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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

Anastassios Karistinos, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. He holds clinical roles at Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor Clinic, and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Karistinos completed his medical degree (MD) at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1993), followed by residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (2005) and a fellowship in Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine (2005). His professional interests focus on complex musculoskeletal conditions including multi-ligament knee injuries, meniscal transplantation, cartilage restoration techniques (OATS, ACI), knee osteotomies, shoulder instability, rotator cuff injuries, and shoulder arthroplasty. He emphasizes patient safety and critical evaluation of emerging medical technologies, prioritizing evidence-based treatments. Dr. Karistinos is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in both Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and trauma care. His research integrates anatomical insights with clinical outcomes to improve surgical techniques and patient recovery processes.

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Knee Surgery
• +3 more

Foteini Mourkioti is an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine , with a joint appointment in the Graduate Groups of Cell and Molecular Biology and Bioengineering . She co-directs the Musculoskeletal Regeneration Program at the Penn Institute of Regenerative Medicine and leads the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory . Research Interests : Muscle Stem Cell Biology Mechanobiology Muscle Regeneration Telomere Biology in Muscular Diseases Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Cardiomyopathy and Aging Key Research Contributions : Developed the Pax7EGFP mouse model for real-time muscle stem cell tracking Discovered telomere shortening as a critical factor in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Elucidated the role of NF-κB in muscle stem cell dysfunction Identified Piezo1's role in stem cell morphological states Characterized fibro-adipogenic progenitor dynamics in FOP Scientific Awards : NIH/NHLBI R01 grant recipient (2019) NASA grant awardee (2020, 2017) American Heart Association grant (2017) Muscular Dystrophy Association grant (2019) University Research Foundation grant (2018) Publications & Collaborations : Over 25 publications in high-impact journals like Science Advances , Nature Protocols , and Cell Reports . Collaborates with Penn Cardiovascular Institute and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute.

• Muscle Stem Cell Biology
• Mechanobiology
• Aging
• +7 more

Young-Hui Chang serves as a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he additionally holds the position of Associate Dean of Faculty for the College of Sciences. He directs the Comparative Neuromechanics Laboratory, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, mechanics, and neural systems. His research investigates fundamental principles of movement control through integrated analysis of neural signaling, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and environmental physics. Chang examines adaptive processes in response to acute/chronic changes, with applications spanning clinical rehabilitation and elite athletic performance. Primary research domains include neuromechanics, molecular/cellular/tissue biomechanics, and neural control systems, supported by his leadership in the Comparative Neuromechanics Lab. Chang maintains significant institutional roles including IRI Core Faculty in Bioengineering and Bioscience Robotics, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration in robotics and neural engineering. His work bridges theoretical neuroscience with practical biomechanical applications, emphasizing real-world translation of movement science principles.

• Neuromechanics
• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience
• +7 more

Meisam Asgari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Engineering at the University of South Florida. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University (2015), with postdoctoral training at Northwestern University (2018–2020) and McGill University (2016–2018). His research focuses on biomechanics, cardiovascular diseases, biomimetic design, and functional gradients in biological materials. He teaches courses such as Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Engineering and Biomechanics. Education: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, 2015 M.Sc. Solid Mechanics, Isfahan University of Technology, 2011 B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, 2007 Awards: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018–2020) McGill Engineering International Tuition Award (2011–2014) Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, McGill (2015) His research integrates experimental and computational methods to study vascular diseases, biomaterials for tissue engineering, and structural adaptations in biological systems like crustacean exoskeletons. Recent work includes developing decellularized aortic grafts and investigating collagen mechanics in diseased tissues. Publications span Acta Biomaterialia , Scientific Reports , and Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials , emphasizing biomechanics and material characterization. His work bridges engineering and biology to address clinical challenges in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.

• Biomechanics
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Biomimetic Design
• +3 more

Steven R. Caliari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering with a secondary appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. He serves as the ChE Graduate Program Director and is a SEAS Copenhaver Fellow (2023). His research focuses on designing biomaterials to study cell-microenvironment interactions, addressing challenges in disease and tissue engineering. He holds a B.S. (2007, University of Florida), M.S. (2010), and Ph.D. (2013) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include biomaterials, mechanobiology, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing for biological applications. His lab has pioneered viscoelastic hydrogel platforms and conductive collagen scaffolds, supported by NIH, NSF, DoD, and industry grants. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2021) and NIH MIRA (2020). Grants: NIH (NIGMS), NSF CAREER, V Foundation, UVA-Coulter Partnership Courses: Tissue Engineering (BME/CHE 4417), Transport Processes I (CHE 3321) Labs: Caliari Lab focuses on biomaterial design and mechanobiological studies His work bridges fundamental science and translational applications, emphasizing dynamic material systems for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

• Biomaterials
• Mechanobiology
• Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering
• +1 more

Hee Kwon Song, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania , affiliated with the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics and the Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders . His expertise lies in MRI physics and MRI engineering , focusing on novel dynamic imaging strategies. Education: BS in Electrical Engineering, Northwestern University (1991) MS in Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania (1994) PhD in Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania (1999) Master of Law, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School (2021) Dr. Song’s research specializes in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) using radial data acquisition and KWIC reconstruction for ultra-fast imaging. His work enables retrospective respiratory motion compensation and flexible resolution adjustments in tumor treatment monitoring ( lung, liver, breast, kidney, ovarian ). Applications extend to non-contrast MRA and tissue T1 mapping . Selected Publications demonstrate his focus on accelerated MRI , bone-selective imaging , and deep learning reconstruction , with collaborations spanning Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Neurology , and Radiation Oncology . Contact: heekwon.song@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

• MRI Physics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• +2 more

James McGrath is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester, holding the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professorship. He leads the Nanomembrane Research Group, pioneering ultrathin silicon nanomembrane technologies for biomedical applications. His work integrates material science, microfluidics, and tissue engineering to address challenges in diagnostics, regenerative medicine, and environmental health. McGrath's interdisciplinary team collaborates across academia and industry, including the Rochester-based SiMPore Inc. (co-founded by him). Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University (1991) M.S. Mechanical Engineering, MIT (1994) Ph.D. Biological Engineering, Harvard/MIT (1998) Research Interests: McGrath focuses on nanomembrane technologies for: Microphysiological systems (organ-on-a-chip) Biosensors and diagnostic tools Hemodialysis and toxin removal Microplastics detection in water and biological systems Inflammatory fibrosis modeling (e.g., blood-brain barrier dynamics) Extracellular vesicle biomarker platforms Awards & Recognition: Edmund A. Hajim Outstanding Faculty Award (2019) AIMBE Fellow (2015) William R. Kenan, Jr. Professorship (2023) Advising & Industry: McGrath has advised students and entrepreneurs through his lab and SiMPore Inc., focusing on translating nanomembrane innovations into clinical and commercial applications. His work bridges basic science and applied engineering, with a focus on scalable manufacturing and global health impact. Labs & Collaborations: The Nanomembrane Research Group collaborates with UR, RIT, and international partners to advance nanomembrane-based solutions for healthcare and environmental challenges. Key platforms include the MicroSiM barrier tissue system and silicon nanomembrane analysis pipelines.

• Nanomembranes
• Microphysiological systems
• Biosensors
• +7 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. Gabriella Lindberg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Oregon's Knight Campus, leading the Lindberg Lab. Her research focuses on developing bioinks, hydrogels, and bioresins to engineer musculoskeletal tissues that replicate native biological environments. She holds a PhD from the University of Otago and previously served as a Research Fellow in the Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReaTE) Group. Dr. Lindberg has secured significant grants, including a New Zealand Health Research Council Emerging Researcher Grant, and has won multiple awards such as the ISBF Young Investigator Award (2019) and CMDT/MedTech CoRE awards. Her work spans collaborative projects with institutions in New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, and Australia. Current lab members include researchers like Vinni Thoms (Lab Manager) and Tim Wheeler (Postdoctoral Scholar). The lab is recruiting for postdoctoral and graduate positions in immunomodulation for osteoarthritis and bone marrow tissue engineering. Key research platforms include biofabrication, biomaterials, and organoid development. Dr. Lindberg’s research emphasizes clinical relevance, with projects addressing patient variability and disease progression modeling. Her team explores oxygen control in 3D-printed constructs and integrates inflammatory biology with biomaterials science. The lab’s long-term goals include advancing 3D bioassembly for musculoskeletal repair and hematological disease treatments. Notable contributions include work on vitreous humor as a biomaterial, automated 3D bioassembly, and the development of photoclickable gelatin bioinks. She has mentored numerous students, including PhD candidates Axel Norberg and Bram Soliman, and supervised master’s and undergraduate researchers in tissue engineering and biofabrication techniques.

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Biofabrication
• +5 more

Amjad Javed is a Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham , with primary appointments in the School of Dentistry - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and joint affiliations in Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology , Otolaryngology , and Biomedical Engineering . His research spans bone biology, cartilage development, and myeloma bone disease. PhD in Physiology (University of the Punjab, 2003) MS in Zoology/Animal Biology (University of the Punjab, 1992) Research Interests focus on transcriptional regulation via RUNX2 and Sp7 in skeletogenesis, vascular calcification mechanisms, epigenetic control of bone formation, and tumor-bone microenvironment interactions in multiple myeloma. Key subfields include endochondral ossification, osteoclast differentiation, and nanomatrix-based tissue engineering. Scientific Contributions include discoveries about RUNX2's role in postnatal bone resorption, λ5 protein's impact on skeletal aging, and heparanase's promotion of myeloma metastasis. His work demonstrates RUNX2's dual function in chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degradation. Teaching & Mentorship involves graduate committee service for over 15 students and instruction in courses like Connective Tissue and Bone , Oral & Skeletal Biology , and Journal Clubs . Collaborations span Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center , Integrative Center for Aging Research , and Biomatrix Eng Regen Med Center .

• Bone Biology
• Cartilage Development
• Transcriptional Regulation
• +4 more

Woojin Han is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His research program focuses on the mechanobiology of skeletal muscle stem and progenitor cells, with applications in disease modeling and the development of advanced therapeutics for muscle injuries and degenerative diseases. Dr. Han earned his BS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Rochester and his MS and PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his postdoctoral training at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he received awards from the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) and the NIH. Dr. Han's research integrates biomaterials, bioengineering, and in vivo genetic approaches to investigate cell-matrix interactions and mechanobiological signaling, aiming to uncover the mechanisms driving muscle regeneration and pathology. His work is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD). Analysis of Dr. Han's recent publications reveals a strong focus on muscle regeneration mechanisms, particularly examining the role of extracellular matrix proteins, mechanical confinement, and signaling pathways in muscle stem cell behavior. His research spans from fundamental mechanobiology to translational applications using biomaterials for tissue regeneration. 2025 NEBEC Emerging Investigator Award 2024 Mount Sinai Faculty Council Award for Junior Faculty 2023 Popular Science's The Brilliant 10 2022 Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Grant Awardee American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) award NIH award Dr. Han's research is supported by significant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD). His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with particular emphasis on developing advanced therapeutics for muscle injuries and degenerative diseases. Through his lab, he mentors junior researchers in the fields of biomechanics, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine. Dr. Han leads the Han Lab, which focuses on skeletal muscle regeneration research. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining biomaterials engineering, molecular biology, and advanced imaging techniques to develop novel strategies for enhancing muscle repair and preventing pathological changes following injury.

• Biomechanics/Bioengineering
• Biomedical Sciences
• Muscle Cells
• +7 more

Matthew Libera is a Professor of Material Science and Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, affiliated with the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science. He leads the Laboratory for Multiscale Imaging (LMSI), a shared facility for advanced imaging and analysis. His work focuses on biomaterials, hydrogels, infection-resistant surfaces, and electron microscopy techniques. Libera has held roles including Associate Dean of Engineering and Science (2013–2018) and has been a visiting professor at institutions like the University of Rhode Island (2021–2022). He chairs the Stevens Conference on Bacteria-Material Interactions and has authored numerous publications on antimicrobial surfaces and material characterization. His research interests span biomaterials-associated infections, directed self-assembly of polymers, and cryo-electron microscopy applications. He pioneered microgel-based antimicrobial coatings and developed molecular beacon technologies for diagnostics. Libera’s awards include the Morton Professorship for Teaching Excellence (2010–2011) and the Jess N. Davis Award for Research (1998). His work integrates nanotechnology, material science, and biomedicine to address challenges in infection prevention and biomaterial design. Libera’s publications highlight advancements in microgel functionality, surface patterning via electron-beam lithography, and antimicrobial delivery systems. His lab’s capabilities in multiscale imaging enable detailed studies of biomaterial-bacteria interactions. Ongoing efforts aim to optimize self-defensive materials for medical implants and diagnostic tools.

• Polymeric Biomaterials
• Hydrogels and Microgels
• Infection-Resisting Biomaterials
• +4 more

Eric Nauman is the Dane A. and Mary Louise Miller Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati and director of the Human Injury Research and Regenerative Technologies (H.I.R.R.T.) Lab. Previously, he held academic roles at Purdue University and Tulane University. He earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and the University of Delaware. Research Focus: The H.I.R.R.T. Lab investigates mechanisms of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal damage, atherosclerosis, and cancer metastasis. It develops protective and reconstructive treatments, including FDA-approved engineered tissue products for tendon repair. Collaborative projects emphasize translational research in injury prevention and treatment delivery. Grants & Awards: Lead Principal Investigator (PI) on federal grants totaling $4.7M for projects like AFRL teeming agreements and DoD biomathematical models. Recipient of prestigious awards including the Purdue Book of Great Teachers, Innovators Hall of Fame, and multiple teaching excellence recognitions. Key Contributions: Co-authored landmark TBI studies, holds 14 U.S. patents, and pioneered protective equipment innovations. His work bridges biomechanics, materials science, and clinical applications.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
• Musculoskeletal Damage
• +5 more

Fadia Kamal, PharmD, PhD is an Associate Professor holding dual appointments in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation and the Department of Cell and Biological Systems. She leads research at the Center for Cannabis and Natural Product Pharmaceuticals (CCNPP) with a strong publication record including 33 research outputs and an h-index of 18 based on Scopus data. Dr. Kamal's research focuses on cellular pathways that control chondrocyte homeostasis in healthy tissue and the pathological processes leading to cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. Her work investigates how chondrocytes transform into pathological cells that cause cartilage degradation, with particular interest in discovering new pathways and drugs to control chondrocyte behavior and potentially reverse osteoarthritis progression. Her laboratory also explores the therapeutic potential of non-euphorigenic cannabis compounds for bone fracture pain management and healing. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining orthopedics, molecular biology, immunology, and pharmacology. The work spans from fundamental cellular mechanisms in osteoarthritis to applied therapeutic development, with particular emphasis on cannabis-based treatments, immune responses in fracture healing, and novel imaging techniques. Her research shows increasing collaboration across multiple institutions and disciplines. Scientific Awards: Samuel Hinkle Junior Faculty Research Scholar Award (2022) - widely recognized with coverage by 5 news outlets, blogged by 1 source, posted by 38 X users, and shared on 1 Facebook page with 33 Mendeley readers Dr. Kamal serves as Principal Investigator on significant research projects, most notably the NIH-funded 'Therapeutic targeting of GPCR Gbetagamma-GRK2 in osteoarthritis' project (2019-2023) from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Her mentorship is evident through numerous co-authored publications with junior researchers who appear to be her students and postdoctoral fellows. She maintains active collaborations across immunology, bone healing, and natural product pharmacology research areas. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being, with research spanning osteoarthritis, heart failure progression, chondrocyte biology, and G protein-coupled receptor research. The Kamal lab maintains strong connections with the Center for Cannabis and Natural Product Pharmaceuticals, indicating a specialized research focus on natural compounds for musculoskeletal conditions.

• Osteoarthritis Research
• Chondrocyte Biology
• Cartilage Homeostasis
• +5 more