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 CANDIDATE

MICHAEL HARRIS

PhD CANDIDATE

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.

RUKHSANA AWAIS

PhD CANDIDATE

Research work is focused on anti-biofilm treatments using fatty acid analog of 2-Decenoic acid covalently attached to chitosan membranes. Experiments are conducted on Biofilm dispersion and eradication in musculoskeletal wounds. This local drug delivery of fatty acids   in combination with antimicrobials can provide a sustained release therapy for biofilm prevention.

My current research is focused on infection prevention and treatment by specifically targeting biofilm. I primarily work with chitosan, a natural polymer, to develop an injectable paste to be used at traumatic wound sites or surgical sites, especially ones with implanted materials, such as a periprosthetic joint replacement. My paste serves as a vehicle for antibiotics to be delivered locally, along with an added *secret* ingredient to combat persister cell formation in biofilm, which can lead to higher antibiotic tolerances and recurring infection.

LESLIE PACE

MS CANDIDATE

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

MS CANDIDATE

ALUMNI

Logan is currently working at Smith & Nephew (Memphis, TN) 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 used to prevent infection in traumatic musculoskeletal wounds.

LOGAN R. BOLES

Chris is currently serving in Madagascar for the Peace Corps. During this 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

BRANDICO BARR

CHAVEZ NELSON

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

Currently working as a Product Development Intern at Buckman (Memphis, TN).

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

HAMZA AHMED

PARWINDER SINGH

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).

JONATHAN TAPP

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

Currently employed at Stryker.

SAMER ABDULAHI

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

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

RAVI PATEL

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