Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE)

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.