On March 13, 2019, Dr. Lawrence Boyd and his team launched their product, SurgiLight, at the annual meeting of the American College of Orthopedic Surgeons. Dr. Boyd, one of our professors of practice, offered some history of the product, a saga of developing a good idea. “I started on it back in Durham when I was based in the First Flight Venture Center incubator, and later we had it incubated in Memphis in the Zeroto510 program. We received funding from MB Ventures and Innova in Memphis. This all started back in 2013, so it’s been a long (and interesting) road. Several years ago we found a great commercial partner in BihlerMED.” Explaining the product’s purpose, Dr. Boyd said, “Clean, targeted lighting is as important for a surgeon as having the right instruments close by. The use of headlamps and overhead lights is inherently limited as movement and shadows interrupt a proper view of the surgical site. The SurgiLight is an exciting new surgical illumination device developed as an ergonomic alternative to headlamps and a great addition to overhead lights. SurgiLight provides versatile and safe illumination, which can be focused on specific surgical procedures. This precision surgical light can attach to existing overhead lighting or be mounted securely to an operating table to provide an optimal vantage point for harnessing an intense and focused high powered LED light source.”
Dr. Dan Simionescu is an organizer of the third annual Harriet and Jerry Dempsey Research Conference along with Dr. Kevin Taaffe and Mr. Jerry Dempsey.
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As CEO of Circa Bioscience, Dr. Kevin Champaigne was awarded an SC EPSCoR Phase-0 seed grant to develop a novel bioadhesive mesh system for abdominal hernia repair. As part of this project, Circa Bioscience will collaborate with Clemson University researchers to obtain preliminary data on the performance of an innovative implantable mesh/bioadhesive system for improved fixation for hernia repair surgery. Dr. Champaigne’s collaborators are Dr. Melinda Harman and Dr. Jiro Nagatomi and two investigators from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Dr. Igor Luzinov and Dr. Thompson Mefford. South Carolina Research Authority awarded Dr. Champaigne a matching grant to support an ongoing Phase 1 STTR from the National Institute of Mental Health. In this research, Greenwood Genetic Center and Circa Bioscience are partnering to develop a screening test for autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Dan Simionescu was awarded a Technology Maturation Fund grant to continue development of vascular grafts that are resistant to diabetes. Numerous surgeons use small diameter synthetic grafts during bypass surgery to salvage failing limbs or hearts in diabetic patients; however, many of these grafts fail dramatically in these patients. This targeted approach solves the unmet need for off-the-shelf graft solutions that are resistant to complications associated with diabetes.
Dr. Alexey Vertegel was awarded a Technology Maturation Fund grant to further develop a polymeric coating that can cling to metal implants. The technology can significantly reduce the burden of orthopedic implant pin site infections through the utilization of highly adhesive anti-microbial drug-eluting polymeric coatings.
Drs. Jiro Nagatomi and Eno Ebong of Northeastern University co-edited the second edition of Mechanobiology Handbook, which Dr. Nagatomi originally edited in 2010.
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Vanessa Wyche, a bioengineering graduate, is the first African American to serve as deputy director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
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Dr. Martine LaBerge, Chair of the Department of Bioengineering, was presented the Southeastern Medical Device Association’s Spotlight Award for her contributions to the development of the Southeastern medical device community...
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With an $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health Center for Biomedical Research Excellence, Clemson University has launched the South Carolina Center for Translational Research Improving Musculoskeletal Health.
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The Society For Biomaterials recognizes recognize research excellence and develops future leaders within the SFB through the Student Travel Achievement Recognitions (STARs). STAR recipients are selected according to these procedures: SFB Special Interest Group officers will review a list of the SIG Student Recognition applicants who applied for the STAR Awards when submitting their meeting abstracts, along with their abstract titles and scores. Each SIG will then nominate several students to the Society's Education and Professional Development Committee for consideration. The Educational and Professional Development Committee will review the nominations and select the STAR recipients. Those abstracts recommended by the SIGs, but not selected by the Educational and Professional Development Committee will receive honorable mentions. The awardees will receive a certificate and monetary award of $250; the Honorable Mentions will receive a certificate.
The National Science Foundation conferred its Graduate Research Fellowship award on Aniqa Chowdhury, a graduate student in Dr. Delphine Dean’s lab. NSF conferred Honorable Mention on Timothy Samec, a graduate student in Dr. Angela Alexander-Bryant’s lab.
The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.
Drs. Jeremy Mercuri and Tong Ye were awarded a seed grant from the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute for their project, “Early detection and prophylactic treatment for post traumatic osteoarthritis.
Dr. Jeremy Mercuri’s lab received an honorable mention from the Society for Biomaterials for the work they presented at the society’s annual meeting in April. The lab’s abstract, “Stem cell seeded biomimetic nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus implants promote living repair of degenerative intervertebral discs in sheep” was nominated as an outstanding contribution to the Society for Biomaterials 2018 Annual Meeting by the Special Interest Group Chairs of the Society.
Dr. Joseph Singapogu has designed a simulator and a virtual mentoring system to train nurses and technicians to find a fistula and measure a needle’s motion, force, angle and location.
Faculty from bioengineering, faculty from food, nutrition and packaging sciences, students and an area business collaborate to study face masks.
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I chose to study bioengineering because I really appreciated the hands-on aspect of this field. From conducting lab work, tinkering with electrical components, and working on my problem-solving capabilities, bioengineering challenges me everyday, which I love! I worked under Dr. Nagatomi and as an undergrad, I studied the effect of a 3D environment and ECM protein coating on urothelial tissue stratification in vitro. I chose to work with Dr. Nagatomi because of the wide range of projects we have in his lab, and through the last two years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much! I believe Clemson and specifically the close-knit bioengineering department have given me many opportunities for personal, professional, and intellectual growth. I’ve definitely taken advantage of the encouragement of many professors to expand our horizons and study outside the classroom as well—I studied cancer stem cells at the University of Tokyo thanks to Dr. Nagatomi and traveled to Tanzania to learn about medical equipment in developing countries with Dr. Dean and Dr. Desjardins! I’ve learned that my Clemson family is found all over the world! Upon my return I plan on pursuing higher education and a career in translational research.
All of this led to my year in Chengdu, China, as a United States David L. Boren Fellow. Boren Awards are sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), a major federal initiative designed to build a broader and more qualified pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills. My daily life usually consists of attending Advanced Mandarin class in the mornings and either a history/political science class in the afternoon, my internship, or meeting with language partners. I intern at a traditional Chinese medical clinic, learning about transcultural health practices and the mix of Eastern and Western Medicine. Chengdu is an amazing and growing city—some highlights have been visiting the Panda Research Institute and seeing this year’s group of baby pandas, trying authentic Sichuan hotpot (very spicy but delicious!), and learning to make many famous Sichuan dishes. Although I’ve been here for only two months (of an 11 month program), I’ve already noticed that many of the skills I acquired through Clemson have come in handy in China: problem-solving in day-to-day life, communication (especially due to the language barrier), and teaching locals a little bit about our healthcare system in the US and technological advances.
The 4th annual Southeast Regional Biomaterials Day, hosted by Clemson University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Vanderbilt University, will take place November 8-9, 2018, in Clemson, SC. According to Meredith Owen, PhD student and president of Clemson Bioengineering Society (CBS), “The mission of Biomaterials Day is to foster and promote the development of biomaterials research and innovation and to advocate for increased entrepreneurial ventures and collaborations between universities and industries across the southeastern US.” The two-day event, to be held at Clemson’s Madren Center, will provide a forum for students, leading researchers, and industry representatives to meet and exchange ideas that promote innovation in biomaterials synthesis, application, and evaluation.
The event’s Friday morning session will feature student and faculty talks focused on cutting edge research in the field of biomaterials. The afternoon session will focus on presentations about translational research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. A keynote address will be given to start the afternoon session, and a poster session and reception will close the conference. Session topics will include mechanics in biomaterials, regenerative tissue engineering, entrepreneurship, and industry collaborations. Students from colleges and universities in the southeast are invited to submit abstracts for consideration for either a podium talk or poster presentation.
Owen said, “This year we are honored and excited to have Dr. Karen Burg and Dr. Alan Alfano as keynote speakers. Dr. Burg is the Harbor Lights Endowed Chair in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Georgia and Professor Emerita of Clemson University. Her keynote will be focused on the establishment and development of research and innovation in the southeastern US.” While at Clemson, Dr. Burg established the SC Institute for Biological Interfaces for Engineering and served as the university’s interim vice provost for research and innovation. Her current research interests include absorbable polymers, biofabrication, regenerative engineering, science and engineering education, and 3D tissue structures. Cody Dunton, chair of the Biomaterials Day Planning Committee, added, “We are thrilled to have Dr. Burg deliver the keynote address. Her experience in the field of biomaterials and research innovation is a wonderful resource that I hope students in attendance can learn from and take back to their respective universities.”
Dr. Alfano, who will deliver a keynote on entrepreneurship and the process of translating academic research to market, is a Technology Commercialization Officer (TCO) at the Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF), where he aids in the process of moving innovative biotechnologies from the laboratory to commercial markets. His background in benchtop research and his biotech business experience afford him unique insight into the southeast’s entrepreneurial climate.
continued, “We are looking forward to hosting Southeast Regional’s Biomaterials Day this year in Clemson, SC. I am excited to see the biomaterials research being conducted by our peers! This conference has a reputation for providing a unique forum for trainees from various southeastern universities to cultivate relationships that last into their professional lives.”
Wrapping up their comments, Owen said, “ sponsors of the 2018 Southeast Regional Biomaterials Day, including the Society for Biomaterials and the Clemson University Bioengineering Department, have generously provided funding and other support for this year’s event. We look forward to the Day’s continued success. For more information regarding the event and to register or submit an abstract, please visit clemsonbiomaterialsday.com.”
After a year of study as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Joey will take up studies and research toward a Ph.D. in Oncology at Cambridge University.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to earn a Ph. D. in Oncology at Cambridge University, where I will conduct research on how nanotechnology can be developed to better prevent and treat cancer under Dr. Daniel Munoz-Espin! I believe that Cambridge is like Clemson—with an amazing "family" environment and beautiful community that will provide opportunities for immense intellectual, professional, and personal growth inside and outside of the lab and classroom. I hope to take full advantage of my time there by joining a great college, meeting new people, and staying involved on campus—my ultimate dream would be to join the rowing team and compete against Oxford on the River Thames. I'm so thankful for all of the constant support given by Clemson's Bioengineering Department and the Honors College in my quest to attend Cambridge—I wouldn't be the person I am or have the opportunities I do without them."
The Clemson University Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award honors individuals dedicated to enhancing the quality and value of the university. On March 31, Dr. Perry Sprawls was awarded the DSA. With research on using nuclear medicine to detect cancer and other abnormalities, Perry Sprawls received Clemson’s first Ph.D. in Bioengineering in 1968. He already had a Clemson Bachelor’s degree in physics, a minor in engineering and a Master’s degree in nuclear science. The degrees were the foundation of a career devoted to the science and engineering of medical imaging and radiology. His 45-year tenure on the faculty of Emory University School of Medicine concluded in 2005 with the title of Distinguished Emeritus Professor. At Emory, a major focus of his effort was the development of educational programs and resources to support the many new developments in medical imaging technology including mammography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Simultaneously, he conducted research and development in using technology to improve the educational process, for which he received national and international innovation awards.
Dr. Sprawls realized that his Clemson education and extensive clinical medical imaging experience at Emory would be of value to the entire world, especially to emerging market economies, as new imaging methods were becoming available. For 25 years, this has been a major effort for Dr. Sprawls. The Sprawls Educational Foundation is the organization under which much of this work is accomplished. The Foundation also collaborates with national and international scientific organizations. Dr. Sprawls’s extensive collection of educational materials, including textbooks, online modules, and high-quality visuals for classroom use, the Sprawls Resources, are freely available. These resources are used in the Sprawls Collaborative Teaching Network, through which Dr. Sprawls supports the development of medical imaging education programs and teachers worldwide. His has taught face-to-face in classrooms in 15 countries, to students from over 50 countries. As Dr. Sprawls notes, through his continuing efforts, “Clemson Bioengineering Tiger Paw Prints are all over the world.”
When National Scholars graduate, they choose one mentor to honor. Casey Young chose Dr. Delphine Dean, who was recognized at the National Scholars Program Awards of Distinction event. Dr. Dean was honored for all the contributions she has made to the National Scholars Program and particularly for the enthusiastic support and expert guidance she has provided Casey. According to Dr. Dean, "Casey worked on projects in Tanzania, helping to design a low-cost patient monitor. She now has a B.S. in bioelectrical engineering, and she is staying to do her M.S."
