Peter Searson

Peter Searson is the Joseph R. and Lynn C. Reynolds Professor of Engineering and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, with joint appointments in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Oncology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Physics and Astronomy. He directs the Measurement Corps under inHealth, focusing on precision health technologies. His research spans tissue-engineered vascular models, blood-brain barrier mechanisms, drug delivery systems, and tumor microenvironment studies. Searson earned a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester (1982) and conducted postdoctoral work at MIT before joining JHU in 1990.

Key roles include former Department Chair (Materials Science, 1997–2003), co-founder/director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology (2006–2016), and director of the Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence Center (2009–2016). His lab develops in vitro models for neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and drug delivery. Notable awards include Fellowships from the American Physical Society, AAAS, and Electrochemical Society, along with IBM Distinguished Faculty Awards and National Academy of Inventors membership.

Research emphasizes reverse-engineering vascular systems using stem cells and biomaterials. Over 150 peer-reviewed articles highlight topics like Lyme disease pathogenesis, BBB dysfunction, and wearable health sensors. Current projects include postdoctoral research on blood-retina barrier models and collaborations on precision rehabilitation.

Professional leadership includes Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center’s Research Council and roles in major scientific societies. His lab’s innovations bridge engineering and medicine, advancing personalized healthcare through wearable technologies and in vitro disease models.