Kyle Holmberg Vining

Kyle Holmberg Vining is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, jointly appointed in the School of Dental Medicine (Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences) and the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (Department of Materials Science and Engineering). He holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Harvard University (2014-2020), a D.D.S. from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (2009-2014), and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University (2005-2009). As a postdoctoral scientist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (2021-2022), he focused on mechanical regulation of myeloid cell fate.

• Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Bioengineering), Harvard University (2014-2020)
• D.D.S., University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (2009-2014)
• B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University (2005-2009)

Dr. Vining’s research investigates how mechanical properties of extracellular matrix regulate inflammation in fibrosis, cancer (particularly head and neck squamous cell carcinoma), and dental tissue repair. His lab develops bioengineered materials that modulate immune responses, including a fibrotic extracellular matrix hydrogel, antimicrobial titanium coatings for dental implants, and polymeric materials for dental pulp stem cell regeneration. His work bridges materials science, immunology, and dental medicine to create next-generation clinical innovations.

The Vining Lab’s recent publications demonstrate expertise in ECM viscoelasticity studies, immunomodulatory biomaterials, and dental tissue engineering. Key trends include mechanical regulation of monocyte differentiation, MSC licensing, and T-cell polarization through matrix cues. His team also explores lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery to bone environments and mechanical properties of dental resins.

Scientific Awards include multiple NIH grants (K99/R00, K08), patents (US11224679), and competitive recognitions like the AADOCR Hatton Competition Senior Category First Place (2021) and Royal Society of Chemistry Emerging Technologies Competition Second Place (2016). He received the NSF GRFP as a mentor and holds significant fellowships from ADEA and the Wrigley Institute.

As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Vining maintains an active practice in restorative and cosmetic dentistry at Penn Dental Family Practice. His lab at Penn Dental Medicine and Penn Engineering includes postdoctoral fellows, Ph.D. students, and master’s students from diverse backgrounds in materials science, bioengineering, and dental medicine, working on projects ranging from collagen self-assembly to neurodegenerative phenotype prediction using enamel composition analysis.