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.

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.