Jeannine M Coburn

Jeannine M Coburn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). She holds affiliations with the Chemical Engineering Education program and leads the Functional Biomaterials Lab. Her research focuses on developing clinically translatable biomaterials for tissue regeneration, drug delivery systems, and in vitro disease models. Key areas include silk fibroin-based materials for cancer therapy, HIV prevention, and organ regeneration.

Education: BS in Chemical Engineering (University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2006), PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (Johns Hopkins University, 2012), Postdoc in Biomedical Engineering (Tufts University, 2012–2016).

Research emphasizes bioengineered solutions for neuroblastoma treatment, kidney/pancreas regeneration, and optically clear bacterial cellulose for wound healing. She has received awards such as the 2021 Trustee Award for Academic Advising and the NSF CAREER Award (2023) for a transparent kombucha-derived wound dressing.

Teaching and mentoring: Advises Major Qualifying Projects, emphasizing practical application of theoretical concepts. Active in professional societies including the Society for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering Society.