Hongsik Cho

Hongsik Cho, Ph.D., MBA, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). His work focuses on innovative therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal diseases, combining tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and preclinical imaging. Dr. Cho has mentored over 35 students and postdocs across disciplines, including undergraduate, graduate, medical, dental, and orthopaedic residents, and holds roles as a scientific advisor and consultant globally. His research is supported by grants from the VA MERIT, Arthritis Foundation, Oxnard Foundation, William and Ella Owens Medical Research Foundation, and UT Research Foundation, while also contributing as a co-investigator on NIH- and VA-funded projects.

Education:

• BS in Biomedical Engineering, Kon-Kuk University, South Korea (1997)
• MS in Medicine, Ajou University, South Korea (2000)
• MS-Exchange Student in Biomedical Engineering, University of Memphis (1999)
• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Ajou University, South Korea (2003)
• Post-doctoral Fellow in Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic Surgery, UTHSC (2003–2005)
• MBA in Business, Georgia Institute of Technology (2009)

Research Interests: Dr. Cho’s lab explores mechanical stimuli effects on musculoskeletal cells (e.g., cartilage and disc cells), tissue engineering for cartilage/disc regeneration, targeted nanoparticle drug delivery systems, and imaging platforms for arthritis-related disease models. He also investigates therapeutic mechanisms of exogenous cells and biological intervention techniques for cell therapy. His work aims to bridge basic science and clinical applications, particularly in combating osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.

Awards/Honors:

• UT Research Foundation Technology Maturation Award (2020)
• Oxnard Foundation Research Award (2017)
• Arthritis Foundation Scientific Discovery Award (2016)
• William and Ella Owens Medical Research Award (2014)
• Ruth Kirschstein NRSA (T32) Award (2009)
• VA Medical Center REAP Award (2008)
• Arthritis Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2007)

Advising & Grants: Dr. Cho has advised over 35 trainees and clinicians. His grants include VA MERIT, Arthritis Foundation, and NIH/VA collaborations. He actively participates in the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) and the Korean Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society (KTERMS).

Labs/Teams: Leads a research team focused on therapeutic medical devices and nanoparticle delivery systems, collaborating with institutions globally to advance clinical translation of biomedical innovations.