معرفی
Prof. Dr. Karin Würtz-Kozak is the Kate Gleason & Harvey J. Palmer Endowed Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Kate Gleason College of Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), with affiliate status in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences. She directs the Tissue Regeneration and Mechanobiology (TRAM) Laboratory, focusing on inflammation, fibrosis, and regenerative therapies for musculoskeletal, skin, and lung disorders.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Human Biology, University of Ulm, Germany
- MBA in Leadership & Sustainability, University of Cumbria, UK
- M.S./B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Regensburg, Germany
Research Interests: Her lab investigates molecular pathophysiology of degenerative diseases (e.g., intervertebral disc degeneration, scleroderma) using biomaterials, CRISPR genome editing, extracellular vesicles, and mechanobiology approaches. Key themes include anti-inflammatory biologics, TRP channel modulation, and 3D tissue models for drug testing and regeneration.
Publication Trends: Recent work (2023–2025) emphasizes CRISPR-enhanced extracellular vesicles for disc regeneration, TRP channel roles in pain/fibrosis, plant-derived nanotherapeutics, and miRNA dysregulation in trauma-related bone disorders. Studies integrate molecular biology, advanced biomaterials, and preclinical models.
Awards & Honors:
- Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)
- Swiss National Science Foundation Professorship Award
Advising & Grants: Mentors 6 PhD students in projects on gene editing, EV therapies, and mechanobiology. Secured >$8M in funding from NIH, NSF, DoD, and Eurospine, including:
- NIH R21AR081987 (CRISPR-engineered EVs for disc regeneration)
- DoD CDMRP SL20014 (TRPC6 inhibition for scleroderma)
- NSF FMSG 2229111 (Scalable EV biomanufacturing)
Laboratory: Leads the TRAM Lab with competencies in primary cell culture, electrospinning, gene editing, and mechanotransduction assays. Collaborates with ETH Zurich, University of Syracuse, and industry partners.
