Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
South Dakota State University
Graduate Degree, University: PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Washington State University
Past Employers: Postdoctoral Scientist in Columbia University Medical Center

What is your brief biography?
I earned my PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Washington State University, where I focused on developing biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration. I then completed postdoctoral training at Columbia University Medical Center, which allowed me to expand my expertise in musculoskeletal tissue repair and regenerative healing. Currently, I am a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at South Dakota State University, where I lead a research group at the intersection of biomaterials, mechanobiology, and regenerative medicine. My lab is dedicated to designing innovative materials and mechanoregulated strategies to address difficult-to-heal musculoskeletal tissues.

Who have been your mentors?
I have been fortunate to receive guidance from outstanding mentors throughout my career. Early on, Dr. Susmita Bose and Dr. Amit Bandyopadhyay at Washington State University helped establish my foundation in biomaterials and translational research. Later, Dr. Chang H. Lee at Columbia University broadened my perspective by introducing me to the meniscus and tendon field, particularly from the standpoint of regenerative healing.

Could you describe the path you’ve taken in meniscus research? How did it evolve?
My path in meniscus research has been shaped by a deep interest in how biomaterials can be engineered to address difficult orthopedic challenges. As I gained more experience, I recognized the unique complexity of the meniscus: its zone-specific composition, its poor healing capacity, and its critical biomechanical role in the knee joint. This recognition motivated me to develop bioadhesives, ECM-derived scaffolds, and mechanobiology-informed strategies specifically targeted at meniscus repair. Over time, my research has evolved from fundamental material design to more translational directions, including zone-specific scaffolds, hydrogel bioadhesives, and mechanoregulated healing strategies.

When you started in meniscus research, what was your biggest question? Do you think its answered?
The biggest question I started with was: Why does the meniscus heal so poorly, and how can we overcome that limitation? While we now understand much more about the meniscus’s limited vascularity, heterogeneous ECM composition, and mechanobiological signaling, I don’t think the question has been fully answered. We’ve made progress in developing adhesives, scaffolds, and biologics to promote healing, but fully restoring native meniscus structure and function remains an open challenge. My work continues to build on this question, seeking practical solutions for clinically meaningful repair.

In your opinion, what is the current open question in the meniscus field right now?
I think the biggest open question is: How do we recapitulate the zone-specific structure, mechanics, and biology of the meniscus in a clinically applicable way? Despite advances in scaffolds, adhesives, and biologics, most solutions still fall short of replicating the anisotropic and heterogeneous properties of the native tissue. Bridging this gap, particularly through materials that integrate seamlessly and respond to mechanical loading, remains a central challenge in meniscus repair.

When you’re not in the lab, what do you like to do for fun?
Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching movies, and traveling to explore new places.