Aaron Goldstein

Aaron Goldstein is an Associate Professor and Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech. He holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University (1997) and a B.S. from the University of California, Berkeley (1990). His research focuses on biomedical and tissue engineering, particularly interfacial phenomena in bioengineering. Key areas include biomaterial design for ligament/bone regeneration, osteoconductive scaffolds, and mechanotransduction in stem cells.

Goldstein’s work emphasizes functional scaffold development, such as electrospun fiber composites and hydrogel systems, to guide cell differentiation and repair. He has pioneered strategies for integrating growth factors (e.g., BMP-2) into biomaterials and explored the biomechanical properties of materials in regenerative contexts. His research also intersects with bioreactor engineering and non-destructive imaging techniques for tissue-engineered constructs.

His publications demonstrate a sustained focus on osteogenesis, ligament regeneration, and cardiac tissue engineering, with notable contributions to understanding how material stiffness, fiber alignment, and pulsatile flow influence cellular behavior. Collaborative efforts span interdisciplinary teams in materials science, biomedical engineering, and clinical applications.

Goldstein’s academic leadership includes managing undergraduate programs in chemical engineering, ensuring curricular innovation and student mentorship. His lab actively engages in translational research, bridging fundamental material science with clinical needs in regenerative medicine.