanning organic chemistry, supramolecular systems, nanoparticle self-assembly, and advanced electron microscopy, he leads research at the intersection of materials science and biomedical applications. PhD in Organic Chemistry (IISc Bangalore, 2008) Docent in Soft Matter Microscopy (Aalto University, 2017) Executive MBA (Quantic School, 2020) Research focuses on bio-based optical materials using nanocellulose for sustainable photonics, breast cancer models via lab-on-a-chip systems, and precision nanomaterials through tailored self-assembly mechanisms. His team develops 3D extracellular matrices for cancer tissue culture and plasmonic nanodevices for photonic applications. Recent publications highlight gold/silver nanocluster assemblies (43+ citations in 2021-2025), electron tomography for structural analysis, and metastasis modeling systems. Key awards include Italy's Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (2018) and Aalto University's Docent title (2017).

• Nanochemistry
• Material Chemistry
• Biobased Optics and Photonics
• +7 more

Ovijit Chaudhuri is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in Bioengineering. He leads research at the interface of mechanics and biology, focusing on how cellular and extracellular mechanical properties influence biological processes like cancer progression and tissue formation. His work employs advanced tools such as atomic force microscopy and 3D cell culture systems. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley/San Francisco (Bioengineering, 2009) B.S., University of California, Berkeley (Engineering Physics, 2003) Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard University (Biomaterials, 2013) Research Interests: His lab explores molecular mechanisms behind cellular mechanics, extracellular matrix dynamics, and how mechanical cues regulate cell behavior. Key areas include cancer metastasis, mechanotransduction, and engineered biomaterials for 3D cell culture. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes viscoelastic hydrogels, matrix mechanics in cancer progression, and mechanistic insights into cell migration. Over 50 publications since 2015 highlight interdisciplinary approaches in biomaterials and mechanobiology. Awards: Not explicitly listed in provided materials. Advising & Labs: No specific advisee names listed, but his lab focuses on collaborative projects in mechano-biology. Active in developing biomaterial systems for drug discovery and tissue engineering applications. Labs/Teams: Leads the Chaudhuri Lab at Stanford, which integrates engineering principles with biological systems to address complex disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

• Mechanobiology
• Cellular Mechanics
• Extracellular Matrix
• +5 more

Dr. William V. Giannobile serves as the Dean and A. Lee Loomis, Jr. Professor of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). He leads the institution as its chief academic and administrative officer while maintaining an active research program and clinical practice in periodontics and implant dentistry at the Harvard Dental Center in Cambridge, MA. Dr. Giannobile received his DDS and MS in oral biology from the University of Missouri, followed by a certificate in periodontology and Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc) in oral biology from Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He completed postdoctoral training in molecular biology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. With over 30 years of continuously NIH-funded research, Dr. Giannobile's work focuses on oral and periodontal regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and precision medicine. He serves as principal investigator of the NIDCR U-Award Harvard Clinical Practice-based Research Program for Dental Students (H-CREDENT), which evaluates the genomics of oral pain in a multi-institutional academic setting. His research has produced over 300 manuscripts, textbook chapters, and patents focused on periodontology, regenerative medicine, and oral health research. He has edited or co-edited over 10 books in clinical and translational research, periodontology, and regenerative medicine. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on periodontal regeneration, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and the molecular mechanisms underlying oral diseases. ADA Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research (2024) International Association for Dental Research Distinguished Scientist Research in Periodontal Disease Award (2022) Norton M. Ross Clinical Research Award from the American Dental Association (2018) William J. Gies Award (2014) Jan Lindhe International Periodontology Research Award (2011) As an educator and mentor, Dr. Giannobile completed a 10-year term as editor-in-chief for the Journal of Dental Research, the official journal of the International Association for Dental Research. He has served as a consultant to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Dental Devices and as an associate editor for the NIDCR Report on Oral Health of the U.S. in 2021. His laboratory continues to advance research in periodontal regeneration and precision medicine approaches to oral health, with ongoing NIH funding supporting innovative translational research.

• Periodontology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Phil G. Campbell is a Research Professor at Carnegie Mellon University with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Materials Science & Engineering. His research explores growth factor bioavailability and biomimetic tissue engineering. Campbell's laboratory investigates cellular microenvironments, focusing on how growth factors interact with extracellular matrices and influence tissue regeneration. His work spans basic science of protein-material interactions and applied research in cardiac, skeletal, and corneal tissue engineering. He has co-authored over 15 peer-reviewed publications and holds 10 US patents. Campbell received the Benjamin Richard Teare Teaching Award in 2018 and contributes to the Molecular Biosensor and Imaging Center at CMU.

• Growth Factor Bioavailability
• Musculoskeletal Tissue Repair
• Biomimetic Materials
• +2 more

Professor Athina E Markaki serves as Professor of Materials & Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge, leading research in advanced biomaterials and tissue engineering solutions for regenerative medicine with emphasis on vascularization and tubular scaffold development for human conduit replacement. Her academic credentials include a Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering (8.6/10) from the National Technical University of Athens and a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Cambridge. Markaki's research program centers on vascularisation techniques for clinically relevant tissue dimensions and tubular scaffolds to replace diseased or damaged human conduits, integrating biomaterials science with regenerative medicine principles. Key applications span liver tissue engineering, neural crest-derived stem cell differentiation, and vascular graft development, with strong translational focus on orthopaedic and cardiovascular medical devices. Analysis of her recent publications reveals dominant trends in biomimetic scaffold design, particularly collagen-based tubular structures and hydrogel systems for vascularized tissue constructs. Her work demonstrates interdisciplinary convergence of AI-driven retinal assessment, glioblastoma modeling, and self-healing cementitious materials, with consistent emphasis on clinically applicable regenerative solutions for liver, bone, and neural tissues. Her distinguished scientific contributions are recognized by major awards: Rosetrees Trust 2017 Interdisciplinary Award European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant (2010) Advanced EPSRC Fellowship (2005) De Montfort Award at SET for Britain National Event (2004) Young Scientist Prize 2003 (5th Euromech Solid Mechanics Conference) Multiple academic excellence awards from Greek foundations Markaki directs a well-funded research program including ERC and EPSRC grants, mentoring graduate students in tissue engineering while teaching core engineering curricula covering plastic deformation, fracture mechanics, and medical materials design. Her group maintains strong industry and clinical partnerships to advance regenerative technologies. Her laboratory, accessible via http://www-memti.eng.cam.ac.uk/, specializes in vascularized tissue constructs and tubular scaffolds using laser-based manufacturing, biomimetic design, and hydrogel engineering to address critical challenges in tissue replacement and disease modeling.

• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Adam W. Feinberg is a Professor at Carnegie Mellon University with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering. He leads the Regenerative Biomaterials and Therapeutics Group, pioneering research in tissue regeneration and biomaterials design. Feinberg's research focuses on developing engineering strategies to create functional tissues, particularly for cardiac, skeletal, and corneal applications. His laboratory investigates the biomechanics of engineered extracellular matrices and develops scaffolds that guide stem cell differentiation into functional tissues. Scientific Awards: NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2012) NSF CAREER Award Ladd Research Award (2013) Arthur Hamerschlag Career Development Professorship His work has been featured in prominent journals including Science and Nature Biotechnology, and recognized through media reports in WIRED and The New York Times for innovations in 3D-printed organs and biomedical devices.

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials
• +2 more

R. Kenneth Marcus serves as the Robert Adger Bowen Professor of Chemistry in Clemson University's College of Science Department of Chemistry, where he has maintained an active research program for 38 years. His work bridges analytical instrumentation development and advanced separation science with applications spanning nuclear safeguards to biomedical diagnostics. His academic foundation includes dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry (with honors) and Physics from Longwood College (1982), followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia (1986). This multidisciplinary training underpins his innovative research approach. Dr. Marcus's research focuses on two synergistic thrusts: (1) plasma-based atomic spectrochemical techniques using glow discharge sources, particularly the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) microplasma for optical emission and mass spectrometry; and (2) capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fiber stationary phases for high-speed protein and extracellular vesicle separations. Current efforts target field-deployable nuclear safeguards instrumentation and exosome isolation platforms for clinical applications, leveraging commodity polymers like polypropylene and nylon. His 2024-2025 publications reveal a strategic convergence where LS-APGD mass spectrometry enables ultra-high-resolution isotopic analysis for nuclear applications, while C-CP fiber chromatography advances exosome purification across diverse biological matrices. This dual focus positions his work at the intersection of national security needs and emerging biomedical diagnostics. His distinguished recognition includes: Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2010) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2012) Fellow of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy (2016) Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (2018) Clemson University Researcher of the Year (2019) South Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in Science Research (2001) Dr. Marcus has mentored 44 Ph.D. and 17 M.S. students to completion. His research receives sustained support from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) through Oak Ridge National Laboratory for nuclear safeguards instrumentation, the National Science Foundation (NSF) for chromatography development, and the Advanced Mammalian Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (AMBIC) for metal speciation studies in bioreactors. His laboratory occupies dedicated spaces (BRC 102, 102A, and 106) within Clemson's AG Biotech/Biosystems Research Complex, housing specialized instrumentation for plasma source development, mass spectrometry coupling, and high-throughput fiber chromatography systems that support collaborative work with nuclear security agencies and biomedical researchers.

• Analytical Chemistry
• Atomic Spectroscopy
• Mass Spectrometry
• +7 more

Peyman Karami is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics (LBO) within École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)'s College of Engineering . Research focuses on adhesive hydrogels for cartilage repair and orthopedic applications Investigates biomimetic stimuli (hydrostatic pressure, temperature) in chondrocyte homeostasis Develops ligin-based multifunctional hydrogels for sustainable biomedical applications Expertise in mechanobiology and thermomechanical regulation of tissue-engineered constructs Scientific Contributions: Leads 15+ publications on hydrogel technologies for cartilage regeneration, thermomechanical stimulation effects, and lignin functionalization, including breakthrough work in NIR-light photocuring , malacic trachea repair , and biomimetic temperature gradients . Current Research Trends: Prioritizes injectable adhesive hydrogels , noninvasive tissue repair , and multi-functional biomaterials that couple mechanical and biochemical cues for enhanced regeneration.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Andrés J. García is the Executive Director of the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience and a Regents’ Professor in the George Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on engineered biomaterials for regenerative medicine, including tissue repair, inflammation modulation, and cell adhesion mechanisms. He co-founded three startups (CellectCell, CorAmi Therapeutics, iTolerance) and holds multiple patents in biomaterials and drug delivery systems. Education: Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1996 M.S.E., University of Pennsylvania, 1992 B.S., Cornell University, 1991 Research Interests: García’s work integrates engineering, materials science, and cell biology to develop biomaterials that direct cellular responses. Key areas include: Biomaterial platforms for bone repair and vascularization Immunomodulatory hydrogels for islet transplantation Antibacterial hydrogels for implant infection control Organoid generation using synthetic hydrogels Mechanisms of cell adhesion and mechanotransduction Publications: Over 30+ peer-reviewed articles in Nature Communications , Science Advances , Biomaterials , and others, highlighting innovations in hydrogel design, stem cell therapies, and biomaterial-driven tissue repair. Awards: Member of both the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine (2021), Clemson Award for Basic Research (2012), and Fellowships with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and AAAS. Labs/Teams: Leads the García Laboratory, collaborating across disciplines to translate biomaterials research into clinical applications. Active in startup partnerships and federal grants (e.g., NSF, NIH).

• Bioengineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials
• +7 more

Leila Deravi is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University's College of Science, affiliated with the Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis and the Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems. Her research focuses on biomaterials design, particularly protein-based systems inspired by biological mechanisms in cephalopods and extracellular matrices. She leads the Biomaterials Design Group, which explores applications ranging from tissue engineering to wearable electronics. Her work integrates bioanalytical chemistry, materials science, and design, with projects including cephalopod pigment studies for sunscreen development and bionic material fabrication using additive manufacturing. She has secured significant grants, including an NSF award and U.S. Army funding, and co-founded Seaspire Skincare, leveraging marine biotechnology. Key Research Themes: Bio-inspired materials, cephalopod pigmentation, biomedical textiles, and sustainable cosmetics Notable Collaborations: Cross-disciplinary projects with engineering, biology, and entrepreneurship Innovation: Development of UV-sensing devices and eco-friendly skincare products Deravi's educational contributions include innovative chemistry courses where students design cosmetics, bridging theory and practical application. Her lab's work frequently appears in media discussions on skincare trends and environmental chemistry advancements.

• Biomaterials Science
• Biotechnology
• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• +5 more

Jian Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. He obtained his B.S. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Peking University (2011) and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University (2016), followed by postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt University (2017-2022). His work integrates engineering , mechanics , and computational biology to study cancer mechanobiology and regenerative medicine. Education: B.S., Theoretical & Applied Mechanics, Peking University (2011) Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2016) Dr. Zhang's research focuses on cancer mechano-metabolism —how mechanical forces interact with cellular bioenergetics to influence tumor progression. His lab develops bioengineering tools and computational models to study cell migration in 3D environments, nuclear mechanics, and extracellular matrix interactions. Recent work explores leader-follower dynamics in collective invasion and mitochondrial transfer in aggressive cancers. The 15 most recent publications highlight themes in cancer metabolism , nuclear deformation , and matrix stiffness , with applications in metastasis and regenerative medicine. His articles span computational modeling of energy-driven invasion hierarchies, biophysical studies of nuclear mechanics, and translational research connecting tissue density to cancer progression. At the University of Arkansas, Dr. Zhang teaches BMEG 26104 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering (Fall) and BMEG 4700V/5700V Special Topics: Physics of the Cell (Spring). The Zhang Lab (Cell Biophysics Laboratory) emphasizes collaborative research, mentorship, and the development of precision mechanomedicine tools to address challenges in cancer and regenerative medicine.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Mechanobiology
• Cancer Metabolism
• +5 more

Brendan A. Harley is the Robert W. Schaefer Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), with a joint appointment in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on developing biomaterials to replicate complex tissue microenvironments, enabling insights into cell behavior during development, disease, and regeneration. He holds leadership roles in academic and professional organizations, including editorial positions for Science Advances and Tissue Engineering . Harley earned his SB from Harvard University (2000), SM/ScD from MIT (2002, 2006), and completed postdoctoral studies at Boston Children’s Hospital. **Education**: Sc.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006 S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002 S.B., Harvard University, 2000 **Research Interests**: Engineering dynamic, spatially-patterned biomaterials to mimic extracellular matrices Regenerative repair of musculoskeletal tissues Biomaterial models of cancer microenvironments (e.g., glioblastoma) Artificial bone marrow systems for hematopoietic stem cell studies Harley’s work has produced over 100 peer-reviewed articles and co-authored a textbook Cellular Materials in Nature and Medicine . His lab develops materials for clinical applications, including osteochondral defect repair and craniofacial bone regeneration. Notable honors include the NSF CAREER Award (2013), AAAS Fellowship (2014), and AIMBE Fellowship (2019). **Awards/Recognition**: Fellow, AAAS (2014) Young Investigator Award, Society for Biomaterials (2014) Campus Distinguished Promotion Award, UIUC (2018) His research group emphasizes translational outcomes, with projects spanning biomaterial design, cancer modeling, and stem cell engineering. Collaborations include industry partners like Orthomimetics (acquired by TiGenix) and foundational studies on tumor microenvironments.

• Cell and Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Extracellular Matrix Analogs
• +3 more

Dr. Kibret Mequanint is a full Professor at Western University's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with cross-appointments in Biomedical Engineering. Holding a PhD from University of Stellenbosch and postdoctoral experience at Technical University of Darmstadt and McMaster University, his research bridges polymer science, materials engineering, and life sciences with applications in Biomaterials , Tissue Engineering , and Regenerative Medicine . His work spans both fundamental and translational research in cell-material interactions , polymer biomaterial design , and therapeutic radiation dosimeters , with technologies transferred to commercial applications. Leading scholar and educator with awards from NSERC, CIHR, and Western University Fellow of: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Canadian Academy of Engineering Extensive editorial and panel service for NSERC, CIHR, and international journals His research program has produced over 170 refereed publications, focusing on conductive hydrogels , bioadhesives , and vascular tissue engineering . Recent work on endoscopy-deliverable bioadhesives and snake venom-derived hemostatic gels has attracted global media attention. He has served in leadership roles at the Canadian Biomaterials Society and university governance bodies including Senate and Board of Governors.

• Biomaterials
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• +6 more

Debanjan Sarkar is an Associate Professor of Teaching and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. He is also affiliated with the Jacob's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where his full profile can be found. His research focuses on biomaterials and regenerative therapeutics, particularly exploring how engineered materials interact with cells to regulate growth, differentiation, and repair processes. Debanjan holds a PhD and has conducted extensive research in cell-substrate interactions, stem cell fate control, and mechanomorphological guidance of colloidal gels. His work integrates polymer chemistry with biomedical applications, emphasizing biodegradable elastomers, hydrogels, and extracellular matrix mimics for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Key research themes include drug delivery systems using novel biomaterials, mechanobiology of endothelial cells, and the design of tunable materials to direct cell behavior. His studies span from fundamental material characterization to translational applications in dentistry and vascular repair. Debanjan leads the Biomaterials and Regenerative Therapeutics Lab, which develops innovative materials to address clinical challenges in tissue regeneration. While no formal advisees are listed, his educational role underscores his commitment to undergraduate training in biomedical engineering principles and practices.

• Biomaterials
• Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• +4 more