Weight-bearing resorbable bone implants

Primary Investigators:
Scott A. Guelcher (PI) (ChBE)

Brief Description of Project:
A fundamental goal of bone tissue engineering is to design and develop biodegradable materials having targeted biological and biomechanical properties that direct regeneration and healing of damaged tissues in vivo.  There is a particularly compelling clinical need for injectable therapies that promote fracture healing in orthopaedic  patients with complex fractures. The undergraduate student will participate in research to create new biomaterial-based implants for bone tissue engineering.
 
Desired Qualifications:
Prior laboratory experience.
 
Nature of Supervision:
Weekly individual meetings with the PI. Day-to-day supervision and mentoring by a senior student working in the lab.

A Brief Research Plan (period is for 10 weeks):
Students will learn cell materials synthesis and characterization, cell culture, and/or mechanical testing techniques, which will be applied to designing new biomedical implants.

Number of Open Slots: 2

Contact Information:
Scott A Guelcher
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Phone: 322-9097
scott.guelcher@vanderbilt.edu