David H. Kohn

David H. Kohn, Ph.D., serves as the Natalie C. Roberts Endowed Professor at the University of Michigan with dual appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (College of Engineering) and the Department of Biologic & Materials Sciences (School of Dentistry). As Director of the Kohn Lab, he leads research in biomimetics and biomineralization with a focus on skeletal tissue regeneration.

His research interests center on understanding and mimicking natural biomineralization processes to develop advanced biomaterials. Key areas include:

• Mechanisms of skeletal fragility across hierarchical scales
• Design of biomimetic biomaterials for controlled cell function
• Structure-function relationships in mineralized tissues
• Mechanically mediated tissue adaptation
• Compositional determinants of bone quality

His work integrates mechanical, compositional, and molecular analyses to address challenges in osteoporosis and tissue engineering.

Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal strong emphasis on:

• Diabetes-induced bone deterioration mechanisms
• Site-specific regeneration differences (maxillary vs. femoral)
• Peptide-mediated mineralization control
• Perilacunar remodeling dynamics
• Collagen cross-linking effects on mechanical properties

These studies consistently bridge fundamental biomineralization principles with clinical translation pathways.

Dr. Kohn's scientific recognition includes:

• Fellowships in AIMBE, AAAS, and IUBSE
• IADR Distinguished Scientist Award
• Whitaker Foundation and NSF Research Awards

He actively mentors trainees across multiple levels and directs major regenerative medicine initiatives. His laboratory has secured funding from NIH, NSF, DoD, and industry partners to support research on biomaterials that communicate with biological microenvironments. Current projects focus on mineral-binding peptides, gap junction-mediated regeneration, and combinatorial biomaterial discovery.