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Karen CheungView profile

Professor

• Biomedical microsystems
• Lab-on-a-chip systems
• Tissue engineering
• +9 more

Karen C. Cheung is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia, with cross-appointments in the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Biomedical Engineering where she serves as Director of the Graduate Program. She holds her office in KAIS 3064 and can be reached at (604) 827-4114. Dr. Cheung received her BSc and PhD degrees in Bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1998 and 2002, respectively. From 2002-2005, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland. She joined UBC in 2006 and has established herself as a leading researcher in biomedical microsystems. Her research spans multiple areas of biomedical engineering with particular focus on lab-on-a-chip systems for cell culture and characterization , inkjet printing for tissue engineering , and implantable neural interfaces . Her work integrates microfluidics, biosensors, and tissue engineering to create platforms that better mimic in vivo conditions for drug screening and disease modeling. Current projects include developing organ-on-a-chip models of the human airway for studying aerosol exposure effects, creating microscale tumor models for cancer research, and advancing silicon photonic biosensors for medical diagnostics. Dr. Cheung leads the Bio-Medical Micro Devices Laboratory at UBC, which houses multiple research teams working on cutting-edge biomedical technologies. Her lab has developed microfluidic platforms capable of precisely controlling oxygen levels around tumor spheroids to study cancer treatment responses under realistic physiological conditions. The lab also works on novel fabrication techniques for microelectrode arrays and tissue clearing protocols for 3D imaging of microtissues. As an educator, Dr. Cheung teaches several specialized courses including ELEC 361 (Molecules to Mechanisms), ELEC 464 (Nanotechnology and Nature), EECE 301 (Topics in Nanotechnology and Microsystems), ELEC 473 (Biological Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), and ELEC 521 (Biomedical Microdevices). She has supervised numerous graduate students through their MASc, PhD, and postdoctoral work, with many alumni now holding academic positions or working in the biomedical industry. Her research is supported through multiple funding sources and collaborations with industry partners. Dr. Cheung is affiliated with several research centers including the Airway Centre, Bionics Network, Centre for Blood Research, and the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS) at UBC.

Urs JenalView profile

Professor

• Bacterial Signal Transduction
• Microbiology
• Antibiotic Resistance
• +5 more

Professor Urs Jenal is a Full Professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he has led research on bacterial signal transduction since 2008. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of bacterial persistence and antibiotic resistance, with particular focus on pathogens causing chronic infections in humans. Previously, he served as Associate Professor (2002-2008) and Assistant Professor (1996-2002) at the same institution, and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University and ETH Zurich. Education 2000: Habilitation and VENIA DOCENDI in Microbiology, University of Basel 1987-1991: PhD in Molecular Microbiology, ETH Zurich (supervisor: Prof. T. Leisinger) 1982-1986: Studies of Experimental Biology, ETH Zurich 1977-1981: Gymnasium with Matura Type C, Chur Research Focus Prof. Jenal's research centers on understanding how bacterial pathogens persist in the human body despite antibiotic treatments. His laboratory investigates cyclic nucleotides, particularly c-di-GMP, as signaling molecules that control bacterial biofilm formation, virulence, and antibiotic tolerance. His team studies pathogenic Escherichia coli causing recurrent urinary tract infections and Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing long-term lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Recent work has revealed how "sleeping" bacteria survive antibiotic treatments and how pathogens breach respiratory epithelia through goblet cell invasion. Scientific Recognition 2014: Elected member of the European Academy of Microbiology (EAM) 2013: ERC Advanced Investigator Award 2012: Elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) 2011: Elected member of the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) Mentorship and Collaborations Prof. Jenal has mentored numerous PhD students and postdocs, many receiving awards for their research. His laboratory is part of the NCCR AntiResist initiative focused on developing novel approaches against antibiotic resistance. He collaborates extensively with clinical researchers and has developed innovative models, including human mini-lungs, to investigate pathogen-host interactions. His recent publications demonstrate how understanding bacterial persistence mechanisms can lead to new therapeutic strategies against chronic infections.

• Biomaterials
• Peripheral Nerve Injury
• Neuromuscular Modeling and Repair
• +2 more

Suradip Das is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, where he serves as a Senior Research Investigator. His work bridges neural engineering and regenerative medicine to address critical challenges in nerve and muscle repair. His academic training includes: B.Tech in Biotechnology from Heritage Institute of Technology (2010) PhD in Biosciences and Bioengineering from Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (2016) Dr. Das specializes in biomaterials development , peripheral nerve injury models , neuromuscular interface engineering , and stem cell-based regeneration . His research pioneers innervated tissue-engineered muscle constructs, demonstrating how motor neurons and endothelial cells synergistically enhance skeletal myocyte maturation. He innovates custom mechanobioreactors that apply tensile forces to guide nanofiber alignment for optimal myofiber formation, significantly advancing volumetric muscle loss treatments. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on neuromuscular regeneration (75% of articles), with emerging exploration of psychedelic compounds in neural repair. His work consistently integrates human iPSC-derived models , multi-cellular co-cultures , and large-animal validation to address translational gaps. Key trends include optogenetic control of motor units (2023), porcine nerve injury models (2020), and the critical role of pre-innervation in creating pro-regenerative microenvironments (2020-2022). As a core member of the Cullen Lab, Dr. Das collaborates on developing biofabricated neural microtissues for delayed nerve fusion and rapid functional recovery. His research directly informs clinical strategies for peripheral nerve repair and muscle regeneration through rigorous mechanistic studies and innovative engineering solutions.

Amy Catherine RowatView profile

Professor

• Mechanobiology
• Cancer biophysics
• Single-cell mechanics
• +6 more

Amy Catherine Rowat is a full Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at UCLA's College of Letters and Science. She directs an interdisciplinary research program that integrates mechanobiology, microfluidics, cancer biophysics and food engineering to understand how physical forces shape cell behavior and to develop sustainable biotechnologies. Education & Affiliations: Professor, Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA Member, UCLA College of Letters and Science Research Interests: Rowat's group deciphers how mechanical properties of cells and their nuclei influence disease progression and therapeutic response. Using high-throughput microfluidic deformability cytometry, her team discovered that cancer cells become stiffer and more invasive upon β-adrenergic signaling, linking stress hormones to metastatic potential. Parallel efforts focus on nuclear envelope mechanics, showing that histone H1.0 and transient nuclear deformation modulate chromatin structure and cell reprogramming. Beyond biomedicine, Rowat pioneers biophysical approaches for sustainable food production. She engineers edible scaffolds and emulsion-templated microcarriers to culture meat at scale, demonstrating spontaneous fusion of adipogenic and myogenic microtissues into marbled steak-like constructs. Recent Article Trends (2020-2025): Her latest publications reveal a cohesive trajectory: coupling mechanobiology to epigenetic regulation (viscoelastic matrix enhances chromatin remodeling), advancing single-cell mechanical phenotyping (optomagnetic arrays, high-throughput screens), translating findings to cancer therapy (β-blockers to sensitize chemotherapy) and expanding engineered foods (scalable cultured-meat bioprocessing). Funding & Awards: NIH R21 CA245667 (PI) – Repurposing beta-blockers to improve chemotherapy response (2021-2023) Laboratory & Teams: Rowat leads an active research laboratory at UCLA that trains graduate students and postdocs at the intersection of physics, engineering and biology. The lab maintains collaborations across UCLA Engineering, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and external partners in food science and biotechnology companies.

Adam FeinbergView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• 3D Bioprinting
• +6 more

Adam Feinberg is a Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). He leads the Regenerative Biomaterials & Therapeutics Group, focusing on cell-material interactions, 3D bioprinting, and bioengineered tissues. His work integrates nanofabrication, molecular biology, and 3D imaging to address challenges in muscle repair, corneal regeneration, and cancer. Key innovations include the FRESH bioprinting platform, enabling soft ECM gel-based constructs, and ECM shrink-wrapping techniques for cell encapsulation. Feinberg holds a Ph.D. and MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida (2004, 2002) and a BS in Materials Science and Engineering from Cornell University (1999). He has secured major grants, including ARPA-H funding for diabetes treatments and Canada’s New Frontiers Fund for heart disease therapies. His research has led to over 45 peer-reviewed articles and 20 patents. His scientific awards include the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award and NSF CAREER Award. Media highlights include breakthroughs in vascularized tissue models and biodegradable actuators. Feinberg collaborates widely, advancing clinical translation of bioprinted tissues and sustainable bio-bots.

Kristian FranzeView profile

Professor

• Neural Mechanics
• Biophysics
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Professor Kristian Franze serves as Principal Investigator and Head of the Department of Neural Mechanics at the Max Planck Center for Physics and Medicine in Erlangen, Germany. He concurrently holds the position of Director of the Institute of Medical Physics and Microtissue Engineering at the Faculty of Medicine of Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). His groundbreaking research explores how neurons integrate mechanical and chemical signals during development and regeneration processes of the central nervous system. The Franze laboratory employs an interdisciplinary approach combining physics and life sciences, utilizing advanced techniques including: Atomic force microscopy Traction force microscopy Custom-built compliant cell culture substrates Optical and confocal laser scanning microscopy Cell and molecular biology approaches Key discoveries from his lab include demonstrating that neural tissue is mechanically highly heterogeneous, that neurons constantly exert forces on their environment, and that both neurons and glial cells actively respond to mechanical stimuli. His work has revealed that local tissue mechanics directly guides growing neuronal axons and contributes to establishing the chemical landscape encountered by developing neurons. Professor Franze leads an international research team comprising doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff. His laboratory investigates how cellular forces, tissue compliance, and cellular mechanosensitivity contribute to CNS development and disease, with potential applications for treating neurological disorders where mechanical factors play crucial roles, such as foreign body reactions to implants and failed nerve regeneration after spinal cord injuries.

Christopher B. HighleyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomaterials
• Tissue Engineering
• 3D Bioprinting
• +3 more

Christopher B. Highley is Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science. His research develops materials and fabrication technologies for complex cellular and material systems, addressing fundamental and translational biomedical challenges. Education includes: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University The Highley Lab specializes in: Advanced biomanufacturing and 3D bioprinting Hydrogel design for tissue engineering In vitro disease models Implantable biomaterial devices His publications focus on innovative hydrogel systems for tissue regeneration, with recent advances in granular hydrogels, stem cell encapsulation, and supramolecular biomaterials. Research demonstrates consistent innovation in bioprinting technologies and biomaterial design for regenerative applications. He received the International Society for Biofabrication Young Investigator Award in 2017. His NIH-funded research builds biophysical and biochemical complexity in 3D tissue constructs. Teaching includes Biomaterials (BME 4414) and Biotransport (BME 3240) courses, training students in biomedical engineering fundamentals.

Debanjan SarkarView profile

Associate Professor

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

Kareen L K CoulombeView profile

Associate Professor

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

Kareen L.K. Coulombe is an Associate Professor of Engineering at Brown University, affiliated with the Institute for Biology, Engineering and Medicine . She collaborates with researchers from the Department of Medicine and institutions like the University of Edinburgh and ScitoVation, Inc . Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude (University of Rochester, 2001) Ph.D. in Bioengineering (University of Washington, 2007) Her research focuses on cardiovascular regenerative engineering , including: Developing human iPSC-derived cardiac tissues for heart attack therapy Creating anisotropic biomaterial scaffolds to enhance tissue integration Designing in vitro cardiotoxicity testing platforms for pharmaceuticals and environmental chemicals Optimizing electrical coupling between engineered and native heart tissue Recent publications highlight advancements in: Predictive 3D cardiac microtissue models for arrhythmic risk assessment Custom polycaprolactone scaffolds for tailored mechanical properties Immunomodulatory biomaterials that reshape cardiac repair processes Computational strain continuum modeling of cardiac tissue mechanics Scientific Awards: 2023 - Brown University Innovation of the Year 2021 - NSF CAREER Award & Young Innovator Award (BMES) 2019 - Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring 2017-2012 - Rising Star Award & NIH Pathway to Independence K99/R00 Dr. Coulombe mentors students through programs like: Brown Leadership Alliance (undergraduate research) Tougaloo College Partnership (student development) NIH-IMSD Programs (graduate mentoring)

Leonid IonovView profile

Professor

• Biofabrication
• 3D Printing
• Stimuli-Responsive Materials
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Leonid Ionov is a leading academic at the Faculty of Engineering Science , University of Bayreuth, specializing in Biofabrication and 4D Printing . He has held professorial roles since 2017, with prior positions at the University of Georgia and TU Dresden. Research Priorities: Smart responsive polymers, 3D/4D bioprinting, self-healing electronics, and bioinspired surface engineering. Teaching: Offers advanced courses in 3D Printing of Polymers , Biofabrication , and Polymer Science . His work integrates stimuli-responsive materials with additive manufacturing to create bioinspired actuators, vascular scaffolds, and self-healing conductive systems. Recent articles focus on 4D-printed vascular junctions , multi-responsive cellulose composites , and dynamic bilayer morphing . Scientific Achievements Recipient of the 2022 North Bavaria Business Plan Competition award 2012 Georg Manecke Prize for biopolymer research Developed European patents for Li-S battery cathodes and microfluidic devices Trained over 20 PhD/postdoc alumni now at institutions like Iowa State University and Harvard Medical School . Leads a multidisciplinary lab with advanced equipment for polymer synthesis, electrospinning, and cell culture studies.

Amir MiriView profile

Assistant Professor

• 3D Bioprinting
• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• +4 more

Dr. Amir K. Miri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and Director of the Advanced Biofabrication Lab. His work focuses on additive manufacturing for biomedical applications, particularly bioprinting technologies for tissue regeneration and disease modeling. After receiving his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University (2013) and completing postdoctoral training at the MIT-Harvard Division of Health Sciences and Technology, he began his academic career at Rowan University before joining NJIT. PhD, Mechanical Engineering, McGill University (2013) MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (2007) BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (2005) Dr. Miri's research spans advanced bioprinting platforms, including multi-axial extrusion, handheld printers, and digital light projection systems. His work emphasizes the development of biomimetic models for cancer, vocal fold tissue, and vascular systems, with a particular focus on microfluidic integration and material optimization for bioprinting. He has pioneered low-cost prototyping solutions for resource-limited settings and explored the role of extracellular matrix mechanics in cellular behavior. Key trends in his publications include 3D bioprinting for tumor modeling, microfluidic device applications in drug screening, and the use of hydrogels like GelMA in cancer research. His group has also advanced acoustic metasurface technology for biomedical wave manipulation and investigated the interplay between biomaterial rheology and bioprinting resolution. Dr. Miri leads a research team at NJIT focused on biofabrication and microfluidics, though specific student advisees are not listed in the provided information. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in the development of multi-material and multi-scale tissue constructs.

Filipa SimõesView profile

Research Fellow

• Regenerative Medicine
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Filipa Simões is a Group Leader and British Heart Foundation Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellow at the Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford. She holds a Hugh Price Fellowship in Regenerative Medicine at Jesus College, Oxford. Her work focuses on immune cell programming in cardiac repair, leveraging genomics, spatial omics, and in vivo/in vitro models to dissect macrophage roles in heart regeneration. She completed her PhD at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) and postdoctoral research at Oxford, identifying epicardial subpopulations and macrophage contributions to cardiac scarring. Education: BSc Microbiology and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon PhD Biochemistry, University of Coimbra (research at Oxford’s Weatherall Institute) Postdoctoral Training: Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford Research Interests: Filipa’s lab explores how macrophages are programmed by neighboring cells to repair heart attack damage. Key themes include immune-cell-cardiac crosstalk, fibrosis pathways, and regenerative signaling. Techniques employed span spatial genomics, functional assays, and zebrafish models to map cellular microenvironments. Awards: British Heart Foundation Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellowship British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence Transition Fellowship Teaching: Leads undergraduate courses in Cardiovascular Development, Genomics, and Developmental Biology. Oversees postgraduate modules on cardio-immuno genomics and cardiac regeneration. Labs/Teams: Heads a multidisciplinary team at IDRM, integrating developmental biology, immunology, and regenerative medicine approaches to advance cardiac repair strategies.

Andrew PutnamView profile

Professor

• Biomaterials
• Biomechanics
• Cardiovascular Engineering
• +7 more

Andrew Putnam is the Robert C. Leland, Jr. and Donna D. Leland Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Michigan. He leads the Putnam Lab, which focuses on cell and tissue engineering, particularly in regenerative medicine and ECM mechanics. His research investigates how extracellular matrix properties influence cell behavior and vascular development. Education: B.S. from UCLA (1994), M.S.E. and Ph.D. from University of Michigan (1996, 2001). Postdoctoral fellowship at Van Andel Institute (2001–2002). Academic roles include Associate Professor at UC Irvine (2003–2009), Associate Professor and later Full Professor at UM (2009–present). He has held leadership roles in graduate education and training programs. Research Interests: Biomaterials, biomechanics, vascularization, ECM mechanics, tissue engineering, and mechanobiology. The lab explores instructive materials for regenerative medicine and vascular network formation, leveraging PEG hydrogels and ECM-inspired designs. Articles focus on biomaterial-driven vascular assembly, ECM stiffness effects, and mechanistic insights into cell-material interactions. Recent work addresses prevascularized modules and chimeric vasculature engineering. Funding sources include federal agencies, private foundations, and philanthropy. Advising: Supervises PhD and MS students in Biomedical Engineering, including Atticus McCoy and Irene Zhang. Research specialists and undergraduates also contribute to lab projects. Alumni have pursued roles in academia and industry. Labs/Teams: Putnam Lab at the Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, collaborating with institutions like Van Andel Institute and University of Michigan Medical Center. Projects involve vascularization, ECM dynamics, and cardiac reprogramming.

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• +5 more

Adetola B. Adesida serves as a full Professor in the Department of Surgery within the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta . His laboratory focuses on developing autologous cell-based tissue engineering strategies for cartilage and meniscus repair, leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations between chemists, biologists, clinicians, and material scientists. PhD in Pharmacy, Victoria University of Manchester (1999) Postdoctoral Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research Dual Fellowship, Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital (2006) Marie-Curie Fellowship, European Commission (2007) Dr. Adesida's research centers on stem cell biology and tissue engineering for musculoskeletal regeneration, with emphasis on: Meniscus and articular cartilage repair mechanisms Stem cell-chondrocyte interactions in 3D microenvironments Bioreactor conditioning (hypoxia, dynamic compression) Sex-specific responses in knee osteoarthritis models Space-related microgravity effects on joint tissues His work bridges fundamental mechanobiology with clinical translation through industry partnerships like CellCoTec. Recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward 3D bioprinting of nasal and meniscal tissues, sex-dimorphic responses in osteoarthritis, and space medicine applications . Key themes include bioink development, molecular characterization of fibrochondrocytes, and prevention of post-traumatic joint degeneration through regenerative strategies. CIHR Research Award (2013) Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital Fellowship (2006) European Commission Marie-Curie Fellowship (2007) Dr. Adesida leads the Orthopaedic Tissue Engineering Laboratory , directing multiple CIHR-funded projects on meniscus regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells. His research integrates advanced bioreactor systems for mechano-hypoxia conditioning and collaborates with aerospace initiatives through Canadian Space Agency partnerships. Current work explores simulated microgravity effects on human meniscus models and develops clinically applicable matrices incorporating bioactive molecules for cartilage formation.

• Developmental Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• +5 more

Dr. Saskia Suijkerbuijk is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Developmental Biology at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cancer progression, particularly in colorectal cancer, with an emphasis on cell competition, stem cell dynamics, and metastasis formation. Her research interests include: Developmental Biology and its role in cancer progression Cell competition mechanisms in intestinal and colorectal cancer Stem cell dynamics in normal and cancerous intestinal tissue Metastasis formation and the role of the tumor microenvironment Organoid modeling of cancer progression and metastasis Dr. Suijkerbuijk's work has established important connections between developmental processes and cancer progression. Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on how cell competition drives tumor growth and metastasis, with particular attention to intestinal cancer models. She has developed innovative organoid transplantation approaches to study colorectal cancer progression in vivo, providing valuable insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying metastasis formation. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through publications in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Cell Stem Cell, and PNAS.