Laurie Barrett Gower

Laurie Barrett Gower is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Florida. She leads the Gower Biomimetics Laboratory, focusing on biomimetic materials inspired by biological mineralization processes. Her research bridges Materials Science (understanding crystal growth mechanisms) and Materials Engineering (developing advanced biomaterials). Key applications include bone graft substitutes, controlled-release microcapsules, and biosensors. She earned a PhD in Polymer Science & Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master's in Bioengineering from the University of Utah, returning to her alma mater (University of Florida) for her academic career.

Her research interests center on:

• Biomineralization mechanisms in systems like bones, teeth, and shells
• Polymer-Induced Liquid Precursor (PILP) process for mineralized composites
• Collagen intrafibrillar mineralization for bone-like biomaterials
• Pathological mineralization in kidney stones and biomaterial encrustation

Recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate strong focus on:

• Advanced characterization of biomineralization processes using in situ techniques
• Development of PILP-enhanced dental and orthopedic biomaterials
• Cross-disciplinary applications in geotechnology and mineral separation
• Design of hierarchical collagen-mineral composites for tissue regeneration