Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE)

• Computational Systems Biology in Biomedical Engineering: A Case Study of Active Learning
  Melissa Kemp, PhD, Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Exploring Undergraduate Biological Engineering Student Perceptions of Learning Module Efficacy
  Cheryl Gomillion, PhD, Assistant Professor
• Implementation of CRISPR based educational kits in the Intermountain Region
  AJ Walters, Utah State University
  
• Engineering Education in Cross Reality Learning Spaces
  Dominik May, PhD, Assistant Professor, Engineering Education Transformations Institute

• Application of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Nanofilms to the Fabrication of Enzyme Biosensors: Jose I Reyes De Corcuera Concept for a cell-based biosensor for early Alzheimer’s disease detection: Brittany Watson
• Electrochemical Biosensor for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of miRNA Cancer Biomarkers: Hamid Asadi
• Electrochemical detection of pathogenic bacteria using phage bio-receptors: Baviththira Suganthan
• Filtration, Selective Isolation, and Concentration of Listeria Monocytogenes from Food Samples Using a Microfluidic Device : Or Zolti
• Laser induced graphene electrochemical immunosensors for rapid and label-free monitoring of foodborne pathogens in food samples: Carmen Gomes
• Printed graphene and nanoporous gold leaf electrochemical sensors for in-field pesticide monitoring: Jonathan Claussen
• Raspberry Pi based, UV-fluorescent spectrophotometer device for the analysis of oil types obtained from oil spills: Jeong-Yeol Yoon
• Taste sensor inspired peptide-based bacterial identification on smartphone-based paper microfluidic device: Jeong-Yeol Yoon

• Achieving stable phenotype inheritance by essential gene-based plasmid displacement
  Ruihua Zhang, University of Georgia
• Engineering an Extremely Thermophilic Cellulolytic Microorganism to Make Useful Products
  Michael Adams, Professor, University of Georgia
• Engineering an Orthogonal Redox Cofactor System for Cell-Free and Whole-Cell Biocatalysis
  Han Li, Assistant Professor, University of California: Irvine
• Genome Engineering Tools Development and Metabolic Engineering of Solventogenic Clostridia for Biofuel and Biochemical Production
  Yi Wang, Associate Professor, Auburn University
• Growth-coupling Strains Development for Pyruvate-driven Biosynthesis
  Ruihua Zhang, University of Georgia
• Harnessing charged amino acids for CoA-free biosynthesis of short-chain (C3-C5) diols
  Chenyi Li, University of Georgia
• Kinetics of transient transfection for production of a viral vector for use in gene therapy
  Jacob Accordino, Utah State University
• Producing enough, fast enough: metabolic engineering for low-resource biosensors
  Mark Styczynski, Associate Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Pyruvate Production by Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Variants in Escherichia coli
  Chris Moxley, University of Georgia

• Assembling proteins and sugars into functional materials using peptide-based supramolecular scaffolds
  Greg Hudalla, University of Florida
• Bio-Inspired Surfaces for Extracorporeal Life Support: A Clinically Relevant Protocol for Material Assessment and Development
  Teryn Roberts, PhD, Research Scientist, Autonomous Reanimation and Evacuation Program, The Geneva Foundation
• Cell Seeded Microcarriers in Stirred Suspension for Increased Proliferation and Clinical Potential of Stem Cell Derived Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
  Christofer Baldwin, BS, PhD Student, University of Arkansas
• Development of Biomimetic, Extracellular Matrix-Based Scaffolds for Intervertebral Disc Repair
  Jeremy Mercuri, PhD, John Witherspoon Gilpin MD '82 Endowed Associate Professor of Bioengineering, Clemson University
• Generation and Characterization of Human Stem Cell Derived Smooth Muscle Cells for Elastic Matrix Regeneration
  Srikanth Sivaraman, PhD, University of Arkansas
• Investigating the Induction and Regulation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps at Biomaterial-Host Interfaces
  Gary Bowlin, Professor, University of Memphis
• Leviathan polymer brushes generated by hyaluronan synthase
  Jennifer Curtis, PhD, Associate Professor
• Multi-Faceted Approaches to Biomaterial Modification to Improve Hemocompatibility
  Christopher Siedlecki, PhD, Professor of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Penn State College of Medicine
• Nitric Oxide Releasing Materials For Prevention of Thrombosis and Infection of Medical Devices
  Hitesh Handa, Associate Professor, University of Georgia
• Potential Problem of Irreversibly Adsorbed Proteins for the Long-Term Blood Compatibility of Biomaterials
  Robert Latour, PhD, McQueen-Quattlebaum Professor of Bioengineering, Clemson University
• Stimuli-responsive behavior from giant hyaluronan polyelectrolyte brushes
  Blair Brettmann, Assistant Professor, Georgia Tech
• Anti-corrosive and Antibacterial Polymeric Coating Consisting of PCL and Lawsone for Mg-based Orthopedic Implants
  Hamid Asadi
• Engineered environments to investigate microenvironmental regulation of dormancy in brain metastatic breast cancer cells
  Shreyas Rao, PhD, Reichhold-Shumaker Assistant Professor, The University of Alabama

• Aegagropila linnaei green liver systems for sequestration of glyphosate from contaminated water
  Diana Vanegas
• Development of a nanomaterials-based biosensor for rapid detection of glyphosate residues in water
  David Bahamon, Clemson University
• Effect of microencapsulated biofertilizers containing Fischerella sp. and their combination with chemical fertilizers for improved tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production
  Carmen Gomes, Associate Professor, Iowa State University
• Effect of Oxygen-Ultrafine Bubbles on Water Quality Parameters for Agricultural Waters
  Brandon Quinn, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Florida
• Improving water quality and farm profitability with perennial biomass crops
  Steph Herbstritt, Penn State
• Materials for Phosphorus Recovery and Sustainability
  Jacob Jones, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University
• Nanosensors & Decision Support Models Paired on a Mobile Device for Establishing a Participatory Program on Exposure of Mercury
  Kyle Fuxa, University of Florida
• SeNsor Analytic Point Solutions (SNAPS) for assessing mercury in La Toma, Colombia
  Kelli McCourt, Clemson University

• Development of an Automated Diagnostic Platform for SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring in Vulnerable Areas
  Diana Vanegas
• Emulsion-based Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification for Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Detection via Angle-dependent Light Scatter Analysis
  Jeong-Yeol Yoon
• SARS-CoV-2 RNA Wastewater Monitoring
  Donald Keith Roper
• Aptamer based biosensors for SARS-CoV-2: Bioreceptor selection and loading studies
  Eric McLamore

Innovation lies at the intersection of disciplines (e.g., biology, engineering, medicine), underpinning both basic and applied research. Indeed the convergence of knowledge in the basic science biological domain can be combined with approaches in the applied domains to solve complex biomedical problems. The design of 3D benchtop tissue systems using rapid prototyping and the application of textile fiber science to fashion predictive technologies are examples of innovations produced at the confluence of multiple disciplines. Both exemplify the utility of cellular materials and the importance of a cell-material “handshake”. Tissue models can be used to investigate tissue function and disease progression, discover new pharmaceuticals, teach, and personalize treatments for patients, while wicking, textile fibers can be used as therapeutic predictive technologies. This presentation will include an introduction to 3D tissue test system biofabrication, the potential for personalized medicine, the relevance of tissue engineering, biofabrication, and predictive technologies to human and veterinary medicine, and the importance of customer discovery in the ideation, research, and discovery processes.

Dr. Karen Burg (BS, Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University; MS, PhD, Bioengineering, Clemson University; Postdoctorate Tissue Engineering, Carolinas Medical Center) is the Harbor Lights Chair in Biomedical Research and Professor of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Georgia (UGA). She has given over 200 invited presentations, authored over 200 publications, and edited three books detailing biomaterials and engineered tissues. Karen was selected by the Department of State to serve as a member of the US delegation to the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad, India, and alumni GES ambassador to the 2019 Summit in the Netherlands. She currently serves as a member of the Steering Committee Member for the International College of Fellows of Biomaterials Science and Engineering and she is a member of the National Academy of Inventors Board of Directors. Technologies from her team's research serve as the basis for a cancer diagnostics spin-off company which has garnered multiple economic development awards for impact in facilitating personalized cancer therapies through 3D cellular systems. Honors to Karen include the inaugural Swiss AO Research Prize, a National Science Foundation Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, recognition as an MIT TR Young Innovator, an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, a National Academy of Inventors Fellow, an International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering Fellow, and an American Association for the Advancement of Science-Lemelson Invention Ambassador.

• CyanoTRACKER: A cloud-based integrated multi-platform architecture for global observation of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms
  Deepak Mishra, Professor, University of Georgia
• Digital Proxy of a Bio-Reactor (DIYBOT) combines sensor data and analytics to improve bioreactor control
  
• Gatorbyte – An Open-Source Platform For Low-Cost, Real-Time Water Resource Monitoring
  Piyush Agade, PhD Student, University of Florida
• The Scanning Plant IoT (SPOT) Facility
  Stephen Lantin, University of Florida
• Twenty-first Century Circular Food Systems
  Brahm Verma, Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia
• Digital Proxy of a Bio-Reactor (DIYBOT) combines sensor data and analytics to improve bioreactor control
  Eric McLamore
• Use of multispectral UAS imagery and canopy-scale spectroscopy to assess plant nutrient status
  Aditya Singh, University of Florida

• Drawdown, Ecosystems, and the Bioeconomy: The Power of Living Systems to Reverse Climate Change
  Tom Richard, PhD, Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Penn State University
• Economic and environmental impact assessments of biomass torrefaction technology
  Sudhagar Mani, Professor, University of Georgia
• Forest Carbon Management: Tradeoffs and Synergies among Bioenergy, Biomaterials, and Carbon Storage in Ecosystems and Geosystems
  Anahita Bharadwaj, Postdoc, Penn State University
• Integrating CO2 Capture, Utilization, and Storage at Pulp & Paper Mills in the US
  William Joe Sagues, Assistant Professor of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University
• Potential climate change solutions from food systems in Georgia
  Jeffrey Mullen, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Georgia
• Resource Assessment of Renewable Natural Gas Potential in Pennsylvania
  Senorpe Hiablie, PhD, Pennsylvania State University

• Biochemical Production by Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 Using Ensiled Biomass Sorghum as a Lignocellulosic Feedstock
  Ana Zuleta Correa, PhD, North Carolina State University
• Biopulping of wheat straw with native strain fungi from Yaqui Valley
  Iram Mondaca, Dr., Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora
• Catalytic Graphitization of Biomass for Green Battery Anodes
  William Joe Sagues, Assistant Professor of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University
• Effect of reactant feeding strategies on synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for cellulolytic magnetic nanobiocatalyst production
  Ademola Hammed, Dr., North Dakota State University
• Integrating anaerobic digestion and hydrothermal carbonization for the development of a hybrid biorefinery
  Juliana Vasco-Correa, PhD, Assistant Professor, Penn State University
• Integrating Hydroponic Cultivation and Wastewater Reuse as a Sustainable Method of Urban Food Production
  Amanda Tan, Masters Student in Biosystems Engineering, Clemson University
• Python and Numerical computation for Bio-Methane Potential test
  Yehor Pererva, PhD, Utah State University
• Sustainable Sulfonated Carbon Catalysts for Specialty Chemical Synthesis
  Sarada Sripada, PhD Candidate, Biochemical Engineering, University of Georgia

• Accelerating lignocellulosic anaerobic digestion by cotreatment
  Anahita Bharadwaj, Postdoc, Penn State University
• Autotrophic and Heterotropic Microbial Water Treatment in Extensive to Super-Intensive Fish and Shrimp Culture
  David Brune, PhD, Professor of Bioprocess and Bioenergy Engineering, University of Missouri
• Discovery and identification of new crop-benefiting soil bacteria through plant-microbe interactions
  Gary Zhan, Utah State University
• Electro-Active Communities for Hydrogen Production from Biomass Streams
  Alex Lewis, CEO, Electro-Active Technologies Inc
• Engineering microbial communities for the production of complex plant polyphenols
  Mattheos Koffas, Professor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Light to Electricity Conversion Using Genetically Modified Cyanobacteria as Photocatalyst
  Baviththira Suganthan, University of Georgia
• Polysaccharide Processing: Biofilms, Blooms and Better Wine
  Bryan Berger, PhD, University of Virginia

Successful engineering depends on a team’s ability to work within design constraints to find the best solutions. Teams with diverse backgrounds and experiences can often navigate this process with greater speed and creativity. Applying this insight to our bioengineering curriculum, Clemson University Bioengineering has partnered with academic institutions and medical facilities in Tanzania, India and the US to provide intercontinental educational opportunities for undergraduate students, graduate assistants, and faculty focused on global health solutions for resource poor communities. Through this program, students from Arusha Technical College in Tanzania and Clemson University collaborated on design projects including a breast pump for HIV+ mothers, urine tests to detect malaria, and a mobile test for detecting falsified drugs. Last year as the COVID-19 pandemic locked everything down, we launched the Clemson COVID Challenge, a virtual research and design experience, to challenge students to address problems arising from the pandemic. We also worked to develop a low-cost saliva based COVID-19 test that could be implemented in the Clemson community. This talk will highlight some of our recent work on design of devices, sensors, and diagnostics for low resource settings here and abroad.

Dr. Delphine Dean is the Ron and Jane Lindsay Family Innovation Professor of Bioengineering at Clemson University. Dr. Dean’s Multiscale Bioelectromechanics Lab leads a wide range of studies focused on understanding mechanics and interactions of biological systems across length scales and instrumentation and device design. Dr. Dean currently leads several studies to understand how the nanoscale structures and low-dose ionizing radiation affect cells and tissues. In addition, she works on translational design projects aimed at creating novel medical devices, sensors, and instrumentation for resource poor settings. Over the last 10 years, she has led several research and design project teams with collaborators in Tanzania and in India to design novel medical devices and diagnostics for low-resource clinical settings. She is committed to helping develop new technologies to help low-income and rural patient be able to monitor their health and better connect them to health providers. Dr. Dean is the director of the Center for Innovative Medical Devices and Sensors and the new Research Education in Disease Diagnosis and Intervention (REDDI) Lab, which includes Clemson's only CLIA certified diagnostic laboratory. The REDDI Lab runs all of Clemson University surveillance COVID testing as well as provides COVID testing for the surrounding Upstate SC community; the lab typically runs over 20,000 saliva RT-PCR diagnostic tests per week.