Education

Teaching:

BE 2800 – Biomaterials I: Fundamental Materials Science and Engineering

Introduction to the fundamental materials science principles and different classes of biomaterials (metals, ceramics, polymers and their composites), and some practical professional issues concerning the field of biomaterials.

BE 3750 – Human Biomechanics

This class focuses on the mechanics of biological systems from the cellular level to the tissue level. Students are introduced to the anatomical structures, movements, and mechanics, properties and strength of cells, connective, skeletomuscular, bone, and other biologic tissues.

BE 4100/5100 – Cell and Tissue Mechanics

This class surveys the biomechanics of structural proteins, musculoskeletal tissues and cells, and cellular mechanotransduction. Topics including materials properties, viscoelasticity, fatigue and failure and the role of mechanical forces in the development, growth and adaptation will be covered.

BE 4300/5300 – Polymeric Biomaterials

A specialized study of polymers used in biomedical engineering. Topics include: processing-structure-properties relationships for polymers, polymer fibers and composites, degradation of polymers, and medical applications for polymeric biomaterials.

BE 4330/5330 – Biomimetic Materials

This class surveys the various biologically inspired strategies in developing advanced, functional, polymeric materials.

Outreach Programs:

Summer Community College Interns

Each summer, our lab sponsors a community college student to conduct research in collaboration with the Michigan College/University Partnership (MICUP) Transfer Transition Program . The objectives of this program are to encourage participants to transfer to a 4-year institution and to pursue a career in the STEM field and. MICUP is partnered with Delta College, Grand Rapids Community College, and Wayne County Community College District to offer low-income, first-generation and underrepresented students from these community colleges a summer research internship experience. Over 80% of past participants were minority students and all of them are Pell Grant eligible (low income). Past MICUP participants sponsored by our lab have successfully transferred to a four-year institution (i.e., University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University) and contributed as co-authors in publications.

Hands-on Biomaterials Activities for Elementary Students

Together with Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) student chapter at MTU, we are developing a hands-on biomaterials activity, aiming at enhancing K-6 students’ interests in biomedical engineering. We chose an alginate-based system because it is widely used as tissue engineering scaffolds, drug carriers, and wound dressings. Alginate solutions were added to a calcium chloride solution, forming hydrogels immediately (simulates in situ curing) and can dissolve in a sodium chloride solution through ionic exchange (simulates biodegradation). Additionally, food coloring was added to the alginate solution prior to curing and becomes encapsulated and is slowly released in a sodium chloride solution (simulates drug delivery). All materials necessary for this exercise are food additives, inexpensive, readily available, and non-toxic.

Gels releasing food coloring in saline solution

Photographs of alginate gels

Gels loaded with red food coloring