POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATES
JOSH BUSH
For my current project I am studying electrospun natural polymer membranes for treating burn wounds. My research focus is natural polymers for regenerative medicine applications. I was previously a Research Scientist in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Virginia where I developed natural polymer hydrogels for healing bone injury and necrosis.
CURRENT STUDENTS
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
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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.
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EZZUDDIN ABUHUSSEIN
PhD Graduate Assistant
My current project investigates the development of acylated nanofibrous chitosan membranes to act as pre-hospital wound dressings, prevent bacterial infections, and alleviate pain. The membranes are loaded with local anesthetic and fatty acid signaling molecules which can disperse and prevent antibiotic-resistant biofilm
EMILY COLEMAN
MS Graduate Assistant
My current project will include surface modification of hydroxyapatite with various antimicrobial agents for potential applications such as orthopedic implants. A primary target of this research is prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal infection
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
BRITTANY SPENCER
KYRA BRADY
CLAIRE ABREY
ALEXIS JOHNSON
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JOHN-DAVID ROSS
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BRENNA BALLARD
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BHARAT JOTHLINGHAM
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KELLI FAUST-BASTIDAS
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.
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
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
Carlos M. Wells, PhD
Carlos is now a Postdoctoral Associate at Division of Biochemical Toxicology National Center for Toxicological Research Food and Drug Administration
Zachary Pasternak, PhD
Zachary is currently pursuing his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Florida.
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).
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LYDIA ROSS
SAMER ABDULAHI
Currently an intern in Regulatory Affairs at Medtronic (Memphis, TN).
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MADISON BROWN
RAVI PATEL
Currently working towards his DDS at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, TN)
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