Dr. Astha Khanna received her Ph.D. in Bioengineering in 2017 from Clemson University, under the guidance of Dr. Martine LaBerge. She is now working as the Head of Product Development and Quality assurance at Graver Technologies. There, she leads a cohort of dedicated scientists toward developing and implementing innovative approaches to bioengineering education, research, and advocacy for research funding. Her research is focused on novel surface modification approaches for biomaterials and the design of biocompatible medical devices and bio-fabrication approaches for improved vascularization of engineered tissues and organs.
Dr. Khanna has authored several peer-reviewed journal publications, book chapters, and conference presentations on the development and applications of ECM-based biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting strategies for cardiovascular regeneration, clinical translation of vascularized grafts and 3D engineered tissue and organoids-on-chips. She has been nominated for AIMBE Fellow 2023 for her contributions in the field of biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
She is a certified Medical Device Biocompatibility specialist and well-versed in materials and biological characterizations for Class I to Class III medical devices. She is certified on regulatory standards of ISO 10993 and ISO 9001.
As an active member of Biomaterials and Bioengineering societies such as the Society for Biomaterials (SFB) and Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Dr. Khanna serves as an executive board member and has contributed during annual meetings as an invited speaker and chair of cardiovascular biomaterials groups.
She serves as an industry representative and executive board member of the Cardiovascular Biomaterials SFB group and has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the advancing knowledge of innovative approaches for tissue engineering and development of novel methods for vascularization of engineered tissues and organs. Dr. Khanna also serves as the professional outreach chair of the Society for Women Engineers (SWE), where she contributed to promoting diversity in an inclusive environment, mentoring the members to reach for their full potential; while upholding the core pillars of professional development, community outreach and mentorship. Dr. Khanna has previously served as the Vice-president of the Clemson University chapter of BMES, where she has mentored fellow students in biomedical device design towards their academic & professional development.
Her research has been published in international journals such as Journal of Biomaterials Research (JBMR) – Applied Part B, Journal of Cardiovascular development and disease (JCDD), Journal of Molecular and cellular cardiology (JMCC) and Acta Biomaterialia. One of her research technology on surface modification of polypropylene hernia meshes published in the Journal of Biomaterials Research (JBMR) – Applied Part B has been licensed by medical device company, Circa Biosciences, LLC and is under pre-clinical testing for its promising results to enhance biomaterial biocompatibility. She has provided reviews as the Editorial Board Member of several biomedical and bioengineering journals on areas of medical and biological engineering research.
Dr. Khanna has been recognized for service and visionary leadership in professional societies and organizations towards the advancement and inclusion among students and professionals in medical and biological engineering and her outstanding contributions as a member of committees, board of directors, peer review panels, editorial boards, and outreach efforts.
Dr. Khanna has stated that one of her strengths is thinking outside the box and her zeal to championing transformative interdisciplinary research for revolutionary advancements in medical and biological engineering.