Welcome

Welcome to the Harbor Lights Research Laboratory at the University of Georgia and the exciting career that is research! We are engineers, scientists, students, and clinicians working across fields of bioengineering, to create new medical solutions for animals and people.

Opportunities for Students

• SAMS4960R Undergraduate Research
• Summer research
• ESTEEMED Scholars
• MS and PhD projects

Tools for Mentors and Mentees

We have developed a series of modules to introduce undergraduates and early stage graduate students participating in research to supporting concepts, tips for navigating the research process, and practice in interacting with other researchers. The modules can be delivered as part of a semester-long curriculum, or leveraged on an a-la-carte basis by mentors who wish to help their mentees improve specific skills. See the Research Experience and Mentoring (www.eqpoint.info) webpages for details.

Using Non-circular Cross Sectional Fibers for Biomedical Applications

Wicking fibers, fibers with non-circular cross sections, are used in many everyday applications such as in athletic apparel to move moisture away from the body (e.g. sweat). This technology can be applied in many biotech applications such as nutrient distribution in cell based systems, or drug delivery systems in biomedical implants. Our objective is to characterize cellular distribution and viability along wicking fibers in homogenous and heterogeneous cell populations. This project will emphasize cell biology and material science concepts.

Developing a Method for Fabricating Tissue Test Systems

Tissue test systems are small blocks of living tissue that can be used for drug testing and understanding basic biology. Tissue test systems are formed by arranging cells and polymeric biomaterials (e.g. plastics) into patterns. Cell printing and robotic deposition are used to place the components. Patterns are selected to address important biomedical questions. The current work will center on modifying an inkjet printer to deposit cells in a user controlled pattern.

Bone Density Models

U.S. women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer presents a recurrence rate of ~30%, and bone accounts for ~40% of first recurrences. Studies have found that osteoporotic bone may significantly increases the chance of circulating tumor cell colonization. Thus, an in vitro bone microenvironment model will be developed to evaluate benign and breast tumor cell-substrate interactions (adhesion and proliferation). Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), a promising material for bone scaffolding and regeneration, was selected as a suitable bone model material. Ongoing studies are focused on cell adhesion to the materials. Identifying and understanding factors that lead to bone metastasis can give rise to improved prevention and treatment and reduce patient morbidity and mortality. In future studies, varied β-TCP particle size/distribution mimicking various stages of osteoporosis and the co-culture of benign and breast tumor cells will be conducted.