Noreen J. Hickok

Noreen J. Hickok is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the College of Life Sciences, located at 1015 Walnut Street, Curtis Building, Room 501, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Contact: Phone 215-955-6979, Fax 215-955-9159.

Her research addresses implant-associated infections—a major complication causing pain, disability, and treatment challenges. She investigates bacterial biofilm formation on metallic implants and intracellular bacterial persistence. Key strategies include:

• Developing antimicrobial-coated implants to prevent colonization
• Harnessing eukaryotic cellular mechanisms to eliminate internalized bacteria
• Interdisciplinary approaches spanning bioengineering, tissue engineering, and biochemistry

Her publications emphasize translational solutions for orthopaedic/urologic implants, including cold plasma applications, ultrasound-triggered antibiotic delivery, and hydrophilic coatings with sustained antimicrobial efficacy.