CURRENT STUDENTS

Research interests are drug delivery with spatiotemporal control through incorporation of biocompatible materials for multiple clinical applications. Some of the targeting applications include infection and biofilm prevention, and cancer treatments. Primary approach is through adjuvant nanoparticle-based treatments with or without surface modifications that respond to either internal or external stimuli.
CARLOS M. WELLS
PhD Graduate Assistant

My research work is on antibiotic loaded nanoparticles for the treatment of intracellular infection. These particles are built around a superparamagnetic iron oxide core, enabling magnetic targeting and control over the rate of drug release.
My current project concerns biofilm-inhibiting chemicals developed as part of an interdisciplinary study with the UM Chemistry department. In this study, I perform microbiological testing to determine the efficacy of these new chemicals, and have also begun investigating potential biomaterial delivery applications.
ZOE HARRISON
PhD Graduate Assistant

My current project investigates electrospun chitosan nanofibrous membranes to release biofilm-inhibiting chemicals and local anesthetics. Release of fatty acids and local anesthetics in the context of burn wound healing could lead to improved healing outcomes and reduced incidence of infection.
LANDON CHOI
MS Graduate Assistant

RABETA YEASMIN
PhD Graduate Assistant
My current project investigates the attachment of novel biofilm inhibitors to biopolymers, metals, and ceramics. Release and activity of biofilm-inhibitors will be evaluated against pathogenic microorganisms. Compatibility of modified surfaces with mammalian cells will also be evaluated.
ZACHARY PASTERNAK
PhD Graduate Assistant
I am currently working on a collaborative project with Karen Hasty, PhD, and Hongsik Cho, PhD, at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. My current project evaluates the effect of polymer microspheres on inflammation in osteoarthritic joints. We are evaluating polymer materials as potential therapeutics to relieve inflammation and reverse damage to cartilage.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

EMILY COLEMAN
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LYDIA ROSS

ALEXIS JOHNSON
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JOHN-DAVID ROSS
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OMAR MOHAMED

BRITTANY SPENCER
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MADISON BROWN
ALUMNI
GRADUATE STUDENTS

Michael Harris, PhD
Dr. Harris is a recent graduate from the PhD program. His research focused on drug delivery from inorganic biomaterials and stimuli-controlled drug release.

Leslie Pace, MS
Leslie is currently working as an Evidence Evaluation Specialist at Smith and Nephew. During her time in the lab she focused on infection prevention and treatment by specifically targeting biofilm.

Rukhsana Awais, MS
Rukhsana is currently working as a Product Development Intern at Ariste Medical. Her research focused on evaluation of novel biofim inhibitors and their release from biopolymer materials.

Logan is currently working at Smith & Nephew as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist. During his time in the lab, he worked to chemically modifying chitosan in order to increase both the degradation and elution properties of an injectable paste
Logan Boles, MS

Chris is currently serving in Madagascar for the Peace Corps. During his time in the lab, he worked to invoke a gel-like formation of an injectable chitosan paste used to prevent infections in traumatic musculoskeletal wounds.
Chris Alexander, MS
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

STASIANNE MALLIN
Currently playing professional soccer

BRANDICO BARR
Currently working as a Quality Engineer at Smith and Nephew

HAMZA AHMED
Working as a Post-Market Surveillance Intern at MicroPort Orthopedics (Arlington, TN).

PARWINDER SINGH
Recently employed as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Medtronic (Memphis, TN).

CHAVEZ NELSON
Recently employed as a Sustaining Quality Engineer I at Smith & Nephew Orthopedics (Memphis, TN).

ROBERT MIHALKO
Currently finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)

ELYSIA MASTERS
Currently a Ph.D. student at Rochester University.

DAVID LEVINE
Currently an MD candidate at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, TN)

MAGGIE BLACK
Working as a Design Quality Engineer at Medtronic (Memphis, TN)

MAMADOU DIALLO
Working as a Product Development Engineer at Smith & Nephew (Memphis, TN)

ELIZABETH DUNCAN
Currently pursuing her MD at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, TN)

MONICA RAWSON, DVM
Currently working on her PhD at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN).

MOHAMED HASSAN
Currently employed at Stryker.

ALLEN MAMARIL
Currently working as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist at MicroPort Orthopedics (Arlington, TN).

JONATHAN TAPP
Currently serving as a Project Manager at BH&M Consultants (Millington, TN).

SAMER ABDULAHI
Currently an intern in Regulatory Affairs at Medtronic (Memphis, TN).

RAVI PATEL
Currently working towards his DDS at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, TN)