معرفی
Dr. Kambez H. Benam is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, where he spearheads the Translational and Multidisciplinary Lung Microengineering Lab. His interdisciplinary program integrates lung biology, immuno-microbiology, tissue engineering, robotics, and AI to create human-relevant models for pulmonary medicine.
Education & Training:
- D.Phil., University of Oxford
- Postdoctoral & Technology Development Fellow, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University
Research Focus: Dr. Benam’s group develops Organs-on-Chips, biomimetic robotic systems, and 3D bioprinting platforms to recapitulate human lung, immune, and vascular physiology at micro- and nano-scales. They investigate inhalation toxicology, vaping-related injury, and the impact of microgravity on astronaut health using microphysiological systems (MPS).
Recent Publication Trends (2016–2023): His work has advanced from foundational lung-on-chip devices (Nature Methods, 2016) to translational studies on COVID-19 therapeutics (Nano Select & Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2021) and real-time robotic vaping analyzers (iScience & Respiratory Research, 2021–2023). The trajectory highlights a shift toward clinical cohort integration, antiviral drug discovery, and regulatory science for e-cigarette safety.
Scientific Honors:
- Award from the American Thoracic Society
- Award from the Society of Toxicology
- Multiple licensed patents and widespread media recognition
Teams & Infrastructure: Dr. Benam’s team—comprising researchers such as Quoc Vo, Rocio Jimenez-Valdes, and Hanieh Mahvizani—is housed primarily in the Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower. The lab is committed to reducing animal use in preclinical research while accelerating therapeutic discovery for debilitating lung disorders.
