Tomas Gonzalez-Fernandez

Tomas Gonzalez-Fernandez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Lehigh University, where he joined in January 2022. His research integrates CRISPR/Cas9, biomaterial synthesis, and 3D printing to develop smart materials and stem cell therapies for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration including bone, cartilage, and tendon.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (2018)
• B.S. and M.S. in Biotechnology, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (Madrid, Spain)
• B.S. in Biotechnology, Athlone Institute of Technology/Technological University of the Shannon (Athlone, Ireland)

Research focuses on three core areas: (1) CRISPR-integrated 3D printed materials for in situ gene editing in tissue regeneration, (2) immunomodulatory cell and material engineering for degenerative disorders, and (3) smart cell-instructive bioinks for 3D/4D bioprinting of functional tissue grafts. His work bridges stem cell engineering, biomaterials science, and synthetic biology to address critical challenges in regenerative medicine.

His scientific awards include:

• American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Rising Star in Engineering and Health by Columbia University

Dr. Gonzalez-Fernandez actively participates in the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS), emphasizing scientific communication. He teaches BIOE 210: Introduction to Engineering Physiology and BIOE 410: Advanced Engineering Physiology while mentoring students in regenerative medicine research.

The TGF Lab drives innovation in tissue regeneration through interdisciplinary approaches combining gene editing, biomaterials, and advanced bioprinting technologies to create next-generation therapeutic solutions.