Find Academic Supervisors

Kevin Edward HealyView profile

Professor

• Bioengineering
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Bioinspired Materials
• +5 more

Kevin Edward Healy is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley’s College of Engineering. He pioneered dynamic engineered systems at the intersection of stem cells and materials science to study fundamental biological processes and develop translational medicine applications. His research includes bioinspired stem cell microenvironments for controlling lineage specification and microtissue/organoid formation, regenerative medicine systems, biological interfaces, and microphysiological systems for drug development and environmental toxicity screening. Bioinspired stem cell microenvironments Regenerative medicine systems Biological interfaces Microphysiological systems for drug development Organs on a chip Drug screening and discovery His work has been highlighted in news coverage for supercooling techniques to preserve human tissue, advancements in bio-preservation as part of a $26M NSF-funded center, engineered fat implants for metabolic therapies, and collaborative models of early human heart development with the Gladstone Institutes. He leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on integrating bioengineering and materials science to address critical challenges in medicine.

Tracy HookwayView profile

Associate Professor

• Tissue Engineering
• Stem Cell Biology
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• +2 more

Dr. Tracy Hookway is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Binghamton University's Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science. Her research specializes in developing predictive in vitro models of human cardiovascular tissues using multi-scale 3D cultures of stem cells. Key research areas include tissue development, homeostasis, pathophysiological states, and bi-directional cell-environment interactions. Research interests focus on: Stem cell-driven tissue morphogenesis Cardiovascular tissue engineering Age-specific tissue changes Bioprocessing optimization Cell-extracellular matrix dynamics Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on cardiac tissue engineering (73% of recent articles), stem cell differentiation (60%), and advanced imaging/bioprinting techniques (47%). Awards include the American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship and multiple innovation awards from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Michel GodinView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Microfluidics
• Nanofluidics
• +7 more

Michel Godin is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on developing micro/nanofluidic technologies for biomedical applications, including medical diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and food safety. His work bridges biophysics, engineering, and molecular biology to create innovative platforms for cellular therapy, biosensing, and tissue engineering. Key research areas include microfluidic devices for cell encapsulation, nanopore sensors for molecular analysis, and mechanotransduction studies in 3D microtissues. His Godin Lab has pioneered techniques such as microgel encapsulation for targeted drug delivery and strain-based studies of cellular behavior. Recent work emphasizes integrating nanotechnology with biological systems to address challenges in cardiovascular repair, lung disease treatment, and precision diagnostics. Publications highlight advancements in lab-on-a-chip systems, nanomechanical resonators, and biomaterial design. His research has practical applications in improving stem cell therapies, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and advancing personalized medicine. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. As a faculty member, Godin contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations and graduate training in biomedical engineering and physics. His lab serves as a hub for developing next-generation microfluidic tools and biocompatible materials with real-world clinical and industrial impact.

• Mechanobiology
• Biomaterials
• Stem Cell Biology
• +5 more

Jorge Oliver De La Cruz is a Researcher at the Institut de Bioenginyeria de Catalunya (IBEC), leading research in the Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology group. His work focuses on understanding how mechanical forces influence cellular behavior and disease progression, particularly in cardiac fibrosis, cancer biology, and stem cell engineering. He develops innovative approaches using biomaterials, organoids, and nanotechnology for translational medicine. His research interests span mechanosensing mechanisms, extracellular matrix dynamics, and the application of pluripotent stem cells in disease modeling. He actively collaborates on projects involving nanomedicine, cancer diagnostics, and regenerative therapies, aiming to bridge fundamental science with clinical applications. Recent work emphasizes patient-specific models of cardiac fibrosis using iPSC-derived organoids, nanocomposite bioelectronics for cancer monitoring, and YAP-driven nanoparticle interactions. These studies highlight the interdisciplinary nature of his contributions to bioengineering and biomedicine.

Per-Olof BerggrenView profile

Professor

• Endocrinology
• Diabetes
• Pancreatic Islet Cells
• +5 more

Per-Olof Berggren is a Senior Professor of Experimental Endocrinology at Karolinska Institutet, affiliated with the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery. His work focuses on pancreatic islet biology, diabetes mechanisms, and innovative transplantation techniques. He leads the Signal Transduction research group and is part of the Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology. Research Interests: Berggren’s expertise spans endocrinology, diabetes, beta cell function, and in vivo imaging technologies. His lab pioneered the use of the anterior chamber of the eye as a non-invasive platform for studying cellular processes, enabling real-time monitoring of transplanted islets and liver spheroids. This technology has advanced understanding of diabetes pathophysiology and therapeutic development. Recent Contributions: His team developed methods to transplant pancreatic islets and liver cells into the eye for non-invasive monitoring, leading to insights into beta cell maturation and drug responses. The 2024 ERC Proof of Concept grant supports translating this technology into screening tools for diabetes treatments. Key articles address extracellular vesicle regulation, sex-dependent islet dynamics, and novel therapeutic nanovesicles. Awards: ERC Proof of Concept Grant (2024), extensive funding from Swedish Research Council, Wallenberg Foundation, and others. Grants/Teams: Collaborates on projects funded by ERC, Erling Persson Foundation, and Swedish Diabetes Association. The research integrates molecular biology, engineering, and clinical translational science. Labs/Teams: Signal Transduction Group (led by Berggren), Rolf Luft Research Center collaborations, and interdisciplinary partnerships for biomedical innovations.

Rachelle Hope CrosbieView profile

Professor

• Muscular Dystrophy
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Skeletal Muscle Biology
• +3 more

Rachelle Hope Crosbie is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at UCLA's College of Letters and Science, with a joint appointment in Neurology. Her research program focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of muscular dystrophies, particularly Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and developing therapeutic strategies targeting muscle cell stability and regeneration. She directs investigations into the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and extracellular matrix interactions using advanced omics approaches and transgenic models. Her primary research examines: Dystrophin-associated proteins (especially sarcospan) in muscle membrane stability Extracellular matrix remodeling in muscular dystrophy pathology High-throughput screening for therapeutic compounds targeting muscle degeneration Stem cell-microenvironment interactions in muscle regeneration Matrix-mediated mechanotransduction pathways in dystrophic muscle Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on sarcospan's therapeutic potential, extracellular matrix engineering, and multi-omics approaches to muscle pathology. Her work shows consistent translation from basic mechanisms (cytoskeleton-matrix interactions) to preclinical applications (small molecule screens, antibody development). Collaborative projects extend into cardiac implications of matrix disorders and tissue engineering solutions.

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

Dr. Gabrielle Lam is an Associate Professor of Teaching at the University of British Columbia and Director of the Undergraduate Program at the School of Biomedical Engineering. She develops curriculum integrating experiential learning with a focus on tissue engineering, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine principles. Her research examines pedagogical approaches for enhancing interdisciplinary education, student engagement in flipped classrooms, and self-regulated learning frameworks. She creates educational models that combine engineering design with biological sciences. Dr. Lam holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto, where she investigated oxygen-sensing mechanisms in vascularized microtissues. As Undergraduate Program Director, she oversees biomedical engineering curricula and promotes collaborative learning environments bridging engineering and medical education.

Jessica GarbernView profile

Lecturer

• Stem Cell Therapy
• Cardiac Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Jessica Garbern, MD, PhD, is an Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and an attending physician in the Department of Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. Her research focuses on translating stem cell-based therapies for cardiac regeneration, specifically targeting cardiomyocyte maturation, immune system evasion strategies, and cardiac tissue engineering. She completed her MD/PhD in bioengineering at the University of Washington, followed by clinical training in Pediatrics and Pediatric Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. Education: Undergraduate: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Graduate/Medical School: University of Washington, Seattle, WA Residencies: Boston Combined Residency Program (BCRP), Boston, MA Fellowship: Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA Research Highlights: Investigates maturation of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes Develops methods to minimize immune detection of stem cell therapies Explores cardiac tissue engineering using nanoelectronics Publications: Recent work spans P53-driven maturation pathways, adductomic profiling of DNA modifications, and endothelial cell roles in cardiac microtissues

Daniel H. ReichView profile

Professor

• Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Biological Physics
• Cell Mechanics
• +7 more

Professor Daniel H. Reich is a faculty member in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University. He holds a PhD from the University of Chicago (1988) and leads the Reich Research Group, focusing on experimental condensed matter physics and biological physics. His research spans cell and tissue mechanics, active matter, organic electronics, and magnetic cell manipulation. Education: PhD in Physics & Astronomy, University of Chicago (1988). Research Interests: Cellular biomechanics and cytoskeletal dynamics using magnetic nanoparticles and microfabricated systems. Complex fluids and active nematics, including colloidal ordering and liquid crystal physics. Organic electronics, particularly charge trapping in polymer dielectrics. Stem cell-derived cardiovascular tissue engineering. Advising and Grants: Supervised over 30 graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom hold academic and industry positions. The lab collaborates with the Leheny Lab and integrates interdisciplinary approaches across physics, biology, and engineering. Labs/Teams: Leads the Reich Research Group, which operates advanced facilities for magnetic actuation, microfabrication, and biophysical measurements.

Jan StegemannView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• +4 more

Jan Stegemann, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on tissue engineering, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on vascularized constructs, acoustic rheometry, and medical device development. He leads the CMITE Lab and has pioneered techniques like resonant acoustic rheometry for real-time coagulation analysis. Education: Postdoc in Biomedical Engineering (Georgia Tech), Ph.D. in Bioengineering (Georgia Tech), M.S. and B.S. in Chemical Engineering (University of Toronto) Key research themes include biomaterials characterization for soft tissues, osteochondral regeneration strategies, and ultrasound-based diagnostic tools. His work integrates mechanical engineering principles with biological systems to address clinical challenges in trauma care and orthopedics. Recent publications emphasize modular microtissue engineering, vascularization strategies, and high-throughput coagulation assays. His lab develops both foundational science and translational technologies, such as injectable osteogenic microtissues and acoustic rheometry systems for point-of-care use. Awards: 2013 Society for Biomaterials Outstanding Research Award Teaching and service contributions include curriculum development in medical product design and interprofessional education initiatives using extended reality (XR). He actively engages industry stakeholders to align academic research with clinical needs.

Alexander DunnView profile

Professor

• Mechanobiology
• Cell Adhesion
• Stem Cell Biology
• +7 more

Professor Alexander Dunn leads the Dunn Research Group in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University. His research focuses on mechanobiology, exploring how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces in contexts such as stem cell differentiation, tissue engineering, and disease. Dunn is a tenured Professor, recognized with awards including the HHMI Faculty Scholar Award and NIH New Innovator Award. Education: PhD in Chemistry from Caltech (2003), Postdoc at Stanford School of Medicine with James Spudich. Research Interests: Mechanical force sensing in cells (e.g., integrins, adhesion GPCRs) Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling in development Engineering molecular tension sensors (e.g., STReTCh) Cryo-ET of heart cells and Z-disc dynamics Malaria binder design for diagnostics Publications highlight innovations in force measurement technologies, cellular mechanotransduction, and disease models like cardiomyopathy. The Dunn Lab collaborates widely, with projects spanning biophysics, engineering, and medicine. Scientific Awards: Hertz Fellowship Burroughs Wellcome Career Award NIH Director’s New Innovator Award HHMI Faculty Scholar Award Advising & Lab: Supervises over 20 graduate students and postdocs, with alumni in academia and industry. The Dunn Lab hosts the Shriram Friday Seminar series to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Viola VogelView profile

Professor

• Mechanobiology
• Biophysics
• Bioengineering
• +4 more

Prof. Viola Vogel is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology, leading the Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology. Trained as a Physicist at Frankfurt University and postdoc at UC Berkeley, she transitioned to bioengineering, founding the University of Washington's Center for Nanotechnology before joining ETH in 2004. She chairs the department (2018–2020) and holds roles at the Wyss Translational Center Zurich and Berlin Institute of Health. Her research focuses on mechanobiology, particularly how mechanical forces regulate protein and cellular functions, with applications in regenerative medicine and nanotechnology. Education: Bachelor's in Physics, Frankfurt University Graduate Research, Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry Postdoctoral Fellowship, UC Berkeley Department of Physics Research Interests: Mechanochemical switches in proteins Extracellular matrix mechanics in health/disease Mechanotransduction in stem cells and immune cells Biomedical applications of mechanobiology Awards: Member of National Academy of Engineering (2020) Member of National Academy of Sciences (2021) Fellow, British Royal Academy of Engineering (2023) Recipient of Otto-Hahn Medal, ERC Advanced Grant, and International Solvay Chair Advising & Grants: Jury Member, Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Former Board Member of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich Recipient of NIH First Award, NSF grants, and industry partnerships Labs & Collaborations: Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology at ETH Zurich Interdisciplinary projects with Charité Berlin and Kantonsspital Baden

BARBARA BLANCO FERNANDEZView profile

Researcher

• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanomedicine
• Hydrogels
• +6 more

Barbara Blanco Fernández is a Ramón y Cajal researcher at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology. She is part of the Materials Institute (iMATUS) and the Strategic Grouping in Materials (AEMAT). Her research focuses on drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, and biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapy, hydrogels, and 3D tumor modeling. She holds a PhD from USC (2014) with a thesis on polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems. Her work spans stimuli-responsive materials, bioprinted cancer models, and nanostructured systems for targeted drug delivery. Notable contributions include enzyme-responsive micelles for pancreatic cancer treatment and extracellular matrix-like microenvironments for regenerative medicine. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance translational biomedical research. Her research aligns with strategic initiatives in materials science and pharmaceutical technology, emphasizing clinical relevance and innovative drug delivery solutions. Barbara Blanco Fernández contributes to academic activities through her affiliation with the ID-FARMA group, dedicated to R&D in drug delivery systems.

Ning WangView profile

Professor

• Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology
• Mechanomedicine
• Mechanohealth
• +4 more

Ning Wang is a Professor of Bioengineering and Director of the Institute for Mechanobiology at Northeastern University. He holds a Sc.D. in Physiology from Harvard University (1990). His research focuses on cellular and molecular mechanobiology, mechanomedicine, and mechanohealth, with expertise in cancer and stem cell mechanics. He developed technologies like intracellular stress tomography and magnetic twisting cytometry, which reveal how mechanical forces influence cell behavior and gene expression. Research Highlights: Mechanomemory in chromatin and nucleoplasm after external forces Engineering heart valves using fibroblast reprogramming Force-mediated gene regulation via chromatin stretching Notable Achievements: 2024 Stanford University Annual Assessment of Author Citations (top 2% most-cited scientists) Pioneered techniques like magnetic microrobot quantification of tumor stiffness Co-developed anticancer molecule commercialized for research use Labs/Teams: Leads the Institute for Mechanobiology, collaborating with institutions like Harvard and Boston University on mechanotransduction and biotechnologies.

Jia LiuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioengineering
• Neuroscience
• Nanoelectronics
• +7 more

Jia Liu is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). He leads the Jia Liu Group, focusing on developing bioelectronic technologies to interface with biological systems, including brain-machine interfaces, cyborg organoids, and cardiac tissue engineering. His interdisciplinary research integrates nanoelectronics, soft materials, genetic engineering, and computational tools to address challenges in neuroscience, cardiology, and developmental biology. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University (2009), postdoctoral training at Stanford University. He teaches courses like 'Introduction to Bioelectronics' and 'Neuroengineering'. Research Interests: Flexible nanoelectronics for chronic neural recording Cyborg organoids for developmental biology studies Biohybrid systems combining electronics and living tissues Machine learning for multimodal biological data analysis Key Achievements: Recipient of MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35 (2022) NSF EFRI Award (2024), NIH R01 Grant (2023) Co-founder of Axoft Inc., a startup commercializing soft neural probes Lab Leadership: Mentors over 20 graduate students and postdocs, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Current lab focuses on scalable bioelectronics platforms and AI-driven biological data analysis. Future Directions: Developing brain-computer interfaces for clinical applications and advancing cyborg engineering to bridge natural and artificial intelligence.