Chitosan membranes stabilized with varying acyl lengths release cis-2-decenoic acid and bupivacaine at controlled rates and inhibit pathogenic biofilm.
Published by
Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark
About
Highly accomplished Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with over two decades of expertise in biomedical engineering, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine. Proven leader in biotech commercialization, R&D strategy, and scientific innovation, adept at translating cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions and securing significant grant funding. Drives product development, fosters strategic partnerships, and excels in leading diverse research teams to achieve impactful scientific and business outcomes.
Work
NatureFound Biotech, Inc.
|CEO/President
Memphis, TN, US
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Summary
Led a biotech startup focused on commercializing patented solutions from the University of Memphis, driving product development and strategic partnerships.
Highlights
Spearheaded the commercialization strategy for biotech solutions patented at the University of Memphis, translating cutting-edge research into viable products.
Directed the development and application of advanced dental membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) and Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) applications.
Cultivated strategic collaborations with Epicenter Memphis and the University of Memphis as a Deep Science R&D Entrepreneurship Fellow to accelerate market entry and foster regional economic growth.
University of Memphis
|Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Memphis, TN, US
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Summary
Conducted advanced research in biomedical engineering, focusing on biomaterial development, immune response, and therapeutic delivery for critical medical applications.
Highlights
Engineered electrospun natural-polymer materials for enhanced burn-wound healing and targeted drug delivery, demonstrating efficacy in in vivo models.
Investigated immune cell responses to natural polymers and fatty acids, generating critical insights into biocompatibility and therapeutic mechanisms.
Developed innovative microgel particles for the precise delivery of natural bactericides, significantly improving treatment strategies for traumatic injuries.
Mentored and supervised multiple graduate and undergraduate students, fostering scientific development and research capabilities.
Served as Co-Guest Editor for two significant special issues: “Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine” (Frontiers in Bioscience, 2023) and “Application of Marine Chitin and Chitosan II” (Marine Drugs, 2022).
Natural Scaffolds, Inc.
|Founder/Research Scientist
Charlottesville, VA, US
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Summary
Founded and led research for a biomaterials company, developing natural-polymer hydrogels for orthopedic applications and exploring their immunomodulatory effects.
Highlights
Pioneered the development of a natural-polymer hydrogel specifically designed for advanced orthopedic applications.
Identified and characterized the crucial link between hydrogel formulations and beneficial immune system changes, enhancing therapeutic potential.
Managed all scientific research and development activities as founder, driving innovation from concept to early-stage product development over a 9-year tenure.
University of Virginia
|Research Scientist, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Charlottesville, VA, US
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Summary
Led independent research as Principal Investigator, securing significant grant funding to develop natural polymer hydrogels for regenerative medicine and bone injury healing.
Highlights
Secured and managed independent funding as Principal Investigator for two distinct grant awards, totaling $185,000 (DOD Hypothesis Development Award: $150,000; R. Clifton Brooks, Jr. Medical Research Fund: $35,000).
Developed novel hydrogels from natural polymers, demonstrating effectiveness in healing bone injuries through both in vitro and in vivo models for regenerative medicine.
Conducted advanced studies on synergistic protein delivery to traumatic bone fractures, directly contributing to a biomaterial patent application.
University of Virginia
|Research Fellow, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Charlottesville, VA, US
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Summary
Conducted advanced biomaterials research, focusing on hydrogel development, surface modification, and fostering scientific collaboration within the orthopaedic surgery department.
Highlights
Developed a novel thermally-responsive hydrogel system for the controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins, enhancing treatment precision.
Utilized laser-textured titanium to optimize osteoblast and stem cell adhesion, significantly improving implant integration and bone regeneration.
Organized and successfully led three interdepartmental research symposiums, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across diverse scientific disciplines.
Awarded the prestigious Institutional NRSA Research Fellowship, recognizing excellence in biomedical research and promising scientific contributions.
Education
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX, United States of America
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Ph.D.
Chemical Engineering
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC, United States of America
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M.S.
Chemical Engineering
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC, United States of America
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B.S.
Chemical Engineering
Awards
DOD Hypothesis Development Award
Awarded By
Department of Defense
Awarded $150,000 to investigate synergistic protein delivery from injectable hydrogels for advanced therapeutic applications.
R. Clifton Brooks, Jr. Medical Research Fund
Awarded By
R. Clifton Brooks, Jr. Medical Research Fund
Received $35,000 in funding to synthesize novel hydrogels from natural polymers, enhancing material biocompatibility and cellular healing responses.
Institutional NRSA Research Fellowship Award
Awarded By
University of Virginia
Recognized for promising biomedical research contributions and excellence in the field of orthopaedic surgery.
Staff Member of the Year
Awarded By
AIChE Student Chapter
Recognized for outstanding contributions and dedication to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter.
Publications
Cis-2-decenoic acid and bupivacaine delivered from electrospun chitosan membranes increase cytokine production in dermal and inflammatory cell lines.
Published by
Pharmaceutics
Titanium coated with 2-decenoic analogs reduces bacterial and fungal films.
Published by
Journal of Applied Microbiology
Xylan hemicellulose improves chitosan hydrogel for bone tissue regeneration.
Published by
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
Methods for Regulating Gelation of Hydrogel Solutions and Uses Thereof.
Published by
US Patent Application Publication No. US8623403B2
Improved Bio-implant using Ultrafast Laser Induced Self-assembled Nanotexture in Titanium.
Published by
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials
Peptides from Phage Display Library Modulate Gene Expression in Mesenchymal Cells and Potentiate Osteogenesis in Unicortical Bone Defects.
Published by
Journal of Visualized Experiments
Synthesis of Controlled Release Device with Supercritical CO2 and Co-solvent.
Published by
Journal of Supercritical Fluids
Skills
Biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine
Hydrogel Development, Electrospun Polymers, Microgel Particles, Chitosan, Hemicellulose, Titanium Surface Modification, Protein Delivery, Bone Tissue Engineering, Wound Healing, Drug Delivery Systems, Orthopedic Applications, GBR/GTR Applications.
Research & Development
In Vitro Models, In Vivo Models, Immune Cell Response, Biofilm Inhibition, Grant Writing, Patent Development, Scientific Writing, Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Literature Review, Biostatistics.
Biotech Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
Startup Leadership, Product Development, Market Entry Strategy, Strategic Partnerships, Technology Transfer, R&D Management, Deep Science Entrepreneurship.
Leadership & Mentorship
Team Leadership, Project Management, Graduate Student Mentoring, Undergraduate Student Mentoring, Scientific Symposium Organization, Cross-functional Collaboration, Editorial Leadership.
Chemical Engineering
Mass Transfer Operations, Chemical Engineering Principles, Process Optimization.