Ann Rajnicek

Dr. Ann Rajnicek is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen's School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. She holds a BSc in Biology from Marygrove College (1984) and a PhD in Developmental Biology from Purdue University (1990). Her research focuses on understanding how cells use bioelectric signals and substratum topography to guide migration and regeneration, with applications in tissue engineering and wound healing. Notably, she investigates the role of Rho GTPases in growth cone guidance and the integration of multiple directional cues in cellular navigation.

Dr. Rajnicek has led significant grants, including a £643,000 BBSRC grant on epithelial migration and a £220,000 European Commission project on bioelectrochemical devices for CNS repair. She co-founded the IDEALL Group for Equality and Diversity and chairs the School’s Staff-Student Liaison Committee. Awards include the Yasuda Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research (2000). Her teaching roles include course coordination for neuroscience modules and senior personal tutoring. She serves as a Senior Editor for Bioelectricity and holds memberships in the Royal Society of Biology and multiple professional societies.

Her lab explores bioelectric fields, nanotopography, and their combined effects on cell behavior, with recent work on wireless nerve growth control and silk biomaterials for spinal repair. Collaborations span Aberdeen’s Institute of Medical Sciences and external institutions, emphasizing translational applications in regenerative medicine.