Thomas Dziubla

Thomas Dziubla is a Professor and Department Chair of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Kentucky. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University (1998), a Ph.D. from Drexel University (2002), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (2002-2004). His research focuses on designing polymeric biomaterials for applications in cancer therapy and regenerative medicine, particularly addressing antibiotic resistance, oral wound healing, and antioxidant-driven therapies.

Research Interests:

• Active polymeric biomaterials and functionalized nanocarriers
• Antibiotic-loaded hydrogels and combinatorial drug strategies
• Multilayered polymeric barriers for oral mucosal injuries
• Oxidative stress modulation via polymer networks
• Postsurgical adhesion prevention

His lab has developed innovative solutions such as layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assemblies for oral wound protection and antioxidant-releasing polymers to combat bacterial biofilms. Notable achievements include induction into the AIMBE College of Fellows (2020) and leadership as Department Chair since 2017.

Advising & Outreach: Supervises graduate students Dustin Savage, Kelley Wiegman, and postdoc M. Arif Khan. Engages in community outreach through the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Dziubla Lab, focusing on biomaterials innovation and translational research in regenerative medicine.