Month: September 2015

Cato T. Laurencin M.D., Ph.D. Travel Fellowship

Posted on September 29, 2015January 28, 2020 by Melanie L Burnat

This month, the Society for Biomaterials (SFB) announced the creation of the Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. Travel Fellowship which encourages minority students to pursue a career in biomaterials. It provides an undergraduate student with the resources to attend the SFB’s annual meeting and become a member of the Society. The Society for Biomaterials is a multidisciplinary society of academic, health care, governmental and business professionals dedicated to promoting advancements in all aspects of biomaterial science, education and professional standards to enhance human health and quality of life.

Learn more about the Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. Travel Fellowship.

USA Boxing

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Melanie L Burnat

In mid-August, I traveled to Maiquetia, Venezuela for the American Boxing Confederation Championships as the team doctor for USA Boxing’s Elite Men’s Team. In the past two decades, I have volunteered as a doctor for amateur boxing matches as well as professional ones, helping facilitate a sport that provides direction for young athletes. I have always loved boxing, especially the people I’ve encountered. It has a positive influence on young people and helps those at risk in the inner city avoid negative influences by keeping them focused. The rigors of training help instill a positive work ethic in them while encouraging them to stay in shape and avoid drugs and alcohol.

First Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine Article Published

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Melanie L Burnat

I am pleased to announce the first article in our journal, Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine (RETM) was published online in early September. “Are All Adult Stem Cells The Same?” was written by Professor Arnold I. Caplan at Case Western University. Published by Springer and guided by an internationally recognized editorial team, RETM seeks to bring the best of regenerative engineering research to an international audience. As editor-in-chief, I welcome the submission of manuscripts on any subject within the area of regenerative engineering and translational medicine, especially those related to the topic of regenerating complex human tissues and organs. To see the new articles, please visit RETM’s home page. All articles published in 2015 and 2016 can be permanently downloaded at no cost.

IRE Student Receives NIH Supplemental Grant to Promote Diversity

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Melanie L Burnat

I am pleased to announce Paulos Mengsteab, a graduate student in the Institute for Regenerative Engineering, has received funding from a NIH/NIAMS supplemental grant which will support his Ph.D. studies. This supplemental grant to our current NIH R01 grant, “A Translational Approach to Ligament Regeneration,” evaluates the efficacy of surface modulation of a previously established 3D braided biomimetic tissue-engineered scaffold.

The Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research Program supports the NIH’s efforts to diversify research fields. Specifically, it recruits individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, those with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program fosters improvements in the quality of educational environments, broaden perspectives in research priorities, and improve the nation’s capacity to address and eliminate health disparities.

Paulos graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2013. While studying for his degree, Paulos founded a student organization called ‘Step In’ which worked with the Columbia Public Schools in closing the educational achievement gap among races by encouraging underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged students, through applied learning modules, to participate in the STEM fields. Paulos was also selected to participate in the Ronald E. McNair Scholar’s Program and was awarded funding to conduct research under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Sherif El-Gizawy’s. After graduating, he was awarded the NIH Post-Baccalaureate Education Program Fellowship at the University of Washington, where he conducted research in the Biomedical Engineering Department under the supervision of Dr. Doek-Ho Kim. His primary research project at University of Washington focused on primary cardiomyocytes contractile behavior in response to dynamic nanotopography surfaces. In Fall 2014, Paulos joined the Institute for Regenerative Engineering as a Ph.D. student enrolled in the Biomedical Engineering program at the University of Connecticut.